If you are planning to bring a family member to the United States, filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is usually the first step. While the process may seem simple, many applications are delayed due to confusion about the filing fee or payment method.
Understanding how much you need to pay, when to pay it, and how the payment system works today can help you avoid unnecessary problems. This guide explains the latest Form I-130 fee for 2026, along with recent updates and practical tips to help you file correctly.
What Is the Form I-130 Filing Fee in 2026?
As of 2026, the fee depends on how you submit your application. USCIS charges slightly less for online filing compared to paper filing, mainly because digital applications are easier to process.
| Filing Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online Filing | $625 |
| Paper Filing | $675 |
These fees have been in effect since April 1, 2024, when USCIS implemented a comprehensive fee rule update. For most applicants, filing online is not only cheaper but also easier, since the system guides you through each step and helps reduce common errors.
Important: Always verify the current fee at uscis.gov/g-1055 or use the USCIS Fee Calculator before submitting. Submitting the wrong fee will result in automatic rejection of your petition.
The $50 Online Filing Discount — Is It Worth It?
Yes. Filing Form I-130 online through your myUSCIS account saves you $50 compared to paper filing. Under 8 CFR § 106.1(g), USCIS extends an online discount to I-130 petitioners, making the digital route both cheaper and faster to confirm.
Benefits of online filing:
- Immediate receipt confirmation
- Real-time case status updates
- Electronic document submission
- Lower cost ($625 vs. $675)
Important rule: If you plan to file the I-130 concurrently with Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), you currently cannot file both online simultaneously. Currently, Form I-485 is typically filed by mail and is not widely available for full online submission. If you file I-130 online first, you must wait for your receipt notice (Form I-797) and include it with your paper I-485 package to claim the online discount.
See our step-by-step guide on concurrent filing of Form I-130 and Form I-485 to understand how it works.
When Do You Pay the Filing Fee?
The Form I-130 filing fee must be paid at the time you submit your petition. If you are filing online, you will complete the payment during the submission process. If you are filing by mail, you must include your payment authorization with your application package.
It is important to understand that this is a one-time fee for the petition only. It does not cover the full immigration process. After your petition is approved, you will likely need to pay additional fees for steps such as applying for a green card or completing visa processing.
What Does the I-130 Fee Cover?
The $625/$675 fee covers USCIS’s cost to review your petition for an alien relative. Since the April 2024 fee rule, biometric services costs are folded into most form fees where biometrics apply. For Form I-130 specifically, no separate biometrics fee applies — the filing fee is the only USCIS charge at this stage.
The fee is non-refundable. USCIS keeps it regardless of whether your petition is approved, denied, rejected, or withdrawn.
I-130 Form Payment Methods 2026: What Changed and What’s Accepted
Major Policy Change: No More Checks or Money Orders
Effective October 28, 2025, USCIS is transitioning to electronic payments. For many paper-filed applications, including Form I-130, applicants are encouraged or required to use card or bank-based payments. Some lockbox facilities may no longer accept checks or money orders, so using electronic payment methods is strongly recommended.
Accepted Payment Methods in 2026
When filing by mail (paper):
| Method | Form Required |
|---|---|
| Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AmEx) | Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions |
| Debit card or prepaid card | Form G-1450 |
| ACH bank debit (U.S. bank account only) | Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions |
When filing online (myUSCIS):
- Credit card, debit card, or prepaid card via Pay.gov
- ACH bank transfer via Pay.gov
Tips to Avoid Payment Rejection
- One payment per form. USCIS requires separate payments for each form in a multi-form package. Do not combine a single payment for I-130 and I-485. Submitting a combined payment may result in rejection of the entire package.
- Notify your bank. Immigration filing fees can be large; let your bank know to prevent a “declined” flag on the transaction.
- U.S. bank accounts only. ACH payments must be drawn from a U.S.-based financial institution in U.S. currency.
- Credit card disputes are not allowed. Per USCIS rules, fees paid by credit card are not subject to dispute, chargeback, or forced return to the cardholder except at USCIS discretion.
One Fee Per Person: The Multiple-Filing Rule
A separate Form I-130 and a separate filing fee must be submitted for each family member you are petitioning. If you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse and two children, that means:
- 3 separate I-130 petitions
- 3 separate fees ($625 × 3 = $1,875 if filed online, or $675 × 3 = $2,025 if filed by paper)
There are no bundle discounts. This rule applies whether the beneficiaries are immediate relatives (spouse, unmarried children under 21, parents of U.S. citizens) or family preference category relatives.
Can the I-130 Fee Be Waived?
For most petitioners, no. The I-130 filing fee cannot be waived for standard family petitions — including U.S. citizens sponsoring a spouse, children, or parents, and lawful permanent residents sponsoring family members.
The USCIS fee schedule (G-1055) does note that “certain applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver” on I-130. This causes confusion. Under 8 CFR § 106.3(a)(3)(iii), this exception applies only to:
- VAWA self-petitioners (victims of domestic violence self-petitioning under the Violence Against Women Act)
- T visa applicants (victims of human trafficking)
- U visa applicants (victims of qualifying crimes)
If you are sponsoring a family member through the standard family-based process, you cannot use Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) to waive the I-130 fee. Even if you meet low-income thresholds, the I-130 is not on the list of forms eligible for income-based fee waivers for general filers.
To understand who qualifies and how it works, learn more about USCIS fee waiver guidelines.
Understanding the Total Cost Beyond Form I-130
The $625 or $675 I-130 fee is only the first payment in a multi-stage process. The total government fees depend on whether your relative is inside the U.S. (adjustment of status) or outside the U.S. (consular processing).
Path 1: Adjustment of Status (Relative Inside the U.S.)
| Form | Purpose | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 (online) | Petition for alien relative | $625 |
| I-485 | Application to adjust status (green card) | $1,440 |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | $260 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (travel document) | $630 |
| I-693 | Medical exam (civil surgeon) | ~$200–$650 |
| Total (approx.) | ~$3,155–$3,605 |
Note: The I-765 and I-131 are optional but often necessary for applicants who want to work or travel while the green card is pending. These were previously free when filed with I-485 (before April 1, 2024). They now carry separate fees.
The I-485 fee ($1,440) includes biometrics — no separate biometric payment is required.
Path 2: Consular Processing (Relative Outside the U.S.)
| Stage | Form/Fee | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS | I-130 (online) | $625 |
| State Dept. (NVC) | DS-260 immigrant visa application | $325 |
| State Dept. (NVC) | I-864 Affidavit of Support review | $120 |
| Medical exam (abroad) | Panel physician fee | ~$200–$500+ |
| USCIS (after visa approval) | USCIS Immigrant Fee (green card production) | $235 |
| Total (approx.) | ~$1,505–$1,805 |
The USCIS Immigrant Fee ($235) is often overlooked. It is paid after the visa is approved but before the green card is mailed. There is no fee waiver option for this fee.
Additional Costs to Budget For
- I-751 (Remove Conditions on Residence): If your relative receives a 2-year conditional green card (typically because the marriage was under 2 years old at the time of approval), they must file I-751 two years later. The fee is $750 by paper or $700 online.
- Attorney fees: Immigration legal help typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on case complexity.
- Document translation: USCIS requires certified English translations of all foreign-language documents. Rates vary by translator.
- Document copies: Certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other records.
To understand all the costs involved, see our guide on green card costs.
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Fee?
Paying the wrong fee or using an incorrect payment method is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. When this happens, USCIS does not process your petition. Instead, they return your entire application package.
You will then need to correct the issue and resubmit everything, including a new payment. This can delay your case by several weeks or even months. Because of this, it is important to double-check both the fee amount and the payment method before submitting your application.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- Submitting a check or money order — USCIS will reject the entire package as of October 28, 2025.
- Submitting one combined payment for multiple forms — each form requires a separate payment.
- Wrong fee amount — double-check whether you are filing online ($625) or by paper ($675).
- Using an outdated form edition — always download the current version from uscis.gov before filing.
- Missing Form G-1450 or G-1650 — for paper filings, you must include the appropriate payment authorization form.
- Filing I-130 and I-485 online simultaneously — I-485 is currently paper-only; concurrent online filing is not yet available.
FAQs About Form I-130 Fees
1. Is the I-130 fee refundable if my petition is denied?
No. USCIS does not refund filing fees regardless of the outcome — approval, denial, rejection, or withdrawal.
2. How do I claim the $50 online filing discount if I need to file an I-485 on paper?
File I-130 online first. Wait for your receipt notice (Form I-797), which confirms the online discount was applied. Include the receipt notice with your paper I-485 package.
3. Is the Form I-130 fee included in the green card application fee?
No. The I-130 fee is separate. You will need to pay additional fees later for the green card or visa process.
4. How much does it cost to file Form I-130 in 2026?
The filing fee is $625 for online applications and $675 for paper filings. Each applicant requires a separate fee.
How ImmigrationDirect Can Help
Filing Form I-130 correctly is important to avoid delays. Small mistakes—especially with fees, documents, or payment methods—can slow down your application.
ImmigrationDirect provides easy-to-use online software that guides you step by step. You answer simple questions, and the system helps prepare your forms while reducing common errors.
As you move forward beyond Form I-130, ImmigrationDirect also helps you stay organized for the next steps in the green card process.
This makes it easier to complete your application with confidence and move closer to reuniting with your family.
Start your Form I-130 now with ImmigrationDirect and avoid costly mistakes—file faster, safer, and with confidence.
