How to check immigration fees and processing times
"How much will it cost?" and "How long will it take?" are the two questions we hear most. Both government fees and processing times change: USCIS put a new fee rule into effect in April 2024, and federal legislation since then has added or adjusted some fees. Numbers you find online go out of date quickly, so the most reliable approach is to check the official sources directly.
1. Government filing fees
USCIS form fees
- USCIS Filing Fees: lists the current fee for each form.
- USCIS Fee Calculator: calculates the amount due based on the form and your situation.
A few reminders:
- The same form may cost a different amount depending on whether you file online or on paper;
- Some forms charge based on who is filing, for example the employer's size or whether it's a nonprofit;
- Incorrect fees are a common reason filings get rejected, so always check the official website on the day you file.
U.S. Department of State visa fees
Fees for applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate (such as E-2, F-1 or immigrant visas) are listed on the State Department's visa fees page. Some nationalities also pay a reciprocity fee, which is based on the country that issued your passport.
2. Processing times
- USCIS case processing times: look up by form type and service center or field office.
- USCIS case status online: enter your receipt number (for example, one starting with IOE) to see where your case stands.
- Visa interview appointment wait times by embassy and consulate.
Official processing times are usually shown as a range that reflects how long most cases take. They don't guarantee your case will be completed within that time. Requests for evidence (RFEs), background checks and other steps can add time.
3. Premium processing
Some filings, such as many I-140 and I-129 cases, can be expedited for an extra fee. Premium processing shortens the time USCIS takes to make a decision; it does not shorten your wait in the Visa Bulletin, and it doesn't guarantee approval. Which categories qualify, how much it costs and the processing timeframe are listed on the USCIS premium processing page.
4. What a complete budget should include
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Government filing fees | Charged by USCIS or the U.S. Department of State, based on the forms and the number of applicants |
| Premium processing fee | Optional; available only for some categories |
| Attorney fees | As set out in the written engagement agreement, agreed before work begins |
| Translation and certification | Foreign-language documents need English translations; some documents need notarization or authentication |
| Medical exam | Green card applications require an immigration medical exam by a designated physician |
| Other third-party costs | Such as a business plan, credential evaluation, expert opinions and courier fees, depending on the category |
5. Common misconceptions
- Treating processing time as the time to get a green card. After an I-140 is approved, many applicants — for example, those born in mainland China — still have to wait for their priority date to become current before they can file, or receive approval of, an I-485. See How to read the Visa Bulletin.
- Looking only at government fees. A full budget should also include attorney fees, document translation and certification, the medical exam, and for some categories a business plan or expert opinion letters.
- Believing in "guaranteed approval" or "inside connections." No one can guarantee the outcome of a U.S. immigration case. Be very careful if you hear claims like these.
Want a cost and timing estimate for your own situation? Book a consultation.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. Fees and processing times are as most recently published by official sources.