USCIS Fee Increases — What You Need to Know
In January 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a Final Rule adjusting filing and service fees for immigration and naturalization benefits—the first major update since 2016. These changes went into effect April 1, 2024. (USCIS Final Rule – Jan 2024)
Later, on July 18, 2025, USCIS issued a separate notice implementing additional new fees mandated under H.R. 1, which begin July 22, 2025. Petitions or applications postmarked on or after August 21, 2025, that don’t include the correct updated fee will be rejected. (USCIS H.R.1 Fee Notice – July 2025)
What’s Changed & When
| Effective Date | Change Type | Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2024 | Premium processing fee increase & change to business day count | USCIS Premium Processing Update |
| Apr 1, 2024 | Base USCIS form fees increased; biometric fees rolled in; $50 discount for online filing | USCIS Fee Rule – Jan 2024 |
| July 22, 2025 | New fees under H.R. 1 for asylum, TPS, SIJS, parole | USCIS H.R.1 Fee Notice |
| Aug 21, 2025 | Rejection of forms without correct H.R. 1 fees | USCIS H.R.1 Fee Notice |
Key Fee Examples (Post–April 1, 2024)
| Form | Old Fee | New Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 (H-1B, O-1, etc.) | $460 | Up to $1,385 (varies) + $600 Asylum Program Fee (for large employers) | USCIS Fee Schedule |
| I-140 (Employment green card) | $700 | $715 + asylum fee | USCIS Fee Schedule |
| I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | $1,225 | $1,440 (biometrics included) | USCIS Adjustment Fee Info |
| I-765 (Work permit) | $410 | $520 (paper), $470 (online); $260 when filed with I-485 | USCIS Form I-765 |
| I-539 (Extension/change of status) | $370 | $470 (paper), $420 (online) | USCIS Form I-539 |
| EB-5 I-526/I-526E | $3,675 | $11,160 | USCIS EB-5 Fee Update |
| H-1B cap registration | $10 | $215 (effective FY 2026) | USCIS H-1B Modernization Rule |
What It Means for You
- After April 1, 2024, all applications must include new fees. USCIS uses the postmark date to determine the required fee.
- Premium processing now counts business days, not calendar days. (USCIS Press Release)
- Starting July 22, 2025, certain humanitarian-based categories—including asylum, SIJS, TPS, and parole—have specific new fees. These are enforced from August 21, 2025 onward. (USCIS H.R.1 Update)
- Fee exemptions and reduced fees are still available for certain low-income, nonprofit, or humanitarian applicants. (USCIS Fee Waiver Guidance)
Final Tips
- Use the latest USCIS form version and include correct payment.
- Take advantage of online filing discounts where available.
- For time-sensitive filings (like H-1B or DACA), plan early and monitor fee rule changes.
- Work with a legal professional if you're unsure how these changes affect you.
