This page breaks down the costs summarized in our EB-2 NIW guide. Government fees change periodically, so we date every figure and link to the official USCIS fee schedule.
Key takeaways
- USCIS fees at the I-140 stage: $1,015 ($715 + $300 Asylum Program Fee).
- Premium processing is optional at $2,965.
- I-485 costs $1,440 per applicant aged 14+ in the U.S.
- Applicants abroad pay immigrant visa fees to the State Department and USCIS instead.
- Fees verified on {date}; always confirm on uscis.gov/g-1055.
What are the USCIS fees for EB-2 NIW?
At the I-140 stage, a paper-filed NIW self-petition costs $1,015 in USCIS fees: the $715 filing fee and the $300 Asylum Program Fee.
What does every government fee cost?
Beyond the I-140, your costs depend on optional premium processing and whether you finish in the U.S. or abroad.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays / when |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-140 | $715 (paper) | Required for every petition |
| Asylum Program Fee | $300 for most self-petitioners | Required with I-140 |
| Form I-907 premium processing | $2,965 | Optional |
| Form I-485 adjustment of status | $1,440 per applicant aged 14+ | In the U.S., each family member |
| Form I-765 work permit (with I-485) | $260 | Optional, in the U.S. |
| Form I-131 travel document (with I-485) | $630 | Optional, in the U.S. |
| Immigrant visa (DS-260) + USCIS immigrant fee | See travel.state.gov and uscis.gov | Abroad, each family member |
Fees verified against the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055) on {date}. USCIS adjusts fees periodically, so always confirm before paying.
What third-party costs should I budget for?
Plan for a credential evaluation, certified translations, the immigration medical exam, and courier costs. Amounts vary by provider and country.
- Credential evaluation of foreign degrees
- Certified English translations
- Immigration medical exam (Form I-693 or panel physician)
- Courier and document delivery
- Police certificates and civil documents
- Passport photos and passport renewals
What does a realistic NIW budget look like?
Most of the variation comes from premium processing, family size and where you complete the final stage. Use this as a planning template.
| Cost item | Single applicant (in U.S.) | Family of four (in U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 + Asylum Program Fee | $1,015 | $1,015 |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,965 | $2,965 |
| I-485 (aged 14+) | $1,440 | $1,440 per person aged 14+; children under 14 filing with a parent pay a reduced fee |
| Third-party costs | Varies | Varies, per person |
| Professional fee | Quoted in writing | Quoted in writing |
Our professional fees: {insert Phoenix service packages, what each includes, and the payment schedule}.
Start with a free assessment, then receive a clear quote and payment schedule before you commit.
How can I avoid costly fee mistakes?
Most fee problems come from outdated amounts, missing the Asylum Program Fee, or paying with the wrong method.
- Using an old fee amount from a blog or forum
- Leaving out the Asylum Program Fee
- Paying the I-485 fee for a child under 14 at the adult rate
- Sending one combined payment when separate payments are required
- Using a card or account that declines international USCIS charges
[Include partner-attorney sentence here if applicable.]
Official sources
- USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055)
- USCIS: Form I-140
- USCIS: Form I-485
- USCIS: How Do I Request Premium Processing?
Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services LLC is an immigration consulting firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Information on this page is general and may change; always confirm current rules on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Filing a petition or application does not guarantee approval.
