In case you are considering sponsoring a relative for their U.S. Green Card application, the first step to take is to submit a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). However, along with the correct filling of the form, you should also pay attention to the filing fee, as an incorrect payment will result in your application being rejected.
In this article, you will find information concerning the current Form I-130 filing fee, how to pay it, what other costs to expect during the immigration process, and how to avoid the most common mistakes while filling the form.
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Get Started TodayWhat is Form I-130?
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to show that a family relationship exists with the person applying for an immigration visa to come to the United States. Although the approved I-130 is necessary, it does not grant a Green Card. It only establishes that there is a valid family relationship which will allow the beneficiary to proceed with the immigration process.
Form I-130 Filing Fee Breakdown
The current fee structure for filing the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is as follows:
| Category | Amount |
| Form I-130 – Online | $625 |
| Form I-130 – Paper | $675 |
| Form I-130A Supplement | $0 |
Note: Form I-130A is required for spouse beneficiaries.
Important Considerations
There are some considerations for you to follow while you file the petition for alien relative.
Per Applicant Fee: If you are sponsoring more than one family members, then you are required to file separate form for each applicant and pay full fee separately.
Biometrics Fee: As of now, there is no additional Biometrics fee for Form I-130. It is already included in the overall cost.
Filing method: Filing the form online costs $50 less than filing the form via mail. Moreover, not only it is cheaper but also more convenient.
Refundable: As of now, the filing fee is non-refundable. Even if your petition is denied, delayed, or withdrawn, the fee would not be refunded. Therefore, it becomes important that you submit with correct documentation and everything in order.
Methods of Payment for the I-130 Filing Fee
Different payment methods are offered by USCIS based on the filing process.
When Filing Online
In most cases, payments can be made online through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- US Bank Transfer
- When Filing by Mail
- The accepted payment methods are:
- Credit Card Authorization
- Bank Account Transfer Authorization
Additional Costs Besides the Charge for I-130
In the process of family immigration, the payment of the I-130 filing fee is only one of the many costs involved. In case your situation requires them, you might eventually have to incur the following costs:
- Costs for the Green Card application (either through Adjustment of Status or various types of Consular Processing)
- Affidavit of Support costs
- Medical exam
- Costs of the Biometric data collection
- Costs and expenses for passport photographs
- Translation costs Various civil and legal documents costs (e.g., birth or marriage certificates)
- Fees for hiring an immigration consultant
- Depending on the situation of the applicant which can either be in the US or overseas, the total cost of immigration can vary greatly.
Fee Waiver for Form I-130
The majority of applicants applying for Form I-130 are ineligible for a fee waiver. Despite the options available where some immigration forms and categories may even involve fee waivers, Form I-130 almost always must be paid for unless a particular exemption applies as far as the USCIS rules are concerned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid delays and rejections, make sure you:
- Pay the proper fee.
- Use the most current version of Form I-130.
- Include all necessary documents.
- Sign the petition in the right places.
- Upload good quality copies of identity and evidence.
- Ensure that you have checked your names and information.
How Documitra Can Help
The I-130 form serves as the basis of most family-based immigration applications and making the proper payment in this step is crucial. Presently, the petitioners are required to pay $625 for filing online or $675 for paper filing depending on the method of their filing; additionally, there are other fees for each beneficiary involved in the application process.
However, before sending the application make sure to check the latest fee schedule by USCIS to confirm that all supporting documents have been prepared and verify the method of payment. Adhering to these points would help in eliminating any possibility of delays in the application process.
Having said that, if you want to exponentially increase your chances of approval, you should take assistance from professionals like the team at Documitra. We have years of relevant experience in documentation and immigration services, having served our clients across different stages of their immigration processes.
Need Help Filing Form I-130?
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Get Started TodayFAQs
Q. What is the Form I-130 filing fee currently?
The cost is currently $625 if submitted digitally and $675 if sent through postal mail service.
Q. Is the cost of this filing included in the Green Card price?
The I-130 fee only includes the Petition for Alien Relative, therefore, more fees related to different parts of the process will potentially be required.
Q. Can the whole family fee paid in one amount?
It is not permitted, as each eligible beneficiary needs to have a different I-130 form filed and fee paid.
Q. What will happen if I make a mistake with paying the fee?
If you pay the incorrect amount, your petition will be rejected. USPIS will ask you to make the new payment and resend the package.
