The Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is a crucial document used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to establish a qualifying family relationship with a non-citizen who seeks to immigrate to the United States. Filing the I-130 is the first step in the process of bringing a relative to the U.S. on a permanent basis. As of 2025, the cost associated with this form is a significant consideration for applicants. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the I-130 filing fee, including recent changes, additional costs, payment methods, and related information.
What Is the Purpose of Form I-130?
The I-130 form is used to prove a legitimate familial relationship between a U.S. citizen or green card holder and a foreign relative. Once the relationship is confirmed, the relative can proceed with applying for a green card. There are two main categories of relatives who may be eligible through the I-130 petition:
- Immediate relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Family preference categories: Siblings, adult children, and spouses/children of green card holders.
Current Filing Fee for Form I-130
As of April 1, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a revised fee structure for many immigration forms, including the I-130. The current cost to file Form I-130 is:
- $675 if filed online through the USCIS website.
- $715 if filed using the paper form via mail.
This fee covers the processing of your petition only and does not guarantee approval. It is also non-refundable, even if your petition is denied.
Why Is There a Cost Difference Between Online and Paper Filing?
USCIS has been actively encouraging applicants to utilize its online portal. Online filing is faster, more efficient, and less costly for the agency. The fee for paper filing includes an additional cost to account for manual processing. Applicants who are able to use the online portal should do so to save money and time.
Additional Costs Related to Form I-130
Beyond the filing fee, there are several potential additional costs involved in the I-130 process. These may include:
1. Supporting Documentation
You will need to provide various documents to support your I-130 petition, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, and more. If you do not have certified copies or need translations, you may incur extra fees.
2. Translation and Notarization
Any document not in English must be translated. Depending on the country and the document, professional translation services can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 or more per page. Some documents may also need notarization.
3. Legal Assistance
While it’s not mandatory to hire an immigration attorney, many applicants choose to do so, especially if the case is complex. Legal fees can vary widely, but a typical range for I-130 assistance is between $800 and $2,500.
4. Costs After I-130 Approval
Filing the I-130 is only the first step. Once approved, your relative may need to pay for:
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) – approximately $325.
- Medical examination – costs vary by country but usually range from $100 to $500.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee – currently $220.
Payment Methods Accepted by USCIS
USCIS offers several payment methods depending on how the I-130 is filed.
Online Filing
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Bank withdrawal (ACH)
Paper Filing
- Personal check
- Money order
- Credit card (using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)
Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not use abbreviations like “DHS” or “USDHS” as this may cause your payment to be rejected.
Fee Waiver and Reductions
USCIS does not offer a fee waiver for Form I-130. Unlike some immigration forms that allow for fee waivers based on income or financial hardship, I-130 requires full payment. There are currently no discounts or exemptions from this requirement.
Filing the I-130 from Outside the U.S.
In certain emergency cases, such as those involving military families or urgent humanitarian situations, a U.S. embassy or consulate may accept and process an I-130 petition. This is typically not the standard procedure, and the cost remains the same. You should consult the embassy’s local guidelines and consider the availability of consular filing.
Cost Comparison Over the Years
The cost of Form I-130 has increased over time. Here is a brief comparison of fees over recent years:
- 2015: $420
- 2017: $535
- 2024: $675 (online), $715 (paper)
The most recent increase reflects broader changes across USCIS to align fees with operational costs. These increases help cover personnel, security, and IT infrastructure.
Tips to Avoid Extra Costs
Here are several tips to keep your expenses manageable when filing Form I-130:
- File online whenever possible to save $40.
- Gather all required documents beforehand to avoid delays or rejections.
- Double-check translations and ensure they meet USCIS standards.
- Only consult licensed and experienced immigration attorneys.
- Review USCIS form instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.
What Happens After Paying and Submitting the I-130?
Once you file the I-130 and submit payment, USCIS will send a receipt notice (Form I-797C) to confirm that your petition was received. This receipt includes your case number, which you can use to track the status online via the USCIS Case Status Tool.
Processing times can vary significantly based on the service center handling your case and your relationship to the beneficiary. On average, I-130 processing takes between 7 and 15 months.
FAQs About the I-130 Fee
Is the I-130 fee refundable if my petition is denied?
No, USCIS does not refund fees, even if your petition is rejected or denied.
Can I pay the I-130 fee in installments?
USCIS does not accept installment payments. The full fee must be paid at the time of submission.
Do I need to pay separately for each relative I petition for?
Yes, each I-130 petition is for one relative only. If you’re filing for multiple family members, a separate form and fee are required for each.
Can I get a fee reduction if I’m on public benefits?
No, public benefit status does not qualify you for a fee waiver or reduction for Form I-130.
Conclusion
Understanding the full cost of filing Form I-130 is essential for preparing a successful family-based immigration petition. As of 2025, the base fee is $675 for online filing and $715 for paper submissions. While this is only one part of the broader immigration process, it’s a necessary step that requires careful planning. Being informed about the additional costs, payment methods, and USCIS procedures can help applicants avoid delays and minimize unnecessary expenses.
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