Methodology & data sources
Transparency is the core of our E-E-A-T: this page documents where our data comes from, how it is verified, how often it is refreshed, and the maths behind the fee calculator.
How we source and verify fees
Every USCIS filing fee on VisaLedger is transcribed by hand from the official USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), the USCIS Filing Fees page and each individual form's official page on USCIS.gov. The current figures reflect the 2024 final fee rule (effective April 1, 2024) and the additional fees created by Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1), including the FY2026 inflation-adjusted amounts. State Department nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fees come from travel.state.gov.
Each fee is date-stamped on its page ("Fees current as of June 2026") and cross-checked against the primary government source listed on the form's page. Where a fee has tiers, exemptions, online/paper differences or court-stayed surcharges, we note them rather than hiding them. If we cannot verify a figure against an official source, we omit the form rather than guess.
Data sources
| Source | Refresh cadence | License |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) and form fee pages | annual | U.S. Government work (public domain) |
| U.S. Department of State — Fees for Visa Services | annual | U.S. Government work (public domain) |
How the calculator works
The fee calculator runs entirely in your browser. It adds the published USCIS filing fee for each form you select, plus any biometric services fee, and switches between the online and paper rate. We do not store your inputs. It uses standard fees and does not automatically apply reduced fees (such as the I-485 child rate or the N-400 reduced fee), fee waivers, or H.R. 1 surcharges, and it excludes attorney, medical and State Department fees.
Limitations
Immigration fees change — sometimes mid-year — and some carry court-stayed or not-yet-implemented surcharges. The figures here are for general information and may lag the underlying source or contain transcription errors. They are not legal advice. Always confirm the current fee on the official USCIS.gov or travel.state.gov page before filing, and consult a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative for advice on your situation. See our disclaimer.