If you are planning an immigration application in 2026, one of the first questions you need answered is: exactly how much will this cost? USCIS implemented a sweeping fee update effective March 22, 2024, raising costs on most applications by an average of 26 percent. Understanding what each pathway costs before you file prevents unexpected shortfalls that can delay or derail your case.
This guide uses the current USCIS fee schedule to break down every major visa and green card pathway. For a personalized estimate built from your specific forms, use our free immigration cost calculator.
USCIS Fee Schedule by Visa Pathway (2026)
Total US immigration cost by pathway 2026 (govt fees + avg attorney) · Source: USCIS · AILA · immigrationcostcalculator.com
Most immigration goals require multiple forms filed simultaneously, each with its own fee. Your total is the sum of all required forms.
| Pathway | Key Forms | USCIS Fees | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card (adjustment of status) | I-130 + I-485 + I-765 + I-131 | $3,265 | $3,265–$5,000 |
| Family Green Card (spouse abroad) | I-130 + DS-260 + consular | $675 | $1,500–$2,200 |
| Naturalization (citizenship) | N-400 | $760 | $760–$2,500 |
| H-1B Work Visa | I-129 + ACWIA + Asylum fee | $1,830+ | $4,000–$9,000 |
| F-1 Student Visa | DS-160 MRV + I-901 SEVIS | $385 | $385–$800 |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | I-129F + DS-160 + MRV | $860 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| DACA Renewal | I-821D + I-765 | $495 | $495–$1,500 |
| Tourist / Business Visa (B-1/B-2) | DS-160 MRV | $185 | $185–$500 |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | I-129 + fraud prevention | $1,230+ | $3,500–$8,000 |
| Asylum | I-589 | $0 | $0–$3,000 |
Typical total includes USCIS fees, biometrics, medical exam, translation, and average attorney estimates.
Most Common Pathway: Family Green Card (Adjustment of Status)
A U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse already in the U.S. must file four forms simultaneously:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440 (adults); $950 (children under 14)
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): $520
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole/Travel): $630
USCIS-only cost: $3,265 per adult applicant. Add medical exam ($200–$500) and attorney fees ($1,500–$3,000) for a typical total of $4,965–$6,765.
H-1B: The Most Complex Fee Structure
Employer-sponsored H-1B fees depend on company size:
- I-129 base fee: $730
- ACWIA Training fee: $600 (1–25 FTEs) or $1,500 (26+ FTEs)
- Asylum Program fee: $600 (most employers)
- Fraud Prevention fee: $500
- Premium Processing (optional): $2,805 for 15-business-day adjudication
Typical employer cost without premium processing: $3,330 in USCIS fees, paid entirely by the employer per federal regulation.
Methodology
All fees are sourced from the USCIS Fee Schedule effective March 22, 2024. USCIS fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Attorney fee ranges reflect national survey data from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Calculate Your Personal Immigration Cost
Your actual total depends on your specific visa category, number of applicants, attorney choice, and whether you need premium processing. Use our immigration cost calculator to build a personalized estimate from current USCIS fees for your exact pathway.