The immigration process not only requires many complicated applications, but also requires fees associated with each application that is submitted. We will cover three of the most common fees that people pay during their case and a brief description of what the fee goes to, as well as details on payment and the fees for other applications.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
This fee is $165 and covers the costs for processing and maintaining the immigration visa package, the cost of delivering and producing the Permanent Resident Card.
Biometrics Fee
This fee is about $85. The Biometrics appointment will collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature. Your fingerprints will be checked against immigration and police records to determine whether you have committed any crimes or violations.
Filling Fee
This fee is for the N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and can be from $200-$600 depending on the application. The purpose of a filing fee is to compensate those filing and dealing with your application (only one of many, many applications).
We've also included the fee link for past and current fees for many other applications, found on the USCIS website. The past fees are provided as a reference point to show how fees have changed over the past few years.
Waiving the fees
If you desire to have a fee waived the USCIS developed the Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, in an effort to facilitate the fee waiver request process. Filling out this form requests the fee for certain immigration applications and is free to submit. Demonstrated inability to pay is the only reason USCIS will approve any waiver.
How to pay?
Bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks, and money orders must be take from U.S financial institutions and payable in U.S funds. Checks can be made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Do not put 'USDHS' or 'DHS' as the payment will not be accepted.
What if I don't pay?
Failing to pay the USCIS immigrant Fee of about $165 will not affect your application but prohibit you from receiving your green card until the payment is made.
Hopefully this post helped you now have an idea of what to expect during your process. If you have any questions, comments, or additional fees not seen here, free feel to leave a comment below or contact us at support@bridge.legal!
Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult a Bridge-affiliated partner attorney or another qualified legal professional.
