(ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA) — Green card applicants are being warned to double-check every fee payment and filing step as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intensify fraud enforcement and public scam alerts.
Officials say green card scams are becoming more sophisticated. They often center on “fee collection” schemes, including fake fast-track offers, payment app demands, and lookalike websites. In recent remarks tied to an enforcement action in Minnesota, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said:
“Under President Trump, we will expose and deliver accountability for the rampant fraud and criminality happening in Minnesota.”
How scammers exploit filing fees
Scammers frequently pressure applicants to “pay now” to avoid delays. This tactic is especially common when applicants hear about policy shifts or added screening.
USCIS fees must be paid only through USCIS filing channels. Do not pay anyone who demands money through gift cards or payment apps. USCIS does not accept PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or gift cards for filing fees.
Never pay with gift cards or payment apps. Scammers push ‘pay now’ through lookalike sites; verify every fee and payment method on .gov domains, and report suspicious activity to USCIS immediately.
💰 Current Fee Warning: Green card-related filing fees vary by form and category. Verify the exact total at uscis.gov/fees before you pay.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Paying a “helper” instead of paying USCIS can lead to lost money and a rejected filing.
Green card fee overview (common filings)
Most green card applicants pay USCIS filing fees to start or complete a case. The correct form depends on your situation.
Below are common green card-related forms and fees people ask about. Fees are as of January 2026. Fees can change, and paying the wrong amount can cause a rejection.
Fee breakdown table (typical green card filings)
| Form (full name) | Typical use | Form fee (as of Jan 2026) | Biometrics fee | Total to USCIS (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Apply for a green card inside the U.S. | $1,225 | Included | $1,225 |
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Family petition | $625 | N/A | $625 |
| Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Replace or renew green card | Varies by category | May apply | Varies |
| Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | Remove conditions on a 2-year card | Varies | Often required | Varies |
| Form N-400, Application for Naturalization | U.S. citizenship (not a green card filing) | $760 | Included | $760 |
USCIS sometimes updates fees and payment rules. Always confirm your category and the final total at uscis.gov/fees.
Fee waivers: when Form I-912 may help
Some applicants can request a fee waiver using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. Fee waivers are not available for every form. Eligibility depends on the benefit type and your personal situation.
USCIS generally reviews fee waivers based on one of these factors:
– You receive a means-tested public benefit.
– Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
– You have financial hardship, with supporting evidence.
File the fee waiver request exactly as the form instructions require. Include proof, not just a statement. If USCIS denies the waiver, your filing may be rejected or delayed.
Accepted payment methods (and what to avoid)
USCIS payment options depend on how you file.
1) If you file online (my.uscis.gov)
– Pay by credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer through the USCIS online system.
2) If you file by mail (lockbox)
– Payment options depend on the filing location and form instructions.
– USCIS has been moving many filings toward electronic payment channels.
Treat these as red flags:
– Any demand for payment by gift card.
– Any demand for payment by PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
– Any claim that a fee will “unlock” a hold or speed your case.
✅ Pro Tip: Download forms only from uscis.gov/forms. Many scam sites charge for forms that are free.
Where to check current fees and fee-change effective dates
USCIS fees can change by regulation. A fee update may take effect on a specific future date; if you mail a package on or after that date, you must use the new fee.
Use these official pages:
– Fee schedule: https://www.uscis.gov/fees
– Avoid scams: https://www.uscis.gov/scams
If you see a “new fee” claim on social media, verify it on uscis.gov. Do not rely on screenshots.
Always confirm the exact total on uscis.gov/fees the day you pay, and use only official USCIS channels (online accounts or lockbox). Download forms from the official site to avoid counterfeit copies.
Processing times and the fraud-enforcement backdrop
Processing times are estimates and vary by form, category, and office. Check the USCIS tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
As of January 2026, USCIS and DHS report increased fraud reviews and enforcement activity. That may add screening steps in some cases. Delays also happen due to:
– Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
– Interviews at field offices
– Background checks and re-vetting
Tips to avoid payment problems and rejections
Use these steps to reduce rejections and scam exposure:
- Pick the correct form and category. The wrong category can produce the wrong fee.
- Confirm the total on uscis.gov/fees. Do this the same day you pay.
- Use the official USCIS channel to pay. Online accounts and lockbox directions matter.
- Keep proof of payment. Save receipts and confirmation pages.
- Never pay by payment app or gift card. That is a top sign of fraud.
- Watch for lookalike domains. Official sites end in .gov.
Form quick reference (popular green card step)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Form Number | I-485 |
| Purpose | Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status |
| Filing Fee | $1,225 (as of January 2026) |
| Biometrics | Included |
| Processing Time | Varies by category and office; check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ |
| Where to get the form | uscis.gov/forms |
Applicants concerned about scams should report suspicious activity and rely on official DHS and USCIS information channels. USCIS also warns that it does not contact applicants through personal social media accounts to fix case issues.
To move forward safely, confirm the correct form, confirm the fee on uscis.gov, and pay only through USCIS filing channels. Create an online account at my.uscis.gov to track notices and case updates.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
USCIS and DHS have launched a major crackdown on green card fraud, specifically targeting predatory ‘fee collection’ schemes. The agencies emphasize that official fees must be paid through approved government channels, never via personal payment apps or gift cards. With the I-485 fee set at $1,225 as of 2026, applicants must remain vigilant, verify costs on official websites, and report any suspicious activity.
