What a self-filed NIW or EB-1A costs in 2026, line by line
By the Porttus team · Published October 26, 2026
Most cost articles give one wide range. Here the pieces are separated: what the government charges, what is optional, and where the real variance sits. Fees change, so every figure below should be confirmed on the USCIS fee schedule on the filing day.
Our blog posts are meant to share general information, not legal advice.
Government fees for a self-petitioner
| Item | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I-140 filing fee | $715 | Paper filing. USCIS lists $665 for filing online |
| Asylum Program Fee | $300 | Rate for a self-petitioner (a standard employer pays $600) |
| I-140, regular processing | $1,015 | $965 if filed online |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,965 | In effect since 1 Mar 2026 |
| I-140 with premium processing | $3,980 | $3,930 if filed online |
Amounts are from the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). The premium processing amount rose from $2,805 to $2,965 on 1 March 2026.
Premium processing turnaround is 15 business days for EB-1A and 45 business days for NIW. If USCIS issues an RFE or NOID, the clock stops and restarts after the response.
For a green card inside the US, adjustment of status adds I-485 at $1,440 (paper; $1,390 online). Optional work and travel permits filed with it are I-765 at $260 and I-131 at $630 (paper; $580 online). Spouses and children have their own fees. A medical exam by a civil surgeon (Form I-693) is billed by the doctor and the price varies by clinic.
Not on the government's invoice
- Translations. Every foreign-language document needs a certified translation. The cost grows with volume.
- Evidence gathering. Publication copies, membership proofs, expert letters, sometimes paid evaluations.
- Preparation. The petitioner's own time, a platform, or an attorney.
What attorneys charge
Published prices vary widely. Beyond Border, a firm that publishes its pricing, listed a service fee of $8,000 to $10,000 for EB-1A, excluding government fees (page updated 11 June 2026). Preparation is the largest line by far, and it is the part a platform changes. At Porttus the preparation fee is below that range, and licensed-attorney review and translations are included. Government fees are paid by the client directly in every case.
Time is a cost too
Premium processing shortens only the I-140 step and does not affect later steps. Regular processing times change and differ by service center, so we point to the USCIS processing-times tool for the current figure instead of quoting a number.
Our founder filed his own EB-1 on 22 July 2024 and it was approved on 7 August 2024, in under 15 business days.
Where the money is lost
- A denied petition costs the fee and months, and no fee choice fixes weak evidence.
- Translation costs are easy to underestimate. They are worth estimating before a filing date is set.
- Premium processing pays for itself when time has a concrete value: a job offer, a start date, a status expiry.
A free assessment shows what a case needs before any money is spent: app.porttus.ai/assessment
Take your free assessmentSources
USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055 (edition 10/16/26); Federal Register, "Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees," final rule 2026-00321 (12 Jan 2026, effective 1 Mar 2026); USCIS, "How Do I Request Premium Processing?" (reviewed 23 Mar 2026); Beyond Border, "EB-1A Filing Fees 2026" (updated 11 Jun 2026).
Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific case.