Starting in 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement significant filing fee increases across many immigration forms. These updates are part of USCIS’s broader plan to stabilize operations and reduce backlogs, but for immigrants and their families, they mean higher costs — sometimes by several hundred dollars.
At San Diego Immigration Attorney – Susan V. Perez Law Offices, we want to ensure our clients and community are informed and prepared. Filing your application before the new fees take effect can save you money and avoid additional delays
USCIS operates primarily on application fees rather than taxpayer funding. The last comprehensive fee adjustment was in 2016. With rising operational costs and increased demand for services, the agency is adjusting its fee structure to:
After a public review process, the new fee schedule is set to go into effect in early 2025.
Here are a few examples of the most impacted forms:
Application | Current Fee | New 2025 Fee | % Increase |
I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative | $535 | $675 | +26% |
I-485 – Adjustment of Status | $1,140 + $85 biometrics | $1,540 (biometrics included) | +27% |
I-765 – Work Authorization (EAD) | $410 | $555 | +35% |
I-131 – Advance Parole | $575 | $630 | +10% |
N-400 – Naturalization Application | $640 + $85 biometrics | $760 (biometrics included) | +12% |
Employment-based petitions, like H-1B or L-1 visas, will also see notable increases — some as high as 70%.
These fee hikes affect a broad range of applicants, including:
If you’re planning to file any immigration petition in the near future, acting soon can protect your finances and your future.
USCIS offers fee waivers or reduced fees only under limited conditions:
Even with these exceptions, documentation must be extensive, and eligibility is not guaranteed. Our office can help determine whether you qualify
Filing before the 2025 USCIS fee increases take effect can offer major advantages:
We strongly encourage all clients considering family sponsorships, work permits, or citizenship applications to begin the process now.
When do the new USCIS fees go into effect?
The official rule sets the changes for early 2025, but no exact date is confirmed. We recommend filing well before the year ends.
Will all applications be affected?
Most common forms will see an increase, including family-based, employment-based, humanitarian, and naturalization forms.
Can I still use old forms before the changes?
Yes — if submitted before the effective date, old forms and fees will be accepted.
What if I can’t afford the new fees?
Fee waivers are available in specific circumstances. Contact our office to assess your options.
Our experienced legal team is here to help you file correctly and efficiently — before the 2025 fee increases go into effect. Whether you’re sponsoring a family member, applying for a green card, or seeking citizenship, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Call us today at (619) 819-8648 or
Schedule a consultation online to avoid unnecessary fees and delays.
Stay tuned to our blog for further updates and detailed analyses of how these policies might affect various aspects of immigration and how you can prepare for the changes ahead.
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