USCIS Updates Immigration Fees for Fiscal Year 2027
The government is changing some immigration application fees starting next year because of inflation.
Affects: All immigrants · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
USCIS has announced that many immigration application fees will change. These changes are due to inflation, which means things cost more over time. This update is for the government's Fiscal Year 2027.
The new fees will start on October 16, 2026. If you send an application on or after this date, you must pay the correct new fee. If you don't, your application could be sent back to you.
By the numbers
- Fiscal Year 2027 — The government's budget year for which these fees apply
- October 16, 2026 — The date when the new fees become effective
- $10 — The amount fees are sometimes rounded down by
- July 2025 to July 2026 — The period used to measure inflation for this adjustment
The bigger picture
A law called H.R. 1, or the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," was passed in 2025. This law created new fees for many immigration applications. It also said that these fees must be updated every year to keep up with changing costs.
The government updates these fees based on how much prices have gone up for everyday items. This helps USCIS cover the costs of processing all the applications they receive. It ensures the system can keep running smoothly.
What this means for you
All immigrants
If you are planning to apply for any immigration benefit with USCIS, you will need to pay the new, updated fees. It is very important to check the exact fee amount before you send your application. This change applies to most types of immigration requests you might make.
Employers
If you are an employer who files immigration petitions for workers, you will also need to pay the updated fees. Making sure you pay the correct amount helps ensure your petitions are processed without delays by USCIS.
Green card applicants
If you are applying for a Green Card, the fees for your application will also be adjusted. You should check the new fee schedule carefully before submitting your forms to USCIS to avoid any issues.
What you should do
- If you plan to file an immigration application, check the USCIS website for the new fees before October 16, 2026. Make sure to pay the correct amount when you send your application to avoid delays.
Key dates
- 2026-10-16: New immigration fees become effective. Applications sent on or after this date must include the new fees.
Words explained
- USCIS
- USCIS stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is the government agency that handles immigration applications.
- DHS
- DHS stands for the Department of Homeland Security, which is the larger government department that USCIS is a part of.
- Inflation
- Inflation is when the cost of things like food, clothes, and services goes up over time, making money buy less.
- Fiscal Year
- A Fiscal Year is a 12-month period that a government or company uses for budgeting, which does not always start on January 1st.
- H.R. 1
- H.R. 1 is a special law, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," that changed some immigration rules and created new fees.
Common questions
When do the new immigration fees start?
The new fees will start on October 16, 2026. Make sure your application is postmarked with the correct fee on or after this date to avoid problems.
How do I know the new fee for my application?
The announcement says USCIS will outline the adjusted fees. You should check the official USCIS website closer to October 16, 2026, for the exact amounts for each application form.
What happens if I pay the old fee by mistake?
If your application is postmarked on or after October 16, 2026, and you pay the wrong fee, your application will be rejected. This means it will be sent back to you, and you will need to resubmit it with the correct payment.
Why are immigration fees changing?
Immigration fees are changing because a law requires USCIS to adjust them every year for inflation. This helps the government cover the costs of processing immigration requests and keep the system working.
Will the fees go up or down?
The announcement is about an 'inflation adjustment,' which means the fees are usually updated to reflect higher costs. So, it is likely that most fees will go up. However, the exact amounts will be announced by USCIS.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.