I-821 filing fee (TPS)
Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status: what USCIS charges, by filing category, from the official fee schedule.
Fee by filing category
| Filing Category | Paper Filing Fee | Online Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| If you are filing for initial registration. | $520 plus additional fee | $520 plus additional fee |
| If you are filing for re-registration. | $0 plus additional fee | $0 plus additional fee |
| Additional Fee: Biometrics Services Fee You must submit the biometric services fee separately from the filing fee. | $30 | $30 |
How to pay
Online filings are paid through Pay.gov. For paper filings USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders or cashier's checks unless you qualify for an exemption (Form G-1651): pay by credit, debit or prepaid card with Form G-1450 or from a U.S. bank account with Form G-1650. A wrong amount gets the whole filing rejected.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the I-821 fee in 2026?
The I-821 fee is $520, plus additional fees that apply to some filers (see the table). These are the amounts in the USCIS Fee Calculator, updated Oct 28, 2026.
Can I get a fee waiver for I-821?
USCIS lists I-821 as eligible for a fee waiver for certain applicants. You request it with Form I-912 (or a written request) filed on paper together with the form, for example if you receive a means-tested public benefit, your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you are in financial hardship. Fees set by law under Pub. L. 119-21 cannot be waived.
How do I pay the I-821 fee?
Online filings are paid through Pay.gov. For paper filings USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders or cashier's checks unless you qualify for an exemption (Form G-1651): pay by credit, debit or prepaid card with Form G-1450 or from a U.S. bank account with Form G-1650. A wrong amount gets the whole filing rejected.
How long does I-821 take after I pay?
USCIS decided half of all I-821 cases within 15.5 months in Apr–Jun 2026. See the I-821 processing time page for the history.
Figures are copied from the official files without changes; derived numbers (changes, backlog estimates) are explained on the methodology page. Not legal advice.