2026 Immigration Case Fees – Alma Complete Breakdown

Immigration applications generally require paying government filing fees. These fees are charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS) for processing different types of forms and petitions. 

Each type of immigration filing has a specific fee. These fees are generally not refundable, even if the case is denied.

Understanding how these fees work can help applicants and employers avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or rejections.

What are Immigration Case Fees?

Immigration case fees are the charges required to process different immigration forms and petitions. These fees help cover the cost of reviewing applications, running background checks, and processing benefits.

Submitting the correct fee is crucial. Paying the wrong amount can result in delays or rejection of your application.

Recent Updates on USCIS Filing Fees in 2026

In 2025, USCIS introduced several fee adjustments across various immigration forms. These changes impact family-based, employment-based, citizenship, and temporary status applications.

The most significant fee updates include increases for certain employment-based petitions, modest adjustments for family-based forms, and the introduction of new premium processing fees. Here’s a quick overview of the key changes:

• Employment-Based Petitions Higher Fees – The filing fee for Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor) is now $11,160. This applies to Form I-526E (Regional Center Investor), which includes an additional $1,000 Integrity Fund fee for petitions filed after October 1, 2022.
• Adjustment of Status Supplement Changes – Form I-485A (Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)) now requires $1,000 for general filing.
• Premium Processing Fee Adjustments – The premium processing fee for Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) has risen to $2,805 for paper filing.
• Online Filing Discounts – Some forms offer a $50 discount when filed online, promoting the use of electronic submissions.

These fee changes reflect updates in administrative costs and processing strategies. Accurate fee calculation remains critical for successful submissions.

Fee Categories by Common Immigration Form Types

Immigration forms are divided by application type. Below is an overview of the costs for the most common immigration forms:

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Note: Fees may vary based on filing method (online or paper) and eligibility for fee waivers or exemptions.

Family-Based Immigration Forms

Family-based petitions enable U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor relatives.

• Form I-130 - Petition for Alien Relative – Supports family sponsorship for green card applicants.
• Form I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status – Used by applicants already in the United States seeking green card status.
• Form I-751 - Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence – Filed by conditional residents (usually spouses) seeking permanent residency status after two years.

Employment-Based Immigration Forms

These forms cover work visa sponsorship and employment-based green card petitions.

• Form I-140 - Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers – Filed by employers on behalf of skilled workers, professionals, or executives.
• Form I-526 / I-526E - Immigrant Petition by Investor (Standalone or Regional Center) – Investment-based immigration under the EB-5 category.
• Form I-129 - Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker – Covers temporary work visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, and others.

Citizenship Forms

Citizenship applications are for individuals eligible to naturalize or claim U.S. citizenship.

• Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization – Standard form for U.S. citizenship.
• Form N-600 - Application for Certificate of Citizenship – For those claiming citizenship through parents.
• Form N-600K - Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322 – Filed on behalf of children born abroad to U.S. citizens.

Temporary Status Forms

These forms are used to extend, change, or apply for temporary immigration status:

• Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization – Used to apply for work permits, including adjustment of status applicants.
• Form I-539 - Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status – Used for changing or extending temporary visa categories.
• Form I-821 - Application for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) – Applies to certain nationals affected by conflicts or disasters.

Who Pays Immigration Case Fees?

The responsibility for paying immigration case fees depends on the type of immigration benefit being requested and the nature of the case.

For example:

• Employer Responsibilities - Employers usually pay for Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) and associated fees, like premium processing.
• Applicant Responsibilities - Applicants usually pay for personal benefit forms such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status), although many employers choose to cover or reimburse these.
• Work Permits or Travel Documents - Fees for Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole) are typically paid by the applicant, but employers often cover these as well, especially in employment-based green card cases.

Some forms also require separate biometric service fees, which must be paid along with the form fee at the time of submission.

How Much do Immigration Case Fees Cost in 2026?

The exact fee depends on the type of form being filed. Fees are reviewed and updated by USCIS and the DOS. It is important to refer to the latest official fee schedule when preparing any filing.

Here are examples of how fees might apply for different applicants:

• For instance, an applicant filing for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen will need to pay:
  
  • $675 for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
  • $1,440 for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
  • $0 to $260 for Form I-765 (Work Authorization), depending on whether it is filed with Form I-485.
  • $630 for Form I-131 (Advance Parole) if filed separately. No fee if filed together with Form I-485.
• For a technology company sponsoring an H-1B worker, fees would include:
  
  • $460-$780 for Form I-129 (H-1B Petition).
  • Optional $2,805 for premium processing to receive a decision within 15 business days.
  • Additional fees may apply, including $750 or $1,500 for the ACWIA fee, based on company size, $500 for anti-fraud fee, and $600 for asylum program fee.

Be sure to check the most recent USCIS fee chart to avoid mistakes when planning for these costs.

Are Immigration Case Fees Refundable?

Most immigration case fees are non-refundable. Once submitted, the fee is considered payment for processing the application, regardless of the outcome.

However, there are a few exceptions:

• Incorrect Fee Submission - If USCIS rejects the application due to an incorrect fee, the application and payment may be returned.
• Fee Waivers - In some cases, applicants who meet certain income-based eligibility requirements may qualify for a fee waiver.

Tip: Always confirm the refund and waiver rules for the specific form being filed. Do not assume automatic refunds will be provided if the case is denied.

How to Calculate and Pay Immigration Fees Correctly

Correct fee calculation and payment are essential for every immigration filing. Submitting the wrong fee amount leads to application rejection or processing delays. Government agencies will not process applications until the correct payment is received.

Here are important steps to calculate and pay immigration fees accurately:

1. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator – Confirm the exact fee for each form using the official fee calculator provided on the USCIS website.
2. Check the Form Instructions Carefully – Carefully read the specific form instructions to understand the required filing fee, biometric fee, and accepted payment methods.
3. Submit Payment with the Correct Method – Use approved payment methods such as check, money order, or credit card payment through Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).
4. Match the Applicant Information with Payment – Ensure that the name on the payment matches the details on the application to avoid processing issues.
5. Keep Copies of All Payment Records – Maintain a copy of the payment receipt and any related transaction confirmations for future reference.

Tips to Avoid Common Immigration Case Fee-Related Mistakes

Incorrect fees or payment methods often cause applications to be rejected. Proper preparation can help you avoid these common mistakes.

Follow these key tips to avoid errors when handling immigration fees:

• Verify the Latest Fees – Check the most recent fee schedule directly on the USCIS or DOS website before submitting any payment.
• Do Not Combine Unrelated Fees – Submit separate payments for premium processing using Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) and avoid mixing these fees with standard form payments.
• Check Payment Amount Twice Before Submission – Review the fee amount listed in the form instructions and ensure your total payment covers the filing fee.
• Avoid Incorrect Payment Methods – Only use the payment methods approved by USCIS or DOS. Never send cash payments.
• Follow Online Filing Payment Instructions Precisely – Complete the payment process through the USCIS online account system when using electronic filing. Follow the steps carefully to confirm successful payment submission.
• Retain Proof of Payment for Records – Keep copies of all fee receipts and transaction confirmations. These documents may be needed for case status checks.

How Alma can Help Manage the Immigration Filing Process Smoothly

Handling immigration filings involves important details like correct fees, accurate paperwork, and proper submission. Missing any of these steps may cause costly delays.

At Alma, we simplify the immigration process with expert legal guidance and efficient service. Our team helps applicants and employers prepare complete and accurate filings on time.

Here are some of the ways we help support the process:

• Fast Document Preparation - Get your documents ready within two weeks for quick application progress.
• Personalized Legal Guidance - Receive expert advice on the applicable fees and how to pay them correctly.

Alma is built to make your immigration process clear, fast, and reliable at every step. Want to connect with our expert attorneys for your immigration case? Schedule a free consultation today!

Final Thoughts

Filing for immigration benefits requires careful attention to the required fees. Every form has its own fee, and submitting the wrong amount can lead to delays or rejections. Understanding which fees apply to each case is one of the first steps in a successful immigration process.

This guide has outlined the key immigration case fees, who is responsible for payment, and how to avoid common mistakes. Checking official fee schedules before submitting any payment helps reduce the risk of errors.

Considering immigration options for work or family? Alma is here to help you at each step of the process, from evaluating eligibility to preparing strong petitions. Get started with a free consultation now!