How to calculate and pay USCIS fees

USCIS filing fees

Many immigration forms require a filing fee. Filing fees can vary for each application. Some applications also require a biometric services fee. 

There are a few ways you can find the fee on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website:

• Check the fee schedule
• Search all forms and click “form details” 
• Use the fee calculator (It does not store the answers you give or any other personal information)

Fee changes

Certain USCIS fees changed on April 1, 2024. If you plan to file a USCIS Form, make sure to check if there is a new fee. If you do not pay the right fee, USCIS will not accept your application.

New fees can include a $50 discount if you file online instead of by paper. Here are some of the changes you can expect:

How to pay 

You can pay online, by mail, or in person if you are in the United States. 

Pay online 

If you file your form online, you can pay your fees using any of the following methods:

• Credit, debit, or pre-paid card: You can use a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card. 
• Bank withdrawal: You can pay USCIS directly from your bank account. 

Once you are ready to submit your form, the system will send you to pay.gov to pay your fees online.

Pay by mail

You can pay your fee by mail using any of the following methods:

• Check: You can pay with bank drafts, cashier checks, certified checks, and personal checks. Make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  
• Money order:  You can pay with a money order issued by a bank or post office.
• Credit card: You must file Form-G-1450 to authorize a credit card payment. 

Once you are ready to submit your form, you can mail your application and filing fee to your local USCIS Lockbox facility.  A lockbox is a secure facility that receives USCIS applications and fees. The lockbox then sends applications to USCIS service centers or field offices for processing. 

Pay in person  

Some forms allow you to pay the fees in person at a USCIS field office. Some offices may not accept money orders or cashier checks.  

Tips for making payments 

• Make sure to pay the correct fee. USCIS will reject your application if you pay the wrong fee. 
• Make sure your bank account or card has sufficient funds. USCIS will reject your application if your credit card is declined. USCIS will process returned checks one more time but will reject filings where checks are returned as unpayable twice. 
• Make sure your check is valid. Your check must be dated within the previous 365 days. 
• Use an approved payment method. USCIS will reject your application if you do not use an approved payment method. Do not send cash in the mail.
• Pay filing fees separately for each application that you file. You can pay the filing fee and biometric services fee together.
• Use one payment method to pay for multiple application fees.
• Check the website address if you are paying online. USCIS only uses pay.gov to process fees.

Fee waivers

USCIS offers a fee waiver for certain forms and benefits. USCIS also offers a reduced fee waiver for naturalization applications. 

You can apply for a fee waiver or a reduced fee waiver with USCIS if you cannot pay the fees. You must file your application by mail to ask for a waiver. You can not request a fee waiver online.

You can get waivers based on your household size and household income. 

• Household size includes you, head of household, spouse, children under 21, legal wards, children 21-23 in school, children over 21 with certain disabilities, parents, and any other dependents you list on your federal tax return. Other relatives or roommates do not count towards household size. 
• Household income is the total amount of money everyone in your household size earned in one year.

Who can apply

You must meet one of the following requirements to ask for a fee waiver:

• You, your spouse, or the head of household are receiving a public benefit. Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and SSI are public benefits that can be considered for this. 
• You are having a hard time making payments because of things like unexpected medical bills or emergencies.
• Your annual household income is at or below the 150% Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing. 

How to apply

You can ask for a fee waiver in one of two ways:

• You can fill out and submit Form I-912.
• You can write a letter explaining why you are unable to pay the fees. You must submit all documents requested in the form instructions. These include proof of your household income and public benefits.   

Tips for requesting a waiver

• Read the instructions for the form you are filing and include all requested documents. 
• Include your request for a waiver with your application. Do not send your request by itself.
• Be sure to sign the form. USCIS may reject your request if you did not sign it.  

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If you are trying to get a green card, citizenship, bring a relative to the USA, or have other immigration cases… remember, you are not alone in your process. There are lawyers and organizations ready to help you for free or at a low cost. Learn how to find legal help.

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