How to Pay USCIS Immigration Fees and What Each Form Costs

USCIS fees are paid directly to the agency, not to a court or lawyer, and the amount depends on which form you are filing

When you file an immigration form with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), you must include a fee with your application. The fee amount is set by USCIS and varies by form type — there is no single "immigration fee." You pay USCIS directly, either by check, money order, credit card, or electronic transfer, depending on how you submit your application. Some forms allow you to request a fee waiver or reduction if you cannot afford the full amount.

The fee covers the cost of processing your application. USCIS publishes the current fee for each form on its official website under the form's instructions. Fees change periodically, so you must check the form you are filing before sending payment. Submitting the wrong amount or no payment at all will delay your case.

Key Takeaways

• USCIS fees vary by form type and are listed in the instructions for each specific form on the USCIS website.
• You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or electronic transfer depending on whether you file by mail or online.
• If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver or reduction using Form I-912 at the time you file your application.
• Paying the wrong amount or forgetting to include payment will cause USCIS to reject your application and return it to you.
• Some forms, such as those for refugees and asylees, have no fee or a reduced fee.

How to find the correct fee for your form

Go to the USCIS website (uscis.gov) and search for the form number you need to file — for example, Form I-485 for adjustment of status or Form N-400 for naturalization. Open the form's official instructions PDF. The fee amount is listed near the beginning of the instructions, usually in a section called "Fee" or "Filing Fee."

Write down the exact amount. Do not estimate or use an old fee from a previous year. USCIS raises fees periodically, and using an outdated amount will cause your application to be rejected. If you are filing multiple forms together, each form may have its own fee, and you must pay all of them.

Payment methods depend on how you file

If you file by mail, you can pay by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Do not send cash. Write your name and the form number on the back of the check or money order. Include the payment in the same envelope as your application.

If you file online through USCIS's online portal (available for certain forms), you can pay by credit card or debit card at the time of submission. Some forms also allow you to pay by electronic transfer from your bank account. The payment method options are shown when you start your online application.

Keep a record of your payment — a copy of the check, the money order receipt, or a screenshot of the online confirmation. If USCIS loses your payment or there is a dispute, you will need proof that you paid.

Requesting a fee waiver or reduction

If you cannot afford the USCIS fee, you can request a waiver (no payment) or reduction (partial payment) by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction. You must submit this form at the same time as your main application. USCIS will review your income, household size, and expenses to decide whether to grant the waiver or reduction.

To may have access to, your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or you must show that paying the fee would cause serious hardship. The poverty line changes each year and varies by household size, so check the current guidelines on the USCIS website before you file.

If USCIS denies your waiver request, you will be given a deadline to pay the full fee. If you do not pay by that date, your application will be rejected. Some forms do not allow fee waivers — check the form's instructions to see if a waiver is an option.

Forms with no fee or reduced fees

Certain immigration forms have no filing fee. These include Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal), Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) when filed by a refugee or asylee, and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) when filed by certain categories of people, such as refugees within their first year in the United States.

Some forms have a reduced fee for people under 18 or over 66. Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), for example, has a lower fee for seniors. Check the form's instructions to see if a reduced fee applies to you.

What happens if you pay the wrong amount or forget to pay

If you send too little money or no payment at all, USCIS will reject your application and return it to you with a notice explaining the problem. You will then have to resubmit the application with the correct payment. This delay can affect your case timeline, especially if you are waiting for a decision by a certain date.

If you send too much money, USCIS will not refund the overpayment. For this reason, double-check the fee amount before you send your payment. If you accidentally overpay, you can contact USCIS to request a refund, but the process may take several months.

Tracking your payment and application status

After you mail your application, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797) that confirms your application was received and your payment was processed. This notice includes a case number you can use to track your application online through the USCIS case status tool at uscis.gov/case-status.

If you filed online, you will receive a confirmation email with your case number immediately. Keep this confirmation and your receipt notice in a safe place. If USCIS contacts you about your case, you will need to reference your case number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay USCIS fees through a lawyer or immigration consultant?

No. You must pay USCIS directly. A lawyer or consultant cannot pay the fee on your behalf. However, they can help you prepare your application and advise you on which forms to file. Always pay USCIS yourself to ensure the payment is recorded correctly.

What if I cannot afford the fee and my waiver request is denied?

USCIS will give you a deadline (usually 30 days) to pay the full fee. If you still cannot pay, your application will be rejected. You can reapply later when you have the funds, but you will have to start the process over and pay the fee again.

Do I need to pay a fee if I am already in the United States on a visa?

It depends on the form. If you are adjusting your status to become a permanent resident (Form I-485), you will pay a fee. If you are renewing your work permit (Form I-765), you may pay a fee depending on your immigration category. Check the form's instructions for your specific situation.

How long does it take for USCIS to process my payment?

If you file by mail, USCIS typically processes your payment within two to four weeks of receiving your application. If you file online, the payment is processed immediately. You will receive a receipt notice confirming that your payment was received.

Can I pay the USCIS fee in installments?

No. USCIS does not offer payment plans. You must pay the full fee at the time you file your application. If you cannot afford the full amount, you can request a fee waiver or reduction using Form I-912.