With the recent USCIS fee increases under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re paying the correct amount when filing an immigration form. But what if you make a mistake and submit the wrong fee?
In this blog, we explain what happens if you submit an incorrect payment to USCIS, how the agency handles these errors, and what you can do if it already happened to you.
Will USCIS Reject Your Application for an Incorrect Fee?
Yes. If you file a form without the correct fee—or no fee at all—USCIS can automatically reject your application without reviewing it.
This means:
- Your case will not be processed.
- Your entire application package will be returned.
- You’ll lose valuable time—especially if you’re facing deadlines.
USCIS clearly states:
“If you do not submit the correct fee, we will reject your form.”
Source: USCIS.gov – Filing Fees
What Does a USCIS “Rejection” Mean?
A rejection due to an incorrect fee happens before USCIS evaluates your case on the merits. In other words:
- It does not count as a denial.
- It won’t negatively affect your immigration record.
- But it can cause serious delays or missed deadlines.
Common reasons for rejection include:
- Using an outdated fee amount.
- Sending a check for the wrong amount.
- Forgetting to include the biometrics fee (when required).
- Using an invalid payment method.
What If Your Payment Is Returned or Fails After Submission?
This situation is different—and more serious. If USCIS approves your case and later finds that the payment was invalid (e.g., a bounced check or declined card), they can:
- Revoke or rescind your immigration benefit,
- Send a Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR),
- Deny your case entirely if the issue isn’t resolved on time.
In these cases, the payment issue could undo an approval. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your fee is correct and successfully processed.
New USCIS Fee Rules for 2025
With the implementation of updated fees under the OBBBA (H.R. 1), USCIS has issued strict reminders:
- Starting July 22, 2025, any form postmarked with the old fee will be rejected.
- There will be no grace period after that date.
- This applies to popular forms like I-765 (work permit) and I-821 (TPS).
What to Do If You Already Submitted the Wrong Fee
If you made a mistake and used the wrong payment amount:
- Read the USCIS rejection notice carefully—they will explain the reason and how to fix it.
- Correct the fee and refile your application as soon as possible.
- Double-check your payment method (check, money order, or credit card) to make sure it works.
- If you receive a NOIR (Notice of Intent to Revoke), respond promptly with the correct fee.
- Consult with an immigration attorney to avoid repeated errors and protect your case.
Don’t Let a Fee Mistake Delay Your Case
Paying the wrong USCIS fee might seem like a small mistake—but it can cost you valuable time, missed opportunities, and in some cases, even an approved immigration benefit. With new 2025 fees now in effect, it’s critical to double-check the amounts before sending any form.
At J. Molina Law Firm, we make sure every detail in your immigration application is correct—including filing fees. Don’t let paperwork hold back your future.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
