Cost breakdown — Form I-130
How much does Form I-130 cost?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 (family green card petition) is $675 (paper) / $625 (online). Here's the full breakdown including biometrics, ancillary costs, payment methods, and fee waivers.
$675 (paper) / $625 (online)
USCIS filing fee
- Biometric services fee
- Not required
- USCIS edition accepted
- 2024
- Fee waiver eligible
- No
- Online filing
- Available
Realistic total cost estimate
USCIS's sticker price is only part of the story. Most applicants spend more than the filing fee once you factor in supporting documents and ancillary expenses. Here's a realistic estimate for a typical Form I-130 filing:
| USCIS filing fee | $675 (paper) / $625 (online) |
| Certified translations | $25–$100 per doc |
| Relationship evidence | $0–$100 |
| Realistic total | ~$625–$825 |
Accepted payment methods
USCIS accepts several payment methods depending on how you file. The wrong payment method is one of the most common reasons a Form I-130 package is rejected on arrival.
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Check or money order
Made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" — do not abbreviate as "USDHS" or "DHS".
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Credit or debit card
Paper filings: attach Form G-1450. Online filings: pay directly through your USCIS online account.
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ACH bank transfer
Available via USCIS online account for electronic filings.
Can I get a fee waiver?
No. Form I-130 is not on USCIS's list of fee-waiver-eligible forms. Form I-912 can only waive fees for a specific set of forms defined in the I-912 instructions — most family-based and employment-based applications must be paid in full.
If cost is a barrier, contact a nonprofit legal services organization or an accredited representative through the DOJ Recognized Organizations list to ask about sliding-scale help.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Form I-130 cost to file?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 (paper) / $625 (online). This is the fee USCIS charges directly — the full real-world cost can be higher once you add medical exams, translations, and other supporting documents.
Is the Form I-130 fee refundable if USCIS denies my case?
No. USCIS filing fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. If your form is rejected for a filing error (wrong fee, missing signature), USCIS will usually return your package and any check uncashed — but once USCIS accepts the fee, it is not refunded even if the case is denied.
Can I pay the Form I-130 fee with a credit card?
Yes. USCIS accepts credit card payments through Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) for paper filings, and directly through a USCIS online account for eligible online filings. Checks, money orders, and cashier's checks payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" are also accepted.
Can I get a fee waiver for Form I-130?
No. Form I-130 is not on USCIS's list of fee-waiver-eligible forms. Form I-912 can only waive fees for a specific set of forms defined in its instructions. If you cannot pay, speak with an accredited representative or legal aid organization about alternatives.
Did the Form I-130 fee change recently?
Yes. USCIS adjusted most filing fees under the final fee rule that took effect April 1, 2024 — the first significant update in over seven years. The current Form I-130 fee of $675 (paper) / $625 (online) reflects that rule. Always verify the fee on the official USCIS form page before mailing a check.
Full form guide
Want the complete Form I-130 walkthrough — who files, where to file, common mistakes? See the Form I-130 page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
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Not legal advice. Cost estimates reflect the USCIS fee rule that took effect April 1, 2024 and typical ancillary expenses — your actual costs will vary. Always verify current fees on the official USCIS page before mailing a check.