Cost breakdown — Form I-765
How much does Form I-765 cost?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-765 (work permit (ead)) is $520 (paper) / $470 (online); $0 with concurrent I-485. Here's the full breakdown including biometrics, ancillary costs, payment methods, and fee waivers.
$520 (paper) / $470 (online); $0 with concurrent I-485
USCIS filing fee
- Biometric services fee
- Included
- USCIS edition accepted
- 2024
- Fee waiver eligible
- Yes (via Form I-912)
- Online filing
- Available
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-765 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?
Yes. Form I-765 is on USCIS's list of forms eligible for a fee waiver via Form I-912. You may qualify if any of the following apply:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- You, your spouse, or your child receives a means-tested public benefit (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI)
- You can demonstrate financial hardship (unemployment, medical expenses, homelessness)
File Form I-912 together with your Form I-765 package. If USCIS denies the waiver, the full package is returned and you can refile with payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Form I-765 cost to file?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-765 is $520 (paper) / $470 (online); $0 with concurrent I-485. 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-765 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-765 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-765?
Yes — Form I-765 is one of the USCIS forms eligible for a fee waiver via Form I-912. You can qualify if your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you receive a means-tested public benefit, or you can demonstrate financial hardship. A denied I-912 does not prevent refiling with payment.
Did the Form I-765 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-765 fee of $520 (paper) / $470 (online); $0 with concurrent I-485 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-765 walkthrough — who files, where to file, common mistakes? See the Form I-765 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.