Form I-130 Filing Fee: Current USCIS Costs & Total Sponsorship Expenses
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Form I-130 Filing Fee: Quick Answer
The Form I-130 filing fee is $625 when filed online and $675 when filed by mail. The fee applies to each Form I-130 petition and is generally non-refundable. It covers only the immigrant petition submitted to USCIS and does not include additional costs that may arise later in the family immigration process.
Planning to sponsor a family member? The Form I-130 filing fee is only one part of the immigration process. Depending on your situation, additional government fees may apply before your relative receives a Green Card.
Current USCIS Form I-130 Filing Fees
| Filing Method | USCIS Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| File Online | $625 |
| File by Mail (Paper) | $675 |
Note: The current Form I-130 filing fees have been in effect since April 1, 2024, when USCIS implemented its updated fee rule, introducing separate filing fees for online and paper submissions.
Quick Facts
- Online filing costs $50 less than paper filing.
- A separate filing fee is required for each eligible family member you sponsor.
- USCIS filing fees are generally non-refundable.
- Additional government fees may apply later, depending on the immigration process.
Does Form I-130A Have a Separate Filing Fee?
No. If you’re filing Form I-130 for your spouse, you’ll typically also submit Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. Form I-130A does not have a separate USCIS filing fee. The cost of filing Form I-130A is included in the Form I-130 filing fee, so you do not need to pay an additional government fee for this supplemental form.
Note: Form I-130A is required only for certain spouse-based Form I-130 petitions. It is submitted together with Form I-130 and cannot be filed separately.
How the Form I-130 Filing Fee Works
Submitting the correct filing fee is an essential part of filing Form I-130. USCIS has specific rules regarding who pays the fee, when it must be submitted, and what happens if the payment is incorrect. Understanding these requirements can help you avoid unnecessary delays or rejected filings.
| Filing Rule | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Who pays the filing fee? | The petitioner (the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsoring a qualifying relative) is responsible for paying the Form I-130 filing fee. |
| When is the fee paid? | The filing fee must be submitted when you file Form I-130. USCIS generally will not begin processing a petition without the required payment. |
| How many fees are required? | Each eligible family member generally requires a separate Form I-130 petition and filing fee. For example, sponsoring a spouse and two children typically requires three separate petitions and three filing fees. |
| What if I pay the wrong amount? | USCIS may reject the petition or require corrective action if the payment is incorrect or submitted using an unacceptable payment method. |
| Can the fee change? | Yes. USCIS may update filing fees periodically, so applicants should always confirm the current fee before submitting Form I-130. |
Tip: Before filing, confirm the current USCIS filing fee, prepare the correct payment method, and account for any additional immigration costs that may apply later, such as adjustment of status or consular processing fees.
What Does the Form I-130 Filing Fee Cover?
The Form I-130 filing fee covers USCIS’s review and processing of your Petition for Alien Relative. It includes evaluating your eligibility and supporting evidence but does not cover later Green Card or immigrant visa costs.
What the Form I-130 Filing Fee Covers
| Included in the Filing Fee | Description |
|---|---|
| Petition Intake | Receiving and accepting your Form I-130 and supporting documents for processing. |
| Eligibility Review | Reviewing the petition to determine whether the petitioner and beneficiary meet the eligibility requirements. |
| Relationship Verification | Evaluating the evidence submitted to establish the qualifying family relationship. |
| Case Processing | Processing the petition, issuing notices, and making a decision to approve, deny, or request additional evidence if necessary. |
What the Form I-130 Filing Fee Does Not Cover
Although Form I-130 is the first step in many family-based immigration cases, additional government fees and other expenses may apply later, depending on the beneficiary’s circumstances.
| Not Included | When It May Apply |
|---|---|
| Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) | If the beneficiary is applying for a Green Card from within the United States. |
| Consular Processing Fees | If the beneficiary will apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. |
| Medical Examination | Required before permanent residence is granted in most cases. |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | Generally required after an immigrant visa is issued and before the Green Card is produced. |
| Attorney or Legal Fees | Optional costs if you choose professional legal representation. |
| Translation and Document Preparation | Costs for certified translations or obtaining supporting documents, when required. |
Important: Think of the Form I-130 filing fee as the cost of filing the family relationship petition, not the cost of obtaining a Green Card. Depending on whether your relative applies from inside or outside the United States, additional USCIS or Department of State fees may be required before they can become a lawful permanent resident.
Total Cost of Sponsoring a Family Member
The Form I-130 filing fee is only the first government fee in the family-based immigration process. After USCIS approves the petition, the remaining costs depend on whether your relative is already in the United States and eligible to apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status, or lives outside the United States and must complete consular processing.
Sponsoring a Relative Already in the United States
Typical Costs for Adjustment of Status
| Immigration Step | Typical Cost* |
|---|---|
| Form I-130 Filing Fee | $625 online / $675 paper |
| Form I-485 (if required) | USCIS filing fee applies |
| Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) | Optional USCIS filing fee if you want work authorization while your Green Card application is pending |
| Form I-131 (Advance Parole) | Optional USCIS filing fee if you plan to travel internationally while your Green Card application is pending |
| Biometrics | Included if applicable under the current USCIS fee schedule |
| Medical Examination | Varies by civil surgeon (typically $200–$500+) |
| Certified Translations (if required) | Varies |
| Attorney or Preparation Service (optional) | Varies |
*Actual costs depend on your case, current USCIS fees, and any optional services you choose.
Note: Under the current USCIS fee schedule, biometrics costs are generally included in the applicable Form I-485 filing fee, so applicants are not typically charged a separate biometrics fee.
Note: Many applicants who are eligible for concurrent filing submit Form I-130, Form I-485, Form I-765, and Form I-131 together. While Form I-765 and Form I-131 are optional, they each have separate filing fees if you choose to apply for employment authorization or advance parole during the adjustment of status process.
Can You File Form I-130 and Form I-485 Together?
If your eligible family member is already in the United States, you may be able to file Form I-130 and Form I-485 concurrently. Concurrent filing allows USCIS to process the immigrant petition and Green Card application at the same time instead of waiting for Form I-130 approval first.
Even when filed together, each form requires its own USCIS filing fee. The Form I-130 filing fee covers the family relationship petition, while Form I-485 has a separate filing fee for the adjustment of status application.
Note: Concurrent filing is available only for applicants who meet USCIS eligibility requirements. Not all family-based petitions qualify.
Sponsoring a Relative Living Outside the United States
Typical Costs for Consular Processing
| Immigration Step | Paid To | Typical Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130 Filing Fee | USCIS | $625 online / $675 paper |
| Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-260) | U.S. Department of State | Government filing fee applies |
| Affidavit of Support Review | U.S. Department of State | Government filing fee applies |
| Medical Examination | Authorized Panel Physician | Varies by country |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | USCIS | Government filing fee applies |
*Government fees and local costs may vary depending on the beneficiary’s country and immigration category.
Why are the fees paid to different agencies? During consular processing, applicants pay fees to both USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. USCIS processes the immigrant petition and issues the permanent resident card, while the Department of State manages immigrant visa processing through the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Estimated Total Cost
| Sponsorship Path | Estimated Total Cost** |
|---|---|
| Relative in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) | Approximately $2,000–$3,500+ |
| Relative Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing) | Approximately $1,200–$2,500+ |
*Actual costs vary based on the beneficiary’s circumstances, current USCIS and Department of State fee schedules, and any additional forms or requirements that apply to the case.
Does Each Family Member Require a Separate Form I-130 Filing Fee?
Many family sponsors wonder whether they can include multiple relatives on one Form I-130 or pay a single filing fee for the entire family. In most cases, USCIS requires a separate Form I-130 petition and filing fee for each eligible family member you sponsor. This means the total government filing cost increases based on the number of beneficiaries, not their relationship to you.
Form I-130 Filing Fee by Family Relationship
| Family Relationship | Separate Form I-130 Required? | Separate Filing Fee Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Yes | Yes |
| Parent | Yes | Yes |
| Child | Yes | Yes |
| Brother or Sister | Yes | Yes |
Example: If you are sponsoring your spouse and two unmarried children, you will generally need to file three separate Form I-130 petitions and pay three separate USCIS filing fees.
Why USCIS Requires Separate Petitions
Each Form I-130 is reviewed individually to determine whether a qualifying family relationship exists between the petitioner and the beneficiary. Because USCIS evaluates eligibility and supporting evidence for each person separately, every petition requires its own filing fee and supporting documentation.
Planning Tip: If you’re sponsoring multiple eligible relatives, calculate your total filing costs before submitting your petitions. In addition to the Form I-130 filing fee, each beneficiary may incur additional immigration fees later in the process, depending on whether they apply for a Green Card in the United States or through consular processing abroad.
Online vs. Paper Filing: Which Costs Less?
USCIS allows eligible applicants to submit Form I-130 online or by mail. While both filing methods receive the same review and adjudication process, online filing costs $50 less than submitting a paper application. Choosing the right filing method depends on your eligibility, preferred document management, and payment option.
Online vs. Paper Form I-130 Filing
| Feature | Online Filing | Paper Filing |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Filing Fee | $625 | $675 |
| Application Submission | Submit electronically through your USCIS online account | Mail a completed paper application to the appropriate USCIS lockbox or service center |
| Supporting Documents | Upload digital copies of supporting evidence | Include paper copies with your application package |
| Case Status Tracking | Track your case through your USCIS online account | Track using your receipt number after receiving the Form I-797C receipt notice |
| Payment Methods | Electronic payment options available through the USCIS online account | Check, money order, or credit card using the appropriate USCIS payment authorization form |
| Receipt Delivery | Receipt notice is available in your online account and mailed if applicable | Receipt notice is mailed after USCIS accepts the petition |
Recommendation: If you’re eligible to file online, you’ll generally pay $50 less than filing by mail while benefiting from electronic document submission and online case management.
Why Is Online Filing Less Expensive?
USCIS charges $50 less for online Form I-130 filings than paper submissions. Online filing reduces the need to print, mail, and manually process paper applications, making the submission process more efficient for both applicants and USCIS. While the filing method affects the application fee, it does not change the legal requirements or eligibility standards used to evaluate your petition.
Which Filing Method Should You Choose?
Online filing may be a good option if you:
- Prefer submitting forms and supporting documents electronically.
- Want to manage your case through a USCIS online account.
- Want to save $50 on the filing fee.
Paper filing may be appropriate if you:
- Need to submit a petition that is not eligible for online filing.
- Prefer preparing and mailing a paper application package.
- Have circumstances that require paper submission under current USCIS guidance.
Tip: Before choosing a filing method, confirm that your case is eligible for online filing and review the latest USCIS filing instructions. Regardless of how you file, submitting a complete and accurate petition with the correct filing fee can help prevent unnecessary delays.
How to Pay the Form I-130 Filing Fee
USCIS provides different payment options depending on whether you file Form I-130 online or by mail. Choosing an accepted payment method and submitting the correct filing fee can help prevent delays or rejection of your petition.
Important: USCIS no longer accepts personal checks, business checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for most paper-filed forms unless you qualify for a specific exemption. Review the latest USCIS payment instructions before submitting your petition.
Paying the Filing Fee for Online Form I-130 Filings
When you file Form I-130 online through your USCIS online account, you’ll pay the filing fee electronically before submitting your petition. USCIS securely processes online payments through the U.S. government’s Pay.gov payment system.
Accepted online payment methods include:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Prepaid card
- ACH debit (direct payment from a U.S. bank account)
After your payment is successfully processed, USCIS will issue a payment confirmation and continue processing your petition.
Paying the Filing Fee for Paper Form I-130 Filings
If you mail a paper Form I-130, payment must be authorized using one of the payment methods accepted by USCIS.
| Payment Method | USCIS Form Required |
|---|---|
| Credit card, debit card, or prepaid card | Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions |
| ACH debit from a U.S. bank account | Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions |
Include the appropriate payment authorization form with your paper application package when mailing your petition.
Can the Form I-130 Filing Fee Be Waived?
Generally, no. Most people filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, must pay the required USCIS filing fee. However, limited exceptions exist for certain humanitarian cases authorized by law.
Who May Qualify for a Fee Waiver?
While standard family-based petitions are not eligible for a fee waiver, USCIS allows fee waivers for certain Form I-130 petitioners in limited circumstances, including:
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition-related cases
- Certain T nonimmigrant (human trafficking victim) cases
- Certain U nonimmigrant (crime victim) cases
These exceptions are based on the applicant’s immigration category and eligibility under USCIS regulations—not simply on financial hardship.
Most Family Sponsors Must Pay the Filing Fee
If you are filing Form I-130 to sponsor a:
- Spouse
- Parent
- Child
- Brother or sister
you will generally be required to pay the full USCIS filing fee when submitting your petition. Standard family-based petitions are not eligible for a fee waiver.
Bottom line: Most family-based Form I-130 petitioners should plan to pay the full filing fee unless they qualify for a specific humanitarian exception.
Common Filing and Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting Form I-130 with incorrect payment information or filing errors can delay USCIS acceptance or require you to resubmit your petition. Reviewing your application carefully before filing can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Common Mistake | Why It Matters | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Paying the wrong filing fee | USCIS may reject the petition if the required fee is not submitted. | Verify the current Form I-130 filing fee before filing. |
| Using outdated fee information | Filing fees change periodically, which can result in an incorrect payment amount. | Check the latest USCIS fee schedule before submitting your petition. |
| Combining payments for multiple petitions | Each Form I-130 generally requires a separate filing fee. | Submit a separate payment for each petition, if required. |
| Using an unaccepted payment method | USCIS may not process your payment. | Use a payment method currently accepted for your filing type. |
| Not including Form G-1450 or Form G-1650 | USCIS may be unable to process payment for a paper filing. | Include the appropriate payment authorization form with your application. |
| Using an outdated edition of Form I-130 | USCIS may reject the petition before processing begins. | Download the latest edition of Form I-130 from USCIS before filing. |
| Submitting incomplete supporting documents | USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying your case. | Review the filing instructions and include all required supporting evidence. |
| Missing required signatures or information | Incomplete petitions may be rejected or delayed. | Review your application carefully before submission. |
How FileRight Helps You Avoid Common Filing Errors
Preparing Form I-130 involves more than paying the correct filing fee. FileRight guides applicants through the preparation process with step-by-step instructions, built-in checks, and document reminders designed to help reduce common filing mistakes before submission.
By helping you organize your information and review your petition before filing, FileRight can make the application process more organized and help you submit a more complete application.
Real Cost Examples for Common Family Sponsorship Scenarios
The examples below show how the total cost of sponsoring a family member can vary depending on who you’re sponsoring and whether they apply for permanent residence inside or outside the United States.
| Scenario | Typical Costs |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse in the U.S. | Form I-130 filing fee, Form I-485, medical examination, and other applicable USCIS fees. |
| U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse abroad | Form I-130 filing fee, National Visa Center fees, DS-260, medical examination, and USCIS Immigrant Fee. |
| Parent sponsoring an unmarried child | Form I-130 filing fee, plus additional Green Card or immigrant visa fees depending on where the child completes the immigration process. |
| Sponsoring a family of four | A separate Form I-130 petition and filing fee are generally required for each eligible family member, along with any additional processing fees that apply to each beneficiary. |
Planning Tip: The Form I-130 filing fee is only the first government fee in most family-based immigration cases. Budget for additional costs that may apply later based on your relative’s location and immigration process.
When Do You Pay the Form I-130 Filing Fee?
The Form I-130 filing fee must be paid when you submit your petition to USCIS. Whether you file online or by mail, USCIS generally will not begin processing your application until the required filing fee or an applicable fee exemption is received.
If you file online, you’ll pay the filing fee electronically as part of the submission process. If you file by mail, include the appropriate payment authorization form with your application package based on your selected payment method.
When Is the Filing Fee Due?
| Filing Method | When You Pay |
|---|---|
| Online Filing | During online submission through your USCIS account before the petition is submitted. |
| Paper Filing | At the time you mail your completed Form I-130 package to USCIS. |
Can You Pay the Filing Fee Later?
No. USCIS generally requires the filing fee at the time of filing. If the required payment or an approved fee exemption is not included, USCIS may reject the petition and return it without processing.
What Happens If Your Payment Cannot Be Processed?
If your payment is declined, incomplete, or submitted using an unaccepted payment method, USCIS may reject your Form I-130. This can delay your case because you’ll need to correct the payment issue and submit a new petition package, if required.
Tip: Before submitting Form I-130, verify the current filing fee, confirm your payment method meets USCIS requirements, and review your payment details carefully to help avoid unnecessary delays.
FAQs About Form I-130 Fee
Does every family member require a separate Form I-130 filing fee?
Yes. USCIS generally requires a separate Form I-130 petition and filing fee for each eligible family member you sponsor. For example, if you’re sponsoring your spouse and two children, you’ll typically need to submit three separate petitions and pay the applicable filing fee for each one.
What happens if I pay the wrong Form I-130 filing fee?
If you submit an incorrect filing fee or use an unaccepted payment method, USCIS may reject your petition or delay processing until the issue is resolved. Before filing, verify the current filing fee, use an approved payment method, and review your payment details carefully.
Does the Form I-130 filing fee include the Green Card application?
No. The Form I-130 filing fee covers only the Petition for Alien Relative. If your relative is eligible to apply for a Green Card, additional government fees may apply later, such as adjustment of status fees for applicants in the United States or immigrant visa processing fees for applicants abroad.
Can I file Form I-130 online for every family member?
Not always. USCIS allows many Form I-130 petitions to be filed online, but eligibility depends on the petition type and current USCIS filing requirements. Before choosing to file electronically, confirm that your specific petition is eligible for online filing by reviewing the latest USCIS instructions.
Can I File Form I-130 and Form I-485 Together?
Yes, if you meet the USCIS eligibility requirements for concurrent filing. Eligible applicants—such as many immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are already in the United States—may file both forms at the same time. However, Form I-130 and Form I-485 each require a separate filing fee, even when submitted together.
Prepare Your Form I-130 with Confidence
Filing Form I-130 is the first step toward helping an eligible family member immigrate to the United States. While understanding the filing fee is important, preparing a complete and accurate petition is just as critical. Missing information, incomplete documentation, or payment errors can delay your case or require you to resubmit your petition.
FileRight helps simplify the preparation process by guiding you through each step before you submit your petition to USCIS.
How FileRight Can Help
- Organize your information with an easy-to-follow online questionnaire.
- Receive step-by-step guidance throughout the Form I-130 preparation process.
- Reduce common filing mistakes with built-in checks that help identify missing or inconsistent information before submission.
- Upload and manage supporting documents securely in one place.
- Track your progress and complete your application at your own pace.
- Review your petition before filing to help ensure everything is ready for submission.
Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, parent, child, or sibling, FileRight helps you prepare your Form I-130 with greater confidence and stay organized throughout the application process.
Ready to Get Started?
Start preparing your Form I-130 online with FileRight and receive step-by-step guidance designed to help you complete your petition accurately and confidently. Start Your Form I-130 Today.
