California USCIS
Fee Calculator

California residents file immigration applications with USCIS and are typically served by the Los Angeles (also San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego) Field Office. California has the largest immigrant population in the U.S., with major field offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and San Diego.

Wait times tend to be among the longest nationally.

USCIS fees are set by federal law and apply uniformly across all states. However, processing times, interview wait times, and the availability of local USCIS offices vary significantly by state and can affect your overall timeline and experience.

The most common USCIS applications filed by California residents include: N-400 (naturalization/citizenship), I-485 (adjustment of status to permanent resident), I-130 (petition for family members), I-765 (employment authorization), and I-131 (advance parole/travel document).

California has among the most immigrant-supportive state policies in the country. California does not mandate E-Verify for private employers (the SAVE Act and similar mandates were rejected by the California legislature).

California's AB 60 (2013) allows undocumented immigrants to obtain California driver's licenses — over 1 million AB 60 licenses have been issued. California offers in-state tuition to undocumented students under AB 540.

California has a statewide TRUST Act limiting ICE detainer cooperation. The Governor's Office of Planning and Research coordinates the Office of New Americans, which provides immigrant integration resources.

California's legal aid network for immigrants is the largest in the country.

Naturalization (Form N-400) applicants in California currently wait approximately 14 months for an interview at the Los Angeles (also San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego) Field Office. This includes the time from filing to receiving your interview notice.

After the interview, the oath ceremony typically follows within 1–3 months.

Adjustment of status (Form I-485) applicants in California can expect approximately 20 months from filing to interview. This varies significantly based on your priority date (for family and employment categories) and current USCIS workload at the Los Angeles (also San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego) office.

Processing times are updated regularly on the USCIS website. If your case has exceeded the posted processing time, you may submit a service request through your USCIS online account.

In urgent situations (impending naturalization ceremony for military deployment, medical emergency), expedited processing may be requested.

• USCIS fees are uniform nationally regardless of your California residence. As of 2024, key fees include: N-400 (Naturalization) — $760 online / $950 paper (fee waiver available for qualifying low-income applicants)
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status) — $1,440 for applicants age 14–78 (includes biometrics)
• I-130 (Family Petition) — $675
• I-765 (Employment Authorization) — $520
• I-131 (Travel Document) — $630.

Biometrics fees are now bundled into most primary application fees. Filing fees paid to USCIS are generally not reimbursable, even if the application is denied.

Use the USCIS fee calculator on the USCIS website to determine the exact fees for your specific application combination.

Fee waivers are available for many applications for applicants who receive means-tested benefits or whose household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Immigration attorneys in California can help determine if you qualify and assist with the waiver request.

Approximately 26.8% of California's population is foreign-born — well above the national average of 13.9%. The largest immigrant group originates from Mexico.

California's immigrant community contributes significantly to the state's economy. Immigrant workers are disproportionately represented in healthcare, agriculture, technology, construction, and hospitality sectors.

Many immigrants in California are LPRs (lawful permanent residents) pursuing naturalization, while others are on work visas or seeking family reunification.

California has strong state-level protections for immigrants, including access to state services and driver's licenses regardless of federal immigration status. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation and California law.

Immigration law is complex and mistakes on USCIS applications can have serious consequences, including denial, delays, and in some cases, removal proceedings. An experienced immigration attorney in California can review your application for completeness, advise on potential issues, prepare you for your interview, and represent you if problems arise.

To find a qualified immigration attorney in California, search our attorney directory, contact the California State Bar Association's referral service, or use the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) attorney finder. Nonprofit legal aid organizations in California may offer free or low-cost immigration services for qualifying individuals.

Be cautious of notarios and unauthorized immigration consultants who may charge fees but cannot provide legal advice. Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives can provide legal immigration services in California.

Unauthorized practice of immigration law is a federal crime.

• To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization in California, you must: (1) be a Lawful Permanent Resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• (2) have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• (3) be a resident of California for 3 months before filing
• (4) demonstrate good moral character
• (5) pass English language and civics tests
• and (6) take the Oath of Allegiance.

The civics test consists of 10 questions selected from 100 official questions about U.S. history and government.

You must answer 6 of 10 correctly. Free study materials are available on the USCIS website, and many public libraries and community organizations in California offer free citizenship preparation classes.

After your N-400 interview at the Los Angeles (also San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego) office, if approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. In California, these ceremonies are held periodically at federal courts and USCIS field offices.

The ceremony is a meaningful milestone — bring family and be prepared to surrender your permanent resident card.

Immigration legal fees are just one component of the cost picture. If you are also dealing with a personal injury claim while navigating immigration status, the California Personal Injury Settlement Estimator estimates settlement value and can help you understand whether to pursue a claim.

For immigrants who have been in the U.S. workforce and may have unpaid wage claims, the California Overtime Pay Calculator calculates back-pay amounts owed under federal law — undocumented workers retain FLSA rights.

And if you need to understand deadlines for any civil claim, the California Statute of Limitations Lookup covers the key filing windows by cause of action.