Welcome to our comprehensive guide on USCIS Forms and Fees. Navigating the various forms and associated fees with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be complex, but understanding these processes is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. immigration system.
In this article, we’ll provide a thorough overview of the most commonly used USCIS forms, along with their respective fees, helping you navigate the immigration process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking permanent residency, or pursuing citizenship, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate USCIS procedures effectively.
Green Card Forms and Fees
As of 2024, common Green Card fees may include:
- Form I-485 Application Fee – The general filing fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, typically is $1,440, but it depends on the applicant’s age and whether a biometric services fee is required.
- Form I-130 Petition Fee – For family-based Green Card applications, the filing fee for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is $675.
- Form I-765 Application Fee – If you are applying for employment authorization and have already applied for an I-485 with a fee on or after April 1, 2024, and your Form I-485 is still pending, the filing fee for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is typically $260. Otherwise, the general filing fee for I-765 is 520.
- Form I-864 Affidavit of Support Fee – In some cases, sponsors are required to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, along with the Green Card application. There is no fee for filing this form, but sponsors must meet certain income requirements.
- Form I-90 Application for Replacement Green Card – The standard application fee for Form I-90 is $465 for paper applications and $415 for online applications. This fee covers the processing costs associated with the application for a replacement Green Card.
- Attorney Fees – Many applicants choose to work with an immigration attorney to navigate the Green Card application process, which may incur additional legal fees.
It’s important to note that USCIS fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify the current fee amounts and payment methods on the USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly before submitting their application. Additionally, certain applicants may be eligible for fee waivers or exemptions based on their financial circumstances or immigration status.
U.S. Citizenship Forms and Fees
Common forms and fees for U.S. citizenship may include:
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization – The filing fee for Form N-400 typically ranges from $710 (online filing) to $760 (paper filing). The fee may also depend on various factors such as age, military service, and eligibility for fee waivers.
- Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship – The filing fee for Form N-600 is $1,385 for paper filing and $1,335 for online filing. This form is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents.
- Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document – The filing fee for Form N-565 is $555. This form is used to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. The online filing cost is $505.
- Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 – The filing fee for Form N-600K is $1,385. This form is used to obtain U.S. citizenship for children who regularly reside outside the United States and meet certain eligibility requirements.
- Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions – There is no filing fee for Form N-648. This form is used to request an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization based on a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.
- Form I-131 Application for Travel Document – The standard application fee for Form I-131 varies depending on the type of travel document being requested. For most applicants, the fee is $630. However, certain categories of applicants, such as refugees, asylees, and those with pending Form I-485 applications, may be exempt from this fee.
Please be aware that USCIS fees are subject to change. Therefore, it’s recommended that applicants verify the current fee amounts and payment methods on the USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly before submitting their application. Additionally, some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or exemptions based on their financial circumstances or immigration status.
Note: Starting in 2024, the biometric services fee will no longer be charged separately for most applications. Instead, it has been incorporated into the main benefit fee. As a result, most applicants will no longer need to pay an additional fee specifically for biometrics.
Less Common USCIS Forms and Fees
Some less common USCIS forms and their associated fees include:
- Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition – The filing fee for Form I-824 is $590. This form is used to request USCIS to take action on an approved application or petition, such as requesting the transfer of an approved petition to a new U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
- Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee – There is no filing fee for Form I-942. This form is used to request a reduced filing fee for certain immigration benefit applications and petitions based on an individual’s inability to pay the full fee.
- Form I-929, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant – The filing fee for Form I-929 is $0. This form is used to petition for certain family members of U-1 nonimmigrants (victims of qualifying criminal activity) to obtain derivative U visas.
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant – The general filing fee for Form I-360 is $515, but it can vary depending on the special immigrant category. This form is used to petition for various categories of special immigrants, such as certain religious workers, Amerasian immigrants born in Vietnam, and certain widows or widowers of U.S. citizens.
- Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) – The filing fee for Form I-821D is $85. This form is used by certain individuals who came to the United States as children and meet certain eligibility criteria to request deferred action and work authorization under the DACA program.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the fees charged by USCIS may change from time to time. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants confirm the current fee amounts and payment methods by visiting the USCIS website or getting in touch with USCIS directly before submitting their application. Furthermore, some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or exemptions depending on their financial situation or immigration status.
How Often Does USCIS Increase Their Fees?
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) adjusts its fees periodically to cover the costs of processing immigration applications and petitions, as well as to align with changes in the agency’s operational needs and economic factors. There is no set frequency for fee increases, as they can occur in response to various factors, including inflation, changes in the cost of providing immigration services, and updates to immigration laws and regulations.
Historically, USCIS has reviewed its fee schedule every few years, with fee increases typically occurring every 1-3 years. However, fee adjustments may also occur outside of this timeframe in response to specific legislative mandates or budgetary considerations.
Applicants and petitioners need to stay informed about USCIS fee updates by regularly checking the USCIS website and subscribing to agency announcements. Additionally, USCIS typically provides advance notice of fee changes, allowing stakeholders to prepare accordingly.
USCIS Forms and Fees Explained
In conclusion, navigating the USCIS forms and fees can be a complex process, but understanding the requirements and costs associated with immigration applications is crucial for anyone seeking to navigate the U.S. immigration system. By providing a comprehensive overview of common USCIS forms and their associated fees, this guide aims to empower individuals to navigate the immigration process with clarity and confidence.
It’s essential to stay informed about updates to USCIS fees and procedures, as they are subject to change. Applicants are encouraged to verify the current fee amounts and payment methods on the USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly before submitting their applications.