Cost breakdown — Form I-821D
How much does Form I-821D cost?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-821D (daca application) is $85 (with I-765). Here's the full breakdown including biometrics, ancillary costs, payment methods, and fee waivers.
$85 (with I-765)
USCIS filing fee
- Biometric services fee
- Included
- USCIS edition accepted
- 2024
- Fee waiver eligible
- No
- Online filing
- Paper only
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-821D 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.
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ACH bank transfer
Available via USCIS online account for electronic filings.
Can I get a fee waiver?
No. Form I-821D 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-821D cost to file?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-821D is $85 (with I-765). 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-821D 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-821D 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-821D?
No. Form I-821D 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-821D 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-821D fee of $85 (with I-765) 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-821D walkthrough — who files, where to file, common mistakes? See the Form I-821D 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.