When you apply for a U.S. immigration benefit—such as a green card, work permit, or U.S. citizenship—you usually need to pay a USCIS filing fee. These fees vary by form, filing method, and sometimes by age or category.
Understanding USCIS filing fees ahead of time can help you budget properly and avoid application rejections or delays.
Important: USCIS filing fees can change. Always check the latest fee schedule on the official USCIS website before submitting your application.
What Are 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 USCIS:
- Process and review millions of applications each year
- Conduct background checks, biometrics, and security screenings
- Maintain digital filing systems and support services
- Improve processing times and overall infrastructure
In simple terms, USCIS filing fees allow the agency to operate and manage the large number of immigration benefits it handles, including green cards, naturalization, work permits, and travel documents.
Some humanitarian applications—such as asylum or refugee benefits—are exempt from filing fees to ensure protection for vulnerable individuals.
How USCIS Filing Fees Work
USCIS filing fees depend on several factors, including:
- The form you file
- Whether you file online or by paper
- Your age (for certain applications)
- Whether forms are filed alone or together
Each form usually has its own fee, and submitting the wrong amount is one of the most common reasons USCIS returns applications.
USCIS Filing Fees by Form (2026)
Below are common USCIS filing fees for 2026. These amounts reflect standard fees for most applicants.
Note: Fees may vary based on age, filing category, and whether the form is filed alone or with another application.
| Form | Purpose/Immigration Benefit | Paper Filing Fee 2025 | Online Filing Fee 2025 |
| Form N-400 | U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) | $760 | $710 |
| Form I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $675 | $625 |
| Form I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | $1440 | NA |
| Form I-765 | Work Permit (EAD) | $520 | $470 |
| Form I-131 | Advance Parole / Travel Document | $630 | NA |
| Form I-129F | Fiancé(e) Visa Petition | $675 | NA |
| Form I-751 | Remove Conditions on Green Card | $750 | NA |
| Form I-90 | Replace or Renew Green Card | $465 | $415 |
| Form N-600 | Certificate of Citizenship Application | $1385 | $1335 |
| Form N-565 | Replace Naturalization / Citizenship Document | $555 | $505 |
Green Card Application Fees (Simple Breakdown)
Applying for a green card often involves more than one form, depending on how you qualify.
Common green card–related forms include:
- Form I-130 – Family sponsorship petition
- Form I-485 – Green card application
- Form I-765 – Work permit (if needed)
- Form I-131 – Travel document (optional)
Why Green Card Costs Vary
Green card costs differ because:
- Some applicants must file multiple forms
- Certain fees depend on age
- Work and travel documents may require separate fees
Because of this, the total cost of a green card application can vary from person to person.
| USCIS Form | Purpose of the Form | Who Is Required to File | Filing Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-130 | Family Sponsorship Petition Proves a qualifying family relationship for a green card | U.S. citizen or green card holder | $675 |
| Form I-130A | Supplemental Information for Spouse Provides biographic details for a spouse | Spouse seeking a green card | $0 |
| Form I-485 | Green Card Application (Adjustment of Status) Apply for a green card from within the U.S. | Relative seeking a green card | $1,440 (standard) $950 (children under 14 in certain cases) |
| Form I-485 Supplement A | Adjustment of Status under Section 245(i) Required only in limited situations | Applicants eligible under Section 245(i) | $1,000 |
| Form I-751 | Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Convert a 2-year conditional green card to a 10-year card | Conditional permanent resident | $750 |
| Form I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization (Work Permit) | Green card applicant | $520 (standard filing fee) Lower fee may apply in some cases when filed with Form I-485 |
| Form I-131 | Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) Request permission to travel while the green card application is pending | Green card applicant | $630 |
| Form I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) K-1 (fiancé[e]) or K-3 (spouse) visa petition | U.S. citizen sponsor | $675 |
| Form DS-260 | Online Immigrant Visa Application Green card processing through a U.S. embassy or consulate | Relative applying from outside the U.S. | $325 |
| Form DS-261 | Choice of Address and Agent Tells the State Department how to contact you | Relative applying from outside the U.S. | $0 |
| Form I-551 | Permanent Resident Card (Stamp) Temporary proof of green card status in passport | Green card holder | $0 (no USCIS fee for the temporary stamp) |
| Form I-90 | Application to Replace or Renew Green Card | Green card holder | $465 (paper) / $415 (online) $0 in limited cases, such as USCIS error |
| Form I-94 | Arrival/Departure Record Proof of lawful entry | Noncitizens entering the U.S. | $0 |
| Form I-693 | Medical Examination & Vaccination Record Submitted with a green card application | Green card applicant | $0 (USCIS filing fee) |
| Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support Financial sponsorship requirement | Petitioning sponsor or joint sponsor | $0 |
| Form I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member | Household member of sponsor | $0 |
| Form I-865 | Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address | Sponsoring U.S. citizen or green card holder | $0 |
| Form I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Widow(er) of U.S. citizen or special immigrant | $515 |
| Form I-526 | Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (EB-5) | Investor green card applicants | $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 Application Fees
The following table outlines key U.S. Citizenship (naturalization) forms and their associated filing fees for 2026.
| USCIS Form | Purpose of the Form | Who Is Required to File | Filing Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form N-400 | Application for Naturalization (U.S. citizenship) | Green card holder applying for U.S. citizenship | $760 (paper filing) $710 (online filing) |
| Form N-400 (Reduced Fee Option) | Reduced filing fee based on household income (150%–400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines) | Eligible green card holder applying for citizenship | $380 (includes biometrics) |
| Form I-912 | Request for Fee Waiver | Applicants with income below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | $0 |
| Form N-565 | Replacement of Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate | U.S. citizen replacing lost, stolen, or damaged certificate | $555 $0 (if USCIS error) |
| Form N-600 | Certificate of Citizenship (citizenship acquired through parents or at birth) | Person who already acquired U.S. citizenship | $1,385 |
| Form N-600K | Certificate of Citizenship for a Child Residing Abroad | U.S. citizen parent / grandparent / legal guardian | $1,385 |
| Form N-648 | Medical Disability Exception (English/Civics test waiver) | Citizenship applicant with qualifying disability | $0 |
| Form N-470 | Preserve Continuous Residence for Naturalization | Green card holder working abroad for qualifying employment | $420 |
| Form N-426 | Certification of Military or Naval Service | Military service member applying for citizenship | $0 |
| Form N-336 | Hearing Request After Naturalization Denial | Citizenship applicant appealing N-400 denial | $830 |
| Form I-131 | Reentry Permit (extended travel abroad while keeping green card) | Green card holder traveling outside the U.S. for 1+ year | $575 |
| Form DS-117 | Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) | Green card holder returning after long stay abroad | $180 |
| Form G-28 | Attorney or Accredited Representative Appearance | Applicants using legal representation | $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 (2026)
Here’s a list of other USCIS forms you may need, along with their purposes and current filing fees. Many of these forms are free and are often filed together with a main application.
| USCIS Form | Purpose of the Form | Who Is Required to File | Filing Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form AR-11 | Change of Address | Notifying USCIS of a new mailing or physical address | Anyone required to update USCIS |
| Form G-1145 | Electronic Notification | Requesting email/text confirmation when USCIS accepts your application | Applicants filing forms by mail to a USCIS lockbox |
| Form G-1450 | Credit Card Payment Authorization | Paying USCIS filing fees by credit card | Applicants filing eligible forms at a USCIS lockbox |
| Form I-912 | Request for Fee Waiver | Requesting a waiver due to low income, public benefits, or financial hardship | Eligible applicants |
| Form I-212 | Permission to Reapply After Deportation or Removal | Requesting consent to reenter the U.S. after removal | Individuals previously removed or deported |
| Form I-9 | Employment Eligibility Verification | Verifying identity and work authorization of employees | All U.S. employers |
| Form I-824 | Action on an Approved Application or Petition | Requesting a duplicate approval notice or transfer of approval | Applicants with an approved petition |
| Form I-589 | Asylum and Withholding of Removal | Applying for asylum protection inside the U.S. | Individuals seeking asylum |
| Form I-539 | Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extending stay or changing visa status | Nonimmigrants lawfully present in the U.S. |
| Form I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Sponsoring a foreign worker for permanent residence | U.S. employers |
| Form I-134 | Declaration of Financial Support | Showing financial support for certain visitors or visa applicants | U.S. citizen or green card holder |
| Form I-131F | Parole in Place (Spouses & Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens) | Requesting parole for certain undocumented family members | U.S. citizen spouse or stepparent |
| Form I-129 | Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker | Bringing foreign nationals to work temporarily | U.S. employers |
| Form DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Applying for a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa | Nonimmigrant visa applicants |
| Form DS-156E | Treaty Trader / Investor Application | Supporting E-1 or E-2 visa applications | Treaty traders or investors |
| Form I-821D | Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | Requesting deferred action under DACA | DACA-eligible individuals |
Online vs Paper Filing Fees
Many USCIS forms cost less when filed online.
Online Filing
- Lower fees for eligible forms
- Faster confirmation
- Fewer mailing errors
Paper Filing
- Required for some forms
- Often costs more
- Payment and mailing errors are more common
Whenever online filing is available, it is usually the easier and more affordable option.
How to Pay USCIS Filing Fees in 2026
As of October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services no longer accepts checks or money orders for filing fees.
You can now pay USCIS filing fees only through approved electronic payment methods. USCIS offers different payment options depending on how you file your application.
Accepted USCIS Payment Methods: Credit Card (Form G-1450) and ACH Debit (Form G-1650)
What Services Are Covered by USCIS Filing Fees?
The fees you pay to USCIS cover more than just form processing. They help fund essential services that keep the U.S. immigration system running smoothly.
These services include:
- Reviewing and processing immigration applications (such as green cards, citizenship, and work permits)
- Conducting background checks and biometric appointments
- Operating USCIS service centers, field offices, and contact centers
- Maintaining secure online filing systems
- Updating case status tracking and notification tools
- Supporting fraud prevention, national security, and compliance efforts
Because USCIS is a largely fee-funded agency, most of these services are paid for through application fees rather than U.S. taxpayer funds.
Final Reminder Before You File
USCIS filing fees are a required part of most immigration applications, and paying the correct fee, using the correct payment method, is just as important as filling out the form accurately.
Before you submit your application, take a few minutes to:
- Confirm the current filing fee for your specific form
- Check whether you qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver
- Use an accepted payment method only
- Review your application for completeness to avoid rejection or delays
Because USCIS fees can change and payment rules are strictly enforced, even a small mistake can slow down your case. Staying informed and double-checking details before you file can help your application move forward smoothly.
If you’re unsure which forms you need or how much you should pay, using clear, step-by-step guidance can make the process easier and help you avoid unnecessary delays.
