Congress determined that about 99% of the USCIS budget should come from fees, rather than from US taxpayers. This system helps ensure that taxpayers do not have to pay for these costs. Immigration fees vary widely, based on application:
– Change of Address (AR-11): $0
– Alien’s Change of Address Card (AR-11 SR): $0
– Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of an Immigration Officer (EOIR-29): $110
– Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Request (G-639): $0
– Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document (I-102): $320
– Petition for Alien Fiance(e)(I-129F): $455
– Petition for Alien Relative (I-130): $355
– Application for Travel Document (I-131):$305
– Application for Waiver for Passport and/or Visa (I-193: $545 06/20/08
– Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (I-212): $545
– Notice of Appeal or Motion (I-290B): $585
– Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485): $1,010
– Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (I-539): $300
– Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603) (I-698): $1,410
– Application for Employment Authorization (I-765): $340
– Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90): $290.
– Application for Naturalization (N-400): $675
– Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document(N-565): $380
– Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600): $460
In general, immigration fees are set by the amount of processing or work a form requires. The more complex the form, the more expensive it is to process, and therefore the larger the USCIS fees associated with the application.
If you are applying for US citizenship, green card renewal, or any other service, you will need to pay immigration fee. It is vital to carefully read the application form you are completing to determine exactly the fee you need to pay and how you need to pay. Addressing your check to the wrong address or sending the wrong amount will delay your immigration forms.
A newcomer will generally spend thousands of dollars in immigration fees from the first visa application to a final citizenship oath ceremony. To keep costs as low as possible, it is important to fill out forms correctly the first time. Each time you make a mistake on your form and it is returned to you, you may face delays as well as added USCIS fees. Keep in mind, too, that in addition to USCIS fees, you may need to pay for additional immigration services. You may need to pay for English language classes, citizenship classes, or for the services of a good immigration attorney as you work with the USCIS to attain the immigration or citizenship status you seek. Careful budgeting will help ensure that you have the money you need for your immigration fees.