Cost breakdown — Form I-821
How much does Form I-821 cost?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-821 (tps application) is $510 (initial) / No fee (re-registration). Here's the full breakdown including biometrics, ancillary costs, payment methods, and fee waivers.
$510 (initial) / No fee (re-registration)
USCIS filing fee
- Biometric services fee
- $30
- USCIS edition accepted
- 2024
- Fee waiver eligible
- No
- Online filing
- Available
Recent fee change
The 2025 H.R. 1 reconciliation law raised the initial I-821 fee from $50 to a $500 statutory floor, non-waivable; the January 1, 2026 inflation adjustment brought it to $510. Re-registration remains fee-free, and the biometric services fee ($30) stays waiver-eligible even though the base filing fee is not.
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-821 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-821 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-821 cost to file?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-821 is $510 (initial) / No fee (re-registration), plus a $30 biometric services fee. 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-821 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-821 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-821?
No. Form I-821 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-821 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-821 fee of $510 (initial) / No fee (re-registration) 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-821 walkthrough — who files, where to file, common mistakes? See the Form I-821 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, updated for the non-waivable statutory fees added by the 2025 H.R. 1 reconciliation law and the January 1, 2026 inflation adjustment, plus typical ancillary expenses — your actual costs will vary. Always verify current fees on the official USCIS page before mailing a check.