When applying for a U.S. immigration benefit—whether a green card, work permit, or naturalization—you’ll almost always need to pay a USCIS filing fee. These fees vary by form and immigration benefit, and understanding them is essential for budgeting your application.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common USCIS filing fees, highlight recent changes, and provide an overview of fee waivers and payment options.
Understanding USCIS Filing Fees
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) collects filing fees to cover the cost of processing immigration applications. Unlike many government agencies, USCIS is primarily funded by the fees it collects, not by taxpayer dollars. These fees help the agency:
- Process and review millions of applications each year
- Conduct background checks, biometrics, and security screenings
- Maintain digital filing systems and staff support services
- Improve processing times and infrastructure
In short, USCIS fees allow the agency to operate independently and handle the workload involved in administering immigration benefits such as green cards, naturalization, work permits, and travel documents. Some humanitarian applications (like asylum or refugee benefits) are exempt from fees to ensure protection for vulnerable individuals.
USCIS Filing Fee Structure in 2025
In 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a significant fee adjustment—raising filing fees for nearly all immigration applications. This update marked the first major increase in several years and affects a wide range of immigration benefits, including family-based applications, employment-based petitions, and humanitarian requests.
The new fee structure impacts commonly used forms such as:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence/Adjust Status)
- Form I-129F (Petition for Fiancé(e))
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
These changes introduced different fees depending on whether applicants file online or by paper, with paper submissions now costing more in many cases. USCIS has also revised how certain bundled forms (such as I-485, I-765, and I-131) are priced together, potentially increasing the total cost for applicants seeking adjustment of status.
USCIS Announces New Additional Fees Effective July 22, 2025
An additional fee may apply for the Forms (I-131, I-360, I-485, I-589, I-601, I-765) is filed with or adjudicated by the Immigration Court, as outlined in Public Law 119-21. For a detailed fee structure, refer to G-1055, Fee Schedule.
On July 18, 2025, USCIS announced new fees mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. Applicants must include the new fees for all benefit requests postmarked on or after July 22, 2025. USCIS will reject any applications postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, if they do not include the correct, updated fees. If you require a lawyer consultation for your case, our experienced immigration attorneys are available to provide personalized guidance and support.
Below are common forms and their standard filing fees (based on the latest 2025 fee schedule).
| Form | Purpose/Immigration Benefit | Paper Filing Fee 2025 | Online Filing Fee 2025 |
| N-400 | U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) | $760 | $710 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $675 | $625 |
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | $1440 | NA |
| I-765 | Work Permit (EAD) | $520 | $470 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole / Travel Document | $630 | NA |
| I-129F | Fiancé(e) Visa Petition | $675 | NA |
| I-751 | Remove Conditions on Green Card | $750 | NA |
| I-90 | Replace or Renew Green Card | $465 | $415 |
The following tables provide a comprehensive overview of key green card and naturalization forms, including their corresponding USCIS filing fees.
Green Card Forms and Fees for the Year 2025
Applying for a green card in 2025 involves several forms, services, and associated costs. The total expense can vary based on whether you’re applying through marriage, family, employment, or another category. Below is a breakdown of the most common green card-related fees.
| USCIS Form | Purpose of the Form | Who is Required to File | Filing Fee |
| Form I-130 | Family Sponsorship Petition Proving that a real family relationship exists between the U.S. sponsor and the relative applying for a green card. | U.S. citizen or green card holder | $675 |
| Form I-130A | Supplemental Information Form Providing additional personal details—such as employment, family background, and residence history—about the spouse applying for a green card as part of the Form I-130 petition. | Spouse seeking a green card | $0 |
| Form I-485 | Green Card Application Adjustment of Status – Green Card seekers within the united states apply for a green card. | Relative seeking a green card | $950 for those under age 14, $1440 for others |
| Form I-485 Supplement A | Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i) Applying to adjust the status to permanent residence | Persons applying for lawful permanent residency through the provisions of INA Section 245(i) | $1000 |
| Form I-751 | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Upgrading a 2-year conditional green card to a standard 10-year green card. | Both the permanent resident and their sponsoring family member | $750 |
| Form I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization Document Applying for authorization to work legally in the U.S. while your green card application is being processed. | Relative seeking a green card | $260 (with I-485 fee) / $520 (without I-485 fee) |
| Form I-131 | Application for a Travel Document: Advance Parole Applying for advance permission to travel abroad while your green card application is under review. | Relative seeking a green card | $630 |
| Form I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) K-1 visa: To bring your fiancé(e) and their children to the U.S. for marriage K-3 visa: To bring your spouse and their children to the U.S. to apply for a green card | U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring a family member | $675 |
| Form DS-260 | Online Immigrant Visa Application Initiating the green card application process from your home country through a U.S. embassy or consulate. | Relative seeking a green card | $325 |
| Form DS-261 | Online Choice of Address and Agent Telling the State Department how to contact you if you’re applying for a green card outside the U.S. | Relative seeking a green card | $0 |
| Form I-551 | Permanent Resident Card Official proof of green card holder status | Green card holder | You don’t have to pay a fee to get the I-551 stamp on your passport. |
| Form I-90 | Application to Replace Green Card Applying to renew or get a new green card if yours is expired, about to expire, lost, stolen, or damaged. | Green card holder | $465 – Paper Filing Fee $415 – Online Filing Fee For some cases $0 |
| Form I-94 | Arrival/Departure Record Verifies that your entry into the U.S. followed legal procedures | People from other countries coming to the U.S. | $0 |
| Form I-693 | Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Including your medical exam paperwork with your green card application | Family member applying for a green card (medical form completed by a USCIS-authorized doctor) | $0 |
| Form I-864 | Financial Support Form Providing proof that the sponsor or co-sponsor can financially support the green card applicant upon their entry to the United States. | Petitioning sponsor or joint financial sponsor | $0 |
| Form I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member Agreeing to share your income or assets to help the sponsor support the person applying for a green card. | Household member of the sponsoring relative | $0 |
| Form I-865 | Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address Notifying USCIS of your new residential address | Sponsor (U.S. citizen or green card holder) green card for relatives | $0 |
| Form I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant Applying for a green card after your U.S. citizen spouse has passed away. | Widow/widower of U.S. citizen | $515 |
| Form I-526 | Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor Foreign nationals seeking U.S. permanent residence through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | Green card applicants through investment | $11,160 |
For a detailed breakdown of all expenses involved in the green card process, see our full guide on the cost of applying for a green card.
Ready to get your green card? ImmigrationDirect can help—start with our free green card eligibility quiz today.
U.S. Citizenship Forms and Fees for the Year 2025
The following table outlines key U.S. Citizenship (naturalization) forms and their associated filing fees for 2025.
| USCIS Form | Purpose of the Form | Who is Required to File | Filing Fee |
| Form N-400 | Application for Naturalization Applying for U.S. citizenship (naturalization) once you meet the eligibility criteria. | Green card holder seeking U.S. citizenship | $760 |
| Request for Reduced Fee Filing for a reduced fee if your income falls within 150%–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $380 (includes biometric service) | |
| Request for Fee Waiver Filing for a fee waiver if your income falls less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $0 | |
| Form N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document Applying for a replacement certificate of naturalization or citizenship due to loss, theft, or damage. | U.S. citizen | $555 No fee ($0) is required if the replacement is due to a USCIS error |
| Form N-600 | Application for Certificate of Citizenship Applying for a Certificate of Naturalization to officially document your U.S. citizenship after completing the naturalization process. | New U.S. citizen by naturalization | $1,385 No fee ($0) for active-duty military members and U.S. veterans |
| Form N-600K | Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship for a child residing abroad with at least one U.S.-citizen parent. | A U.S.-citizen parent, grandparent, or guardian helping a child become a citizen | $1385 |
| Form N-648 | Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions Asking for a waiver of the English and civics tests for citizenship because of a disability or mental health condition. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $0 |
| Form N-470 | Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes Applying to protect your green card status if you need to leave the U.S. for work for over a year. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $420 |
| Form N-426 | Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service Asking for military records to help a green card holder apply for citizenship. | A green card holder applying for citizenship who serves in military | $0 |
| Form N-336 | Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings Asking USCIS to take another look at your denied citizenship application. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $830 |
| Form I-131 | Application for Travel Document: Reentry Permit Applying for a reentry permit to maintain your lawful permanent resident status during extended travel abroad (1 year or longer). | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $575 |
| Form DS-117 | Application to Determine Returning Resident Status Applying for a Returning Resident Visa because you stayed outside the U.S. for over a year and didn’t get a reentry permit before leaving. | A green card holder applying for citizenship | $180 |
| Form G-28 | Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney Informing USCIS that an attorney or accredited representative will appear on your behalf at the hearing following the denial of your Form N-400. | Immigration lawyer or legal helper | $0 |
Note: Previously, applicants seeking a reduced naturalization fee were required to submit a separate Form I-942. Recently, USCIS streamlined this process by incorporating the reduced fee request directly into Part 10 of Form N-400. As a result, there is no longer a separate form or fee payment required to request a reduced filing fee. See how to cut-down your Naturalization process check our detailed guide on USCIS reduced fee.
For a detailed breakdown of all expenses involved in the U.S. citizenship process, see our full guide on the cost of applying for a U.S. citizenship.
Looking to become a U.S. citizen? Let ImmigrationDirect guide you—start with our free naturalization quiz.
Additional USCIS Forms and Their Associated Fees
Here’s a list of other USCIS forms you might need in 2025, with details on their purposes and costs.
| USCIS Forms | Purpose of the Form | Who is Required to File | Filing Fee |
| Form AR-11 | Change of Address Form Intimate the USCIS about your change of address for communication | Depends | $0 |
| Form G-1145 | Request for Electronic Notification Asking USCIS to send a text or email when your form is accepted. | Those who submitted their forms to USCIS lockbox | $0 |
| Form G-1450 | Credit Card Payment Authorization Form Submitting a request to pay USCIS filing fees using a credit card | Those who submitted their forms to USCIS lockbox (list of forms) | $0 |
| Form I-912 | Request for Fee Waiver Requesting a fee waiver due to low income, receipt of public benefits, or financial hardship, as defined by USCIS guidelines. (see instructions for Form I-912) | Depends | $0 |
| Form I-212 | Application to Reapply for Admission Into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal Applying for legal reentry to the United States after a prior deportation or removal. | Individuals who were previously deported or removed from the U.S. and wish to reapply for admission before their inadmissibility period ends (5, 10, or 20 years). | $1175 |
| Form I-9 | Employment Eligibility Verification Validating both the identity and work authorization status of a U.S. employee | All employers in the U.S. | $0 |
| Form I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition Asking USCIS for a second copy of your approval notice or to recognize a petition they have already approved. | Applicants whose immigration petition or application has already been approved | $590 |
| Form I-589 | Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal Applying for asylum and protection from removal (deportation) while inside the United States | Individuals applying for asylum or withholding of removal in the United States | $0 |
| Form I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Applying to extend your authorized stay or change your nonimmigrant visa classification in the U.S. | Individuals lawfully present in the United States on a valid nonimmigrant visa | $470 |
| Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Requesting that someone from another country be allowed to work in the U.S. | Employers seeking foreign workers | $715 |
| Form I-134 | Declaration of Financial Support Providing a written declaration of financial responsibility for a noncitizen during their visit or stay on a K-1 visa | U.S. citizen or green card holder | $0 |
| Form I-131F | Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens Applying for Parole in Place (PIP) on behalf of a noncitizen spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen | U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent | $580 |
| Form I-129 | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker Application to request to bring foreign nationals to work in the U.S. temporarily. | U.S. employers | Depends on visa |
| Form DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Request to bring a temporary visa holder to visit the U.S. | Those who wish to visit the U.S. temporarily | $0 |
| DS-156E | Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader/Investor Application Seeking a nonimmigrant visa under the E-1 or E-2 treaty-based category for trade or investment purposes | E-1 treaty trader or E-2 treaty investor visa | $0 |
| Form I-821D | Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Application to request to remain in the U.S. under DACA | DACA eligible person | $0 |
What Services Are Covered by USCIS Filing Fees?
The fees you pay to USCIS go beyond simple form processing—they help fund a wide range of essential services that keep the immigration system functioning. These include:
- Reviewing and processing immigration applications (green cards, citizenship, work permits, etc.)
- Conducting background checks and biometrics appointments
- Operating service centers, field offices, and contact centers
- Developing secure online filing systems
- Updating case tracking and notification tools
- Ensuring fraud detection, national security, and compliance efforts
Because USCIS is a fee-funded agency, these services are largely supported by the application fees paid by immigrants and their sponsors—not U.S. taxpayers.
Final Thought
Navigating USCIS forms and fees can be overwhelming, but understanding what to file and how much it will cost can help you take control of your immigration journey. Whether you’re applying for a green card, U.S. citizenship, or another benefit, planning is key. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official USCIS website.
Need help filing your immigration forms? Our service offers step-by-step filing assistance with access to a licensed immigration lawyer for legal guidance. Get peace of mind knowing your application is in expert hands.
