Curious about I-140 fees in 2025? This guide covers Form I-140 filing costs, premium processing, attorney fees, approval rates, and payment tips, explained in simple terms.
If you’re applying for an employment-based green card, the first thing that might cross your mind is: how much is this all going to cost? That’s where I-140 fees come into play. Most applicants don’t realize that the filing fee is just the beginning. There are attorney charges, optional premium processing, and even unexpected expenses like translations or courier costs. At Beyond Border, we’ve worked with countless professionals who thought the government fee was the only thing they’d pay, until reality hit. Talking about costs upfront helps you plan and saves a lot of stress later.
Form I-140, the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, is the foundation of employment-based immigration. Without it, there’s no way forward to permanent residency. Employers file it to show that a worker qualifies for EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories. If you’re self-petitioning in EB-1A or NIW, you file it yourself. Either way, USCIS won’t process your green card without it. The I-140 application fees are tied to this form, and while the number may look small compared to attorney costs, it’s still required. Think of it as your entry ticket into the green card journey.
The standard Form I-140 filing fee as of 2025 is in the mid-hundreds. That covers USCIS reviewing your petition. But the full I-140 cost is more than just that. Why? Because most applicants hire attorneys, and those legal fees often range into the thousands. On top of that, if you choose premium processing, you’ll add thousands more to your total. So when people ask, “How much is 140?” The real answer depends on your situation. Some end up paying only the filing fee, while others face a much larger bill once everything is included.
The I-140 filing attorney fees often surprise applicants more than government costs do. Lawyers typically charge between two and five thousand dollars for this stage, depending on complexity. On top of that, you may pay for expert letters, translations, or courier services. Who actually pays these fees? In most cases, the employer covers the I-140 filing fees, since they are the official petitioner. But attorney fees can be split or sometimes shifted to the employee. At Beyond Border, we recommend clarifying payment responsibilities early so you aren’t blindsided halfway through the process.
Premium processing lets you pay extra to get a USCIS decision within 15 days. The I-140 premium processing fee is steep, several thousand dollars on top of the base filing cost. The big question: is it worth it? For some, yes, especially if a job offer depends on quick approval or if delays might hurt your timeline. For others, regular processing is fine, even if it takes months. Some clients gladly paid for the speed, while others chose patience to save money. It really comes down to urgency and budget.
Let’s make it simple with a quick comparison:
When clients ask, “Is I-140 premium processing worth it?” We usually ask them about deadlines. If there’s no rush, saving money makes sense. If your future depends on timing, premium might be the better route.
Processing time depends on how you file. I-140 regular processing time can stretch to months, sometimes nearly a year. With premium, USCIS promises a decision in 15 calendar days. However, if they issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), the clock pauses until you respond. The I-140 premium processing receipt notice usually arrives fast, within a week or so. Still, even a premium doesn’t guarantee approval, it only speeds up the review. Applicants often choose a premium for peace of mind, especially when jobs, travel, or family plans hinge on the outcome.
Paying I-140 fees doesn’t mean a guaranteed approval. USCIS reviews every detail of your petition. The I-140 approval rate is fairly strong overall, but some categories are tougher. The I-140 denial rate and I-140 rejection rate usually rise when evidence is weak, documents don’t match, or employers fail to prove financial ability to pay. Imagine submitting everything correctly but leaving out one letter, that could cost you. The fee just buys review; the strength of your case determines success.
Many applicants confuse I-140 vs PERM. They serve different purposes. PERM labor certification comes first for EB-2 and EB-3 cases, proving no qualified U.S. workers are available. The I-140 then proves the worker’s eligibility. PERM costs involve recruitment expenses, while I-140 filing fees are separate. If you’re in EB-1 or NIW, you can skip PERM, but for others, both steps are necessary. Financially, this means budgeting for two separate processes. Knowing the difference helps avoid surprises and sets realistic expectations about timelines and costs.
Here’s a breakdown in plain terms:
Sorting this out early avoids disputes. At Beyond Border, we always encourage clients to clarify agreements before filing.
Not all cases follow the same rules. Some applicants face unique fees. For example, there’s the asylum program fee I-140, which applies in certain filings. Others ask about the green card application fee for asylees or fees for asylum applications, which differ from employment-based costs. These aren’t common, but they show how fees can vary depending on your immigration path. The takeaway: don’t assume everyone pays the same. Always confirm what applies to your case so you can budget correctly.
The Form I-140 filing address depends on where you live and whether you’re using premium processing. Send it to the wrong office, and your case could bounce back. Payment methods include checks, money orders, or credit cards (with Form G-1450). USCIS occasionally updates addresses, so double-check before mailing. This step sounds small, but there are delays of months from a simple address mistake. At Beyond Border, we verify every detail before filing to make sure nothing goes off track.
When it comes to I-140 fees, the filing charge is just the start. Attorney fees, premium processing, and extras can make the total cost much higher than most expect. The key is planning. If you budget realistically, decide whether the premium is worth it, and prepare your documents carefully, you’ll avoid unnecessary setbacks. At Beyond Border, we’ve guided thousands through this exact stage, and one pattern is clear: preparation saves time, money, and peace of mind. If you’re starting your own journey, get clarity now, it’s the smartest move you can make.
