Wisconsin USCIS
Fee Calculator

Wisconsin residents file immigration applications with USCIS and are typically served by the Milwaukee Field Office. Milwaukee has a diverse immigrant community with significant Latinx, Hmong, and African populations.

Wisconsin's dairy industry depends heavily on immigrant labor in rural areas.

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 Wisconsin 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).

Wisconsin does not mandate E-Verify for all private employers; state agencies and contractors must use E-Verify. Wisconsin does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Wisconsin offers in-state tuition to undocumented students (2009 law, though subject to ongoing legislative debate). Wisconsin law enforcement cooperation with ICE varies by county — Milwaukee and Madison maintain limited cooperation policies.

Wisconsin does not have a formal state Office for New Americans. Wisconsin's Hmong community — one of the largest in the country, concentrated in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley — has established deep community organizations providing informal immigration support.

Legal Action of Wisconsin and Voces de la Frontera provide immigration legal services.

Naturalization (Form N-400) applicants in Wisconsin currently wait approximately 9 months for an interview at the Milwaukee 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 Wisconsin can expect approximately 14 months from filing to interview. This varies significantly based on your priority date (for family and employment categories) and current USCIS workload at the Milwaukee 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin can help determine if you qualify and assist with the waiver request.

Approximately 5.1% of Wisconsin's population is foreign-born — below the national average of 13.9%. The largest immigrant group originates from Mexico.

Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin are LPRs (lawful permanent residents) pursuing naturalization, while others are on work visas or seeking family reunification.

Wisconsin has state laws that generally align with federal immigration enforcement standards. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation and Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, search our attorney directory, contact the Wisconsin State Bar Association's referral service, or use the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) attorney finder. Nonprofit legal aid organizations in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

Unauthorized practice of immigration law is a federal crime.

• To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin offer free citizenship preparation classes.

After your N-400 interview at the Milwaukee office, if approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Statute of Limitations Lookup covers the key filing windows by cause of action.