New official fees and how they affect your application
As of February 1, 2026, new immigration fees are now in effect, directly impacting individuals and families who wish to initiate or continue proceedings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This adjustment responds to official updates for inflation and administrative costs and represents a significant increase in several of the most common immigration processes. Therefore, it is essential to understand how these changes may affect your case and plan accordingly before submitting any application.
Affected immigration procedures and approximate costs*
Below are examples of common procedures with their approximate costs in 2026:
- Employment Authorization (Form I-765):
- Initial application: approximately $560 USD
- Renewal: approximately $280 USD
- Application for Permanent Residence (Form I-485):
- In many cases, total costs may exceed $1,400 USD, depending on the category and individual circumstances.
- Replacement or Renewal of Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90):
- Approximately $500–$600 USD.
- Application for U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400):
- Costs may approach or exceed $800 USD.
- Change or Extension of Status (Form I-539):
- Fees vary depending on the type of status requested and whether regular or premium processing is used.
In addition, certain employment-based applications may qualify for Premium Processing, whose fees also increased in 2026 and can exceed $2,900 USD, depending on the form.
What should you consider before filing?
Beyond higher fees, it is important to keep in mind that:
- Errors or incomplete applications can result in costly delays or rejections.
- Not all applicants qualify for fee waivers or reductions.
- Every immigration case is unique and requires an individualized legal review.
Even though the fee increase is already in effect, proper legal guidance remains critical to avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure your application is filed correctly from the start.
If you have questions about the new immigration fees or would like guidance on which application is appropriate for your situation, consult with one of our attorneys.
Please contact our office at 213.200.1505 to schedule an appointment.