New USCIS Fee Schedule Takes Effect July 22 2025

On July 18 2025, USCIS published a Federal Register notice implementing its first comprehensive fee hike since 2020. Most family‑based forms jumped 15‑25%, while employment and humanitarian petitions saw larger increases to offset agency shortfalls.

Top 10 Fee Changes to Know

• Form **I‑485** (Adjustment of Status) → **$1,440** (was $1,225 with biometrics). Biometrics fee now bundled.
• Form **I‑130** (Petition for Alien Relative) → **$720** (paper) / **$675** (online).
• **Combo filing discount:** Filing I‑765 + I‑131 with an I‑485 on the same day gets a $150 bundled reduction.

Why Did USCIS Raise Fees Now?

USCIS is 96% fee‑funded. After pandemic‑era revenue dips and a backlog surpassing 11 million cases, the agency says higher fees will finance 3,800 new adjudicators and expanded digital infrastructure.

3 Ways to Save Money Under the New Schedule

• 📑 **File online**: Electronic I‑130, I‑131, and N‑400 variants cost $45–$65 less than paper.
• 🪙 **Check fee exempt categories**: VAWA, T & U visas, and Afghan allies remain free.
• ⏱️ **File before July 22**: Mail‑date, not receipt‑date, determines old vs new fee. Use USPS Express Mail if you’re tight on time.

Double‑check the G‑1055 fee table before you write a check. **Applications with incorrect fees are rejected outright and lose precious priority‑date time.**