Why USCIS Raised Its Fees
USCIS is a fee-funded agency, meaning it relies almost entirely on application fees rather than congressional appropriations to fund its operations. After years of operating at a deficit — processing times lengthened, backlogs grew, and the agency faced financial strain — USCIS implemented a comprehensive fee schedule revision that took effect on April 1, 2024. The agency stated that the new fees were necessary to fully recover the cost of processing applications and to fund investments in technology and staffing to reduce backlogs.
The final rule represented an average fee increase of approximately 26% across all forms, though individual form fee changes varied widely — some forms saw increases of over 100%, while a few saw decreases or remained unchanged.
New Fee Schedule: Key Forms (2024–2025)
The following table shows the new fees for the most commonly filed USCIS forms compared to the previous fee schedule:
| Form | Old Fee | New Fee (2024+) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-485 (Green Card — most applicants) | $1,225 | $1,440 | +$215 (+18%) |
| N-400 (Naturalization) | $710 | $760 | +$35 (+5%) |
| I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | $535 | $675 | +$140 (+26%) |
| I-140 (Immigrant Worker Petition) | $700 | $715 | +$15 (+2%) |
| I-765 (Employment Authorization) | $410 | $520 | +$110 (+27%) |
| I-131 (Travel Document) | $575 | $630 | +$55 (+10%) |
| I-90 (Green Card Renewal) | $455 | $415 | -$40 (-9%) |
Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies?
USCIS offers fee waivers for certain applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. The new fee rule expanded fee waiver eligibility for some forms while eliminating it for others. Fee waivers are available for Form I-485 filed by certain humanitarian immigrants, Form N-400 for applicants receiving means-tested public benefits, and several other forms. To request a fee waiver, you must file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your application and provide documentation of your financial situation.
Notably, fee waivers are not available for DACA applications, H-1B petitions, or most employment-based immigration forms. Always check the USCIS website for the current list of forms eligible for fee waivers before assuming you qualify.
Reduced Fees for Nonprofits
The 2024 fee rule introduced a new reduced fee of 50% for certain nonprofit organizations filing immigration petitions on behalf of workers. This applies to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are filing Form I-129 or I-140 petitions. This is a significant benefit for nonprofits that regularly sponsor foreign workers.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice about your specific situation. Verify all fees and requirements at uscis.gov.