Bringing your spouse to the United States is an exciting journey, but it comes with a price tag. If you are starting the marriage-based green card process, the very first step is dealing with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and their fees.
The most important starting point is the I-130 filing fee.
If you send the wrong amount, write the check incorrectly, or misunderstand the total costs, your application will be rejected. This delays your life together by months.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how much the I-130 filing fee is in 2026, the different ways you can file to save money, and the total costs you should expect for the entire green card journey.
💡 Key Takeaways
- Standard Fee: The filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 for paper filings.
- Online Discount: If you file online, the fee is reduced to $625.
- No Refunds: USCIS fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
- Total Cost: The I-130 fee is just the first of several fees in the green card process.
What is the I-130 Filing Fee in 2026?
As of 2026, the I-130 filing fee depends on how you choose to submit your application. USCIS has structured the fees to encourage applicants to file digitally.
Here is the current breakdown:
1. Paper Filing ($675)
If you choose to print your forms and mail a physical packet to USCIS, the fee is $675. Many couples still prefer this method because they feel more comfortable having a physical copy of every document, or because their case is complex and requires substantial physical evidence.
2. Online Filing ($625)
If you file the I-130 form electronically through the USCIS online account system, the fee is $625. This represents a $50 savings compared to paper filing.
Note: Even if you file the I-130 online, you may still need to file other forms (like the I-485 for adjustment of status) by mail. This is why many couples choose to use a service like Greenbroad to manage the entire package for them.
I-130 Online Filing vs Paper Filing - Which is Better? (2026 Guide)
The Total Cost: Looking Beyond the I-130 Filing Fee
While the $625–$675 fee gets your petition started, it is rarely the only cost you will face. To budget correctly for 2026, you need to know which path you are taking: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.
Scenario A: Spouse is Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
If your spouse is already in the U.S. (for example, on a work or student visa) and you are filing to switch them to a green card holder, you will likely file “concurrently.” This means you file several forms at once.
Estimated Government Fees:
- Form I-130: $675 (Paper filing)
- Form I-485 (Green Card Application): $1,440
- Biometrics Fee: (Usually included in the I-485 fee, but verify current instructions)
- Medical Exam: $200–$500 (Paid directly to the doctor)
Total Estimated Government Cost: ~$2,500+
Scenario B: Spouse is Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
If your spouse is living abroad, you file the I-130 first. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
Estimated Government Fees:
- Form I-130: $625 (Online) or $675 (Paper)
- NVC Support Fee: $120
- NVC Visa Application Fee: $325
- USCIS Immigrant Fee (after approval): $235
- Medical Exam: $200–$500 (varies by country)
Total Estimated Government Cost: ~$1,500+
How to Pay the I-130 Filing Fee
USCIS is very strict about payment. If your payment fails, your application is rejected immediately. You can pay using a check, money order, or credit card.
1. Personal Check or Cashier’s Check
This is the most common method for paper filings.
- Make it payable to: “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (Do not abbreviate to DHS or USDHS).
- Date: Use the current date (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Memo line: Write “I-130 filing fee” and the beneficiary’s (your spouse’s) full name.
- Sign it: Ensure the account holder signs the check.
2. Money Order
Money orders are a safe bet if you don’t use personal checks. You can get them at banks, post offices, or convenience stores. Follow the same “Payable to” instructions as a check.
3. Credit Card (Form G-1450)
If you are filing by mail but want to pay with a card, you must fill out Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) and place it on top of your application packet.
- Warning: If your bank flags the transaction as fraud (which happens often with large government charges), USCIS will reject your entire application. Call your bank beforehand to authorize the charge.
4. Online Payment
If you file the I-130 form online via the USCIS portal, you will be directed to a secure payment page (Pay.gov) where you can enter your credit card or bank routing number directly.
How to Pay USCIS Fees - Payment Methods
🚀 Feeling Overwhelmed by Forms and Fees?
One small mistake on a check or a form can lead to months of delays. You don’t have to do this alone.
Greenbroad helps you prepare your entire marriage green card package for a flat fee of $749.
We check your documents, ensure your forms are accurate, and give you clear filing instructions so you get it right the first time.
I-130 Guide: Who Actually Pays the Fee?
Technically, the Petitioner (the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse) is responsible for filing the I-130. Therefore, the petitioner is responsible for the fee.
However, USCIS does not care whose bank account the money comes from.
- It can be paid from the U.S. citizen’s account.
- It can be paid from a joint account.
- It can be paid by a friend or family member (though this is less common).
Important: If you use a personal check, ensure the address on the check is current, or at least that your phone number is written on it, in case the bank needs to verify the transaction.
5 Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Paying the i-130 filing fee seems simple, yet thousands of applications are rejected every year due to payment errors. Here is how to avoid them:
- Sending the Old Fee Amount: USCIS changes fees periodically. If you send $535 (the old fee) instead of the current $675/625, your packet will be returned.
- Leaving the Check Unsigned: A check without a signature is invalid. Double-check this before sealing the envelope.
- Abbreviating the Payee: Write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not write “DHS” or “Immigration.”
- Bounced Checks: If your check bounces due to insufficient funds, USCIS will reject your application and may charge you a $30 penalty fee.
- Sending Cash: Never send cash through the mail. It will be rejected, and the money may be lost.
I-130 Denial Reasons - Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid
How to Fill I-130 and File Correctly
The fee is useless without a correctly filled form. While we have a full guide on how to fill I-130, here is the general workflow to ensure your money isn’t wasted:
- Gather Evidence: Proof of U.S. citizenship (Petitioner) and proof of marriage (Certificate + Relationship evidence like photos/leases).
- Complete the Form: Answer every question. If a question doesn’t apply, type “N/A” or “None.” Do not leave blanks unless instructed.
- Print and Sign: If filing by mail, use black ink.
- Assemble the Packet: Place the payment (Check/Money Order/G-1450) on the very top. Then the I-130 form, then your supporting documents.
- Mail with Tracking: Always use FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority Mail with tracking numbers. You need proof that USCIS received your payment and packet.
Processing Times in 2026: What Are You Paying For?
You might think that paying a $675 i-130 filing fee guarantees fast service. Unfortunately, immigration is a slow process.
As of early 2026, the average processing time for an I-130 varies significantly based on the service center and the petitioner’s status:
- Spouse of U.S. Citizen: 10 – 14 months on average.
- Spouse of Green Card Holder: 12 – 30 months (depending on visa availability).
Can you pay extra to speed it up? Generally, no. There is no “Premium Processing” for a standard marriage-based I-130 petition. You are paying strictly for the government to review and adjudicate your case, regardless of how long it takes.
Conclusion
Understanding the I-130 filing fee is the first step toward building your life together in the United States. In 2026, you should budget $625 for online filing or $675 for paper filing.
Remember, this fee is non-refundable. The cost of a simple mistake isn’t just financial—it’s the time lost with your spouse.
If the thought of navigating government forms, calculating fees, and organizing evidence feels overwhelming, you don’t have to hire an expensive attorney to get peace of mind.
Greenbroad makes immigration simple.
For a flat fee of $749, we provide:
- A complete, customized application package.
- A review of your forms to prevent costly rejections.
- A personalized checklist of the evidence you need.
- Step-by-step filing instructions.
Don’t let paperwork stand in the way of your love story.
Start Your Green Card Journey with Greenbroad Today
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration fees and regulations are subject to change by USCIS. While we strive to keep our content accurate as of 2026, specific case details can vary. For complex immigration histories or legal advice, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. Reference: USCIS G-1055 Fee Schedule