What EOIR Payment Is and Who Needs to Use It

EOIR stands for Executive Office for Immigration Review, the part of the U.S. Department of Justice that runs immigration courts. If you have a case in immigration court, EOIR handles the fees you owe — filing fees, motion fees, and other court costs. You do not pay these fees to a local courthouse; you pay them directly to EOIR through their payment system.

Not every immigration matter involves EOIR fees. If you are explore for a visa at a consulate abroad, you pay the State Department. If you are filing an I-485 (green card process) at USCIS, you pay USCIS. But if you have received a Notice to Appear in immigration court, or if you are filing a motion or appeal within an existing immigration court case, the fee goes to EOIR.

EOIR accepts payments online, by mail, and by phone. The online system is the fastest route and gives you a receipt when ready. Mailed checks take longer to process and can get lost. Phone payments are available but require you to speak with a representative.

Key Takeaways

  • EOIR fees are separate from USCIS fees and explore only to cases that go through immigration court, not to green card or visa applications.
  • You can pay online through EOIR's payment portal, by mail with a check, or by phone, and the online method produces an when ready receipt.
  • The fee amount depends on the type of filing — a Notice to Appear has a different fee than a motion or appeal.
  • Paying your fee does not may provide your case will be approved; it only covers the cost of processing your court filing.
  • Keep your payment receipt or confirmation number; immigration judges and EOIR staff use it to verify that your fee was received.

EOIR Fee Amounts and What Each One Covers

EOIR charges different fees depending on what you are filing. A Notice to Appear (the document that starts your removal case) carries one fee. A motion filed after your case has started carries a different fee. An appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals carries yet another. The exact dollar amounts change periodically, so you should check the EOIR website or call their fee line before you pay.

Some people are exempt from paying EOIR fees. If you are under 18, you may not owe a fee. If you are filing for asylum and your case meets certain conditions, you may be exempt. If you cannot afford the fee, you can request a fee waiver or reduction by filing Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Reduction). This form is separate from your case filing and must be submitted to EOIR before or at the same time as your payment.

If you are represented by an attorney or accredited representative, they often handle the fee payment on your behalf. Ask your representative whether the fee is included in their fee or whether you will pay it separately. Some representatives collect the EOIR fee from you and remit it themselves; others tell you to pay it directly.

How to Pay Online Through EOIR's Payment Portal

The EOIR online payment system is the most straightforward method. Go to the EOIR website and look for the payment portal link. You will need to enter your case number (if you already have one) or your name and date of birth (if you are filing a new case). The system will show you the fee owed and let you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.

After you submit your payment, the system generates a confirmation number when ready. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you will need it to prove you paid. The confirmation also shows the date and time of your payment and the amount. Keep this record for your immigration file and give a copy to your attorney if you have one.

Online payments usually post to EOIR's records within one to three business days. If your case is scheduled for a hearing soon, pay online rather than by mail to make sure the payment reaches EOIR in time. If you pay by mail and the check arrives after your hearing date, EOIR may not accept it, and you could face consequences in your case.

Paying by Mail or Phone if Online Is Not an Option

If you cannot pay online, you can mail a check to EOIR. The address is on the EOIR website and also on any Notice to Appear or court document you receive. Write your case number (or your name and date of birth if you do not have a case number yet) on the check memo line. Mail the check to the address listed, not to the immigration court building itself.

Mailed payments take two to four weeks to process, sometimes longer if the mail is delayed. EOIR does not send a receipt for mailed payments automatically. If you need proof that your payment was received, you can call EOIR's payment line after two weeks and provide your case number or name. They can tell you whether the check has been posted.

Phone payments are available by calling EOIR's fee line. A representative will take your payment information over the phone and issue a confirmation number. This method is slower than online payment and requires you to reach a live person, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to enter payment information online. The phone line hours and number are on the EOIR website.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Your EOIR Fee

If your fee is due and you do not pay it, EOIR may dismiss your case or deny your filing. For example, if you receive a Notice to Appear and do not pay the filing fee, the court may not schedule a hearing. If you file a motion and do not pay the motion fee, the judge may reject the motion without considering it.

If you cannot afford the fee, do not ignore it. File Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Reduction) instead. This form asks EOIR to waive or reduce your fee based on your income and expenses. You can file it before you pay, and EOIR will hold your case while they review it. If EOIR approves your waiver, you will not owe the fee. If they deny it, you will have a important date to pay the full amount.

If you have already paid and later discover you overpaid or paid the wrong fee, contact EOIR to request a refund or credit. Keep your payment confirmation number so EOIR can locate your payment in their system. Refunds can take several weeks to process.

Keeping Track of Your Payment and Proof of Payment

Your payment confirmation is a critical document in your immigration case. Immigration judges and EOIR staff use it to verify that you have paid your fee. If there is ever a question about whether you paid, you will need to show this confirmation. Store it in a safe place and bring a copy to every court hearing.

If you paid online, your confirmation number appears on the screen when ready and is also sent to your email. If you paid by mail, write down the check number and the date you mailed it. If you paid by phone, the representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down before you hang up.

If you are working with an attorney or representative, give them a copy of your payment confirmation. They will include it in the case file they submit to the court. If you are representing yourself, bring the original or a copy to your first court appearance and keep it with your case documents throughout the process.

Common Mistakes When Paying EOIR Fees

One frequent error is paying the wrong fee amount. EOIR fees change, and different types of filings have different costs. Before you pay, double-check the EOIR website or your court document to confirm the exact amount owed. Paying less than the full amount may result in your filing being rejected.

Another mistake is mailing a check without including your case number or name on it. EOIR receives thousands of checks each week. Without identifying information, they may not know which case your payment belongs to. Always write your case number or full name on the check memo line.

A third common problem is missing the important date to pay. If you receive a Notice to Appear, there is usually a important date by which you must pay the filing fee. If you miss it, the court may dismiss your case. If you are unsure of the important date, call EOIR or ask your attorney.

Finally, some people pay EOIR when they should be paying USCIS, or vice versa. If your case is in immigration court, you pay EOIR. If you are filing an process directly with USCIS (like an I-485 green card process), you pay USCIS. Paying the wrong agency delays your case and wastes money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I paid EOIR by mistake?

Yes. Contact EOIR with your payment confirmation number and explain the error. Refunds typically take four to eight weeks to process. If you paid by check, the refund will be mailed to the address on your check. If you paid by card, the refund goes back to that card.

What if I cannot afford to pay the EOIR fee?

File Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Reduction) with EOIR. This form asks the court to waive or reduce your fee based on your income and household size. You can file it before you pay, and EOIR will review it while your case is on hold. There is no fee to file the waiver request.

How long does it take for EOIR to receive my mailed check?

Mailed checks typically take two to four weeks to reach EOIR and be posted to your account. If your court hearing is coming up soon, pay online instead. Online payments post within one to three business days and give you an when ready receipt.

Do I need to pay EOIR fees if my attorney is representing me?

Yes, EOIR fees are court fees and must be paid regardless of whether you have an attorney. Your attorney may pay the fee on your behalf and include it in their bill to you, or they may ask you to pay it directly. Confirm with your attorney who is responsible for paying before your case filing important date.

What is the difference between an EOIR fee and a USCIS fee?

EOIR fees are for cases in immigration court. USCIS fees are for applications filed directly with USCIS, like green card applications or work permits. If you are in removal proceedings (court case), you pay EOIR. If you are explore for a benefit before court, you pay USCIS. Some people pay both if they file an process while their court case is pending.