Form I-90 Fees Explained: Cost, Payment Options, and Fee Waivers (2026 Guide)

If you need to renew or replace your green card, filing Form I-90 is an important step. Before you apply, it’s essential to understand the total cost, how to pay, and whether you may qualify for a fee waiver.

Many applicants are unsure about the exact fee or assume there are hidden charges. The good news is that USCIS has simplified the fee structure in recent years, making it easier to understand what you need to pay.

The USCIS Form I-90 filing fee in 2026 is $415 when filed online and $465 when filed by mail, with no separate biometrics fee. Some applicants may also qualify for a fee waiver or pay no fee at all, depending on their situation.

USCIS Form I-90 Filing Fee 2026: Current Cost

Many applicants are unsure about the exact fee or assume there are hidden charges. The good news is that USCIS has simplified the fee structure in recent years, making it easier to understand what you need to pay.

Online filing is generally more affordable and convenient, while paper filing may be preferred in certain situations where online submission is not possible.

Form I-90 Fee Breakdown (USCIS 2026)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the current USCIS Form I-90 filing fees in 2026:

The total fee already includes biometrics services, so applicants do not need to pay anything extra for fingerprinting or photographs.

Online vs Paper Filing Cost

Filing Form I-90 online is generally more cost-effective and convenient than filing by mail. In addition to being less expensive, online applications are processed more efficiently and help reduce the chances of errors.

Paper filing, while still available, involves a higher fee and may take longer due to manual processing.

USCIS Form I-90 Biometrics Fee 2026: Is It Included?

The USCIS Form I-90 biometrics fee in 2026 is included in the total filing cost, with no separate $85 charge required.

Before April 1, 2024, applicants paid a $455 filing fee plus an $85 biometrics fee, for a total of $540. As of 2026, biometrics services are bundled into the main fee.

This USCIS fee rule change, introduced in 2024, has made Form I-90 more affordable overall. After filing, USCIS will schedule your biometrics appointment at no additional cost.

USCIS Fee Schedule for Form I-90 (2026)

The USCIS fee schedule was updated in recent years to simplify application costs.

Key updates include:

• Lower fee for online filing compared to paper
• Biometrics fee now included in the total cost
• Simplified fee structure with fewer separate charges

When Is Form I-90 Free? (Fee Exemptions)

Form I-90 may be free if USCIS made an error or if you never received your green card.

In certain situations, you do not need to pay any fee:

USCIS Error on Your Green Card

If your green card contains incorrect information due to a USCIS mistake (such as a misspelled name), you can request a replacement at no cost.

Green Card Not Delivered

If USCIS mailed your card but it was returned as undeliverable—and you did not move—you may qualify for a free replacement.

Form I-90 Fee Waiver (Who Qualifies?)

You may qualify for a fee waiver if you have low income, receive public benefits, or face financial hardship.

USCIS allows eligible applicants to request a fee waiver using Form I-912.

Income-Based Eligibility

Your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Means-Tested Benefits

You may qualify if you receive benefits such as:

• Medicaid
• SNAP (food assistance)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Financial Hardship

You may also qualify if you can show:

• Medical expenses
• Job loss
• Unexpected financial difficulties

Supporting documents are required to prove eligibility.

Important Rules for Fee Waivers

To request a fee waiver, you must file Form I-90 by mail and include Form I-912 with supporting documents.

• Fee waivers are not available for online filing
• You must submit your request by mail
• Include proper documentation
• Some fees may not be waivable under recent rules

How to Pay the Form I-90 Fee

USCIS accepts different payment methods based on whether you file online or by mail. It’s important to use an accepted method and follow payment instructions carefully to avoid rejection.

If Filing Online

When filing Form I-90 online, you can pay using a credit card, debit card, or bank account through Pay.gov.

You can pay securely through your USCIS online account using:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Bank account (ACH transfer)

Online payments are processed immediately and are the fastest option.

If Filing by Mail

When filing Form I-90 by mail, USCIS accepts card payments using Form G-1450 or bank payments using Form G-1650.

For paper filings, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders. Instead, you must use:

• Credit, debit, or prepaid card (using Form G-1450)
• Bank account (ACH transfer using Form G-1650)

USCIS periodically updates its payment methods, so always follow the latest instructions to avoid delays or rejection.

Payment Rules You Must Follow

USCIS will reject your application if the fee is incorrect or missing.

Keep these rules in mind:

• Fees are non-refundable
• Pay the exact amount
• Use correct payment methods
• Do not combine payments for multiple forms

Even a small mistake can result in your application being rejected.

Common Fee Mistakes to Avoid

Common mistakes include paying the wrong fee, missing payment forms, or sending incorrect payment methods.

Avoid these common issues:

• Paying an outdated or incorrect fee
• Forgetting to include payment authorization forms
• Using the wrong payment type
• Sending your application to the wrong address

Double-check everything before submitting your application.

Should You File Form I-90 Online or by Mail?

Filing Form I-90 online is cheaper, faster, and reduces errors compared to mailing your application.

Online Filing Benefits

• Lower cost
• Faster processing
• Fewer errors

Mail Filing Considerations

• Required if requesting a fee waiver
• May take longer
• More prone to errors

For most applicants, online filing is the better option.

Form I-90 Fees: Real-Life Examples

Understanding the Form I-90 fee is easier when you look at common situations. Here are some real examples to help you understand what you may need to pay.

Lost Green Card While Traveling Abroad

If you lose your green card outside the U.S. (for example, while visiting another country), you will usually need to file Form I-90 online and pay the standard fee.

Typical cost: $415. You may also need to provide a police report or explanation.

Renewing Your Green Card in the U.S.

If your green card is expiring and you are applying from within the United States, you can file online or by mail.

Online filing: $415 (lower cost), Paper filing: $465

Filing online is usually faster and more convenient.

Applying for a Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford the fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver.

You must show financial hardship, such as:

• Low income
• Receiving government benefits

Fee waivers are only available when filing by mail.

USCIS Error on Your Green Card

If your green card has a mistake caused by USCIS (such as a wrong date of birth), you may not have to pay any fee.

Cost: $0 (if USCIS made the error)

Tip: These examples cover the most common situations. Make sure you choose the right option based on your case to avoid delays or incorrect payments.

FAQ on Form I-90 Fees

Start Your Form I-90 Application Today

Understanding the fees helps you avoid delays and unexpected issues. Filing Form I-90 correctly the first time can save time and money.

Start your Green Card Renewal, choose online for speed or mail for waivers.