The cost of filing immigration applications has increased significantly in 2026. Whether you are sponsoring a family member, applying for a work visa, or pursuing citizenship, understanding the current fee structure is essential for budgeting and planning your case. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the most commonly filed forms and their associated costs.
Family-Based Filing Fees
Family-based immigration remains one of the most common pathways to permanent residency, and the associated fees reflect multiple filings that are often submitted concurrently.
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440 (includes biometrics for applicants 14-78)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): No filing fee
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): $0 when filed with I-485
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole): $0 when filed with I-485
- Form I-751 (Remove Conditions): $750
- Form I-129F (Fiance Petition): $675
Employment-Based Filing Fees
Employer-sponsored immigration involves fees paid by the petitioning employer as well as fees for the beneficiary’s adjustment of status or consular processing.
- Form I-129 (H-1B Petition): $780 + $500 fraud prevention fee + $750/$1,500 ACWIA training fee + $85 asylum program fee
- Form I-129 (L-1 Petition): $780 + $500 fraud prevention fee
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition): $715
- PERM Labor Certification: No government filing fee (but significant recruitment costs)
- Form I-526E (EB-5 Petition): $11,160
- Premium Processing (I-907): $2,805
Naturalization Fees
- Form N-400 (Application for Citizenship): $760 (includes biometrics)
- Fee waiver: Available for applicants with household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
Humanitarian Filing Fees
- Form I-589 (Asylum Application): No filing fee
- Form I-821D (DACA): $545 (including biometrics and EAD)
Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees
USCIS offers fee waivers (Form I-912) for certain forms when the applicant demonstrates inability to pay. Not all forms are eligible for fee waivers. Applicants receiving means-tested public benefits, with household income at or below 150% of the poverty level, or experiencing financial hardship may qualify.
Payment Methods
USCIS accepts personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (for online filings). Checks and money orders must be payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not send cash.
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Amount?
USCIS will reject any filing with an incorrect fee. Rejected filings are returned to the applicant with no processing, no receipt number, and no filing date protection. This can have significant consequences for applicants racing deadlines or priority dates. Always verify current fees on the USCIS website before filing.
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