How U.S. Immigration Fees Work and Where to Pay Them
Where immigration fees go and how they're collected
U.S. immigration fees are collected by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. When you file a form with USCIS—whether for a work visa, green card, citizenship, or travel document—the fee goes directly to USCIS, not to a private company or third party. The money funds the processing of your case.
Fees vary widely depending on what you're filing for. A work visa petition costs differently than a green card application, which costs differently than a citizenship form. USCIS publishes the current fee for each form on its official website under the form number (for example, Form I-485 for green card adjustment, Form N-400 for citizenship). The fee amount can change each year, so checking the official form page before you pay is essential.
You cannot pay USCIS directly by walking into an office or calling a phone number. Payment happens through specific methods tied to your form type and filing method. Some forms allow online payment, others require a check or money order mailed with your paper application, and some require payment at a USCIS office during an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- USCIS collects all immigration fees, and the amount depends on which form you're filing—check the official form page on uscis.gov for the exact current fee before paying.
- Payment methods vary: some forms allow online payment through USCIS's payment portal, others require a check or money order sent with your mailed application, and some require payment at a USCIS office.
- If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver or reduction by filing Form I-912 at the same time you file your main form, but USCIS will only grant it if your income falls below the poverty line or you receive certain public benefits.
- Paying the wrong amount, paying to the wrong address, or using the wrong payment method can delay your case by weeks or months.
- If you use a lawyer or immigration consultant, they do not collect USCIS fees on your behalf—you pay USCIS directly, and you pay the lawyer or consultant separately for their services.
Payment methods: online, by mail, and in person
The payment method depends on how you're filing. If you're filing online through USCIS's online portal (available for certain forms like I-539 and I-765), you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer before you submit your application. The system will not let you submit without payment. This is the fastest and most straightforward method because you get immediate confirmation.
If you're filing by mail with a paper application, you must include a check or money order with your application packet. The check or money order should be made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"—not to USCIS, not to a person's name. You mail the check along with your completed form and supporting documents to the address listed on the form's instructions. If the amount is wrong or the payee name is wrong, USCIS will return your entire application without processing it.
Some forms require you to pay at a USCIS office during an appointment. For example, if you're filing Form I-131 (advance parole or re-entry permit) by mail, you may be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, and you'll pay the fee in person at that appointment. The office will tell you which payment methods they accept—usually cash, check, money order, or card.
Never pay through a third-party website, app, or service that claims to process USCIS fees. Scams that collect fees and disappear are common. Pay only through uscis.gov or at an official USCIS office.
Fee waivers and reductions: how to request one
If your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or if you receive certain public benefits (Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), you can request that USCIS waive or reduce your fee. You do this by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction, at the same time you file your main immigration form.
To complete Form I-912, you'll need to show your household income for the past 12 months (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), list everyone in your household, and explain why you cannot pay the full fee. If you receive public benefits, you'll need to provide proof—a letter from the benefits office or a copy of your benefit card. You do not need a lawyer to file this form.
USCIS will review your I-912 and your main form together. If approved, your fee is waived or reduced, and your case moves forward. If denied, USCIS will send you a notice telling you the fee amount due and giving you a deadline to pay. You can then pay the full fee to keep your case moving, or you can appeal the denial if you believe USCIS made an error.
Filing Form I-912 does not delay your case. USCIS processes the waiver request while reviewing your main form. However, if your waiver is denied and you do not pay the fee by the deadline, your case will be rejected.
What happens if you pay the wrong amount or miss the deadline
If you pay less than the required fee, USCIS will reject your application and return it to you. You'll have to resubmit with the correct fee, which restarts the processing clock. If you pay more than required, USCIS will not refund the overpayment; it will be applied to your account or kept by the agency.
If you're filing by mail and your check bounces or payment fails, USCIS will reject your application. The rejection notice will tell you to resubmit with a valid payment method. This can add weeks to your processing time.
If you're filing online and your payment fails during submission, the system will not allow you to submit your form. You'll see an error message and can try again with a different payment method. This is actually safer because your form is not submitted incomplete.
If you miss a deadline to pay a fee after USCIS has rejected your application, your case is closed. You'll have to start over and pay the fee again with a new application.
Understanding biometrics fees and other add-on costs
Some immigration forms include a biometrics fee, which covers fingerprinting and background checks. This fee is included in the total fee listed on the form—you do not pay it separately. For example, Form I-485 (green card application) includes a biometrics fee as part of the total cost. When you pay, you're paying for both the application processing and the biometrics.
If you're filing Form I-131 (advance parole) or Form I-765 (work permit) together with Form I-485, you may pay separate fees for each form, or the fees may be combined depending on how you file. Always check the instructions for the specific forms you're submitting to see whether fees are separate or combined.
Some people also pay for medical exams (Form I-693) or police clearance letters, but these are not USCIS fees—they're costs you pay to the doctor or police department directly. USCIS does not collect these fees.
How to find the current fee for your specific form
Go to uscis.gov and search for your form number (for example, I-130, I-140, N-400). On the form's official page, you'll see a section labeled "Fee" or "Filing Fee" that shows the current amount. This page also lists which payment methods are accepted for that form and where to mail your payment if you're filing by mail.
Do not rely on information from other websites, even if they look official. Fee amounts change, and outdated information can lead you to pay the wrong amount. The official USCIS website is the only source you should trust.
If you're using a lawyer or immigration consultant, ask them to show you the official USCIS fee page for your form. They should be able to tell you the exact amount and payment method. If they quote a different amount or tell you to pay them instead of USCIS, that's a red flag.
Refunds, overpayments, and payment disputes
USCIS does not refund fees once your application has been accepted and is being processed. If you pay and then decide not to proceed with your application, the fee is not returned. The only exception is if USCIS rejects your application due to an error on their part (for example, they lose your file), in which case you may be able to request a refund, but this is rare.
If you overpay (for example, you send a check for $650 when the fee is $640), USCIS will not send you a refund check. The overpayment stays in your account. Some people use this as a way to pay for a future form, but there's no may provide USCIS will apply it that way. It's better to pay the exact amount.
If you believe you were charged incorrectly or your payment was lost, contact USCIS through their online account (if you filed online) or call the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283. Have your receipt or confirmation number ready. Processing disputes can take several weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my USCIS fee through a lawyer or immigration consultant?
No. You must pay USCIS directly. A lawyer or consultant can tell you the fee amount and help you understand how to pay, but they cannot collect the fee on your behalf and send it to USCIS. If someone offers to collect your USCIS fee and pay it for you, that's a scam. You pay the lawyer or consultant separately for their services.
What if I don't have a bank account and can't get a money order?
If you're filing by mail, you can pay by check even without a bank account—ask a friend or family member to write a check from their account in your name, or use a check-cashing service that offers check-writing services. If you're filing online, you can use a prepaid debit card or ask someone to use their credit card on your behalf. Some USCIS offices also accept cash payments in person.
Do I have to pay the fee upfront, or can I pay after my case is approved?
You must pay the fee before or at the time you file. USCIS will not process your application without payment. There is no option to pay later or to pay after approval.
If my fee waiver is denied, how long do I have to pay the full fee?
USCIS will give you a deadline in the denial notice, usually 30 days. If you don't pay by that date, your application will be rejected. You can request more time by writing to USCIS, but there's no may provide they'll grant it.
What if I paid the fee but never received a confirmation?
If you filed online, log into your USCIS account and check the status of your application. The account will show whether payment was received. If you filed by mail and mailed a check, wait at least two weeks for USCIS to receive and process it. If you still don't see confirmation after two weeks, contact USCIS customer service at 1-800-375-5283 with your receipt or check number.