Immigration Filing Fees | Everything You Need to Know [2023]
There are more than 44 million immigrants currently living in the United States. Over half of these folks will inevitably go through the green card or naturalization process to achieve U.S. citizenship, lowering unemployment and crime rates alike. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is challenging and requires preparing financially to apply, whether with legal representation or not. Earlier this year, USCIS proposed a dramatic fee increase that would impact future applicants seeking green cards or U.S. Citizenship. The following are common forms and their associated fees as of publication to be used as guidance only. For updated information, head over to the USCIS website and chat with an immigration attorney about your options.
Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer to File Paperwork with USCIS?
No, you do not need an attorney to file paperwork with USCIS, but it is highly recommended. An immigration attorney understands the complex immigration process and can reduce the likelihood of USCIS rejecting your application. Whether intentional or not, any error on your application can result in a denial. An immigration attorney can review your application and check for any potential errors before filing it with USCIS. An attorney can be immensely helpful in guiding you through language barriers, numerous paperwork options, and bureaucratic delays, which can cause frustration and waste your time.
Filing Fee Costs: What to Expect
When hiring an immigration attorney, there are standard filing fees you should expect to pay. USCIS has an online fee calculator where folks can accurately estimate their filing fees and reduce the chances of being denied for incorrect filing fees. Depending on what kind of immigration attorney you hire will also impact how much you can expect to pay. Many immigration attorneys have adopted a flat-fee schedule for a standard green card or K-1 visas rather than an hourly rate. A flat fee arrangement enables applicants to budget more accurately for the total cost of handling their legal issues. Other variables that affect the final expense are the type of application, the complexity of your case, and the region of the U.S. you’re filing the paperwork. If you decide to retain legal representation, ask your attorney what kind of fee schedule they use during the initial consultation.
Common USCIS form filing fees
The following are typical forms and associated USCIS costs to file for a green card and U.S. citizenship as of May 2023. In January of 2023, USCIS proposed a fee increase that could be implemented as soon as Summer 2023, which would dramatically increase the current fee schedule. Check the USCIS website to ensure filing fees are accurate and up to date before submitting payment.
* Filing fees updated as of May 2023
No-Cost Forms
Below are other no-cost forms that may be useful during the application process. If you are concerned about the cost of filing, there are forms you can submit to reduce or even waive your fees.
Additional Fees
When applying for a green card or U.S. citizenship, there are the base costs of the application and various paperwork. However, there are additional associated costs for filing that should be included when estimating your total cost, including the State Department’s processing fee ($325), which should be included with each application. Preparing financially for external costs like the medical examination, updated passports, and travel will mitigate the stress of this process. Speak to a licensed immigration attorney for a detailed breakdown before submitting your application.
Expertise.com StaffAuthor
Step into the world of Expertise.com, your go-to hub for credible insights. We don't take accuracy lightly around here. Our squad of expert reviewers, each a maestro in their field, has given the green light to every single article you'll find. From rigorous fact-checking to meticulous evaluations of service providers, we've got it all covered. So feel free to dive in and explore. The information you'll uncover has been stamped with the seal of approval by our top-notch experts.