What the EOIR Payment Portal is and who uses it
The EOIR Payment Portal is the online system where people pay fees related to immigration court proceedings. EOIR stands for Executive Office for Immigration Review, the federal office that runs immigration courts. The portal handles payments for things like filing fees, appeal bonds, and other court-related costs in removal cases.
You use this portal if you have a pending case in immigration court and need to pay a fee directly to the court. It is not for paying immigration lawyers, bail bondsmen, or other third parties — only for official court fees owed to EOIR itself. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers.
The portal is separate from other immigration payment systems. USCIS (the agency that handles green cards and work permits) has its own payment system. If you are paying a USCIS filing fee, you would not use the EOIR portal. The same applies to fees paid to the Department of State for visa processing.
Key Takeaways
- The EOIR Payment Portal is used only for fees owed directly to immigration court, such as filing fees or appeal bonds in removal cases.
- You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer through the portal's website.
- The portal generates a receipt with a confirmation number that you should keep as proof of payment.
- Payment does not automatically update your case file, so you may need to notify the court separately that you have paid.
- If your case is in state court or you are paying a different agency, you will use a different payment method entirely.
How to access the EOIR Payment Portal
The portal is located at the EOIR website. You do not need to create a login or account beforehand. When you arrive at the portal, you will be asked for information about your case, such as your name, date of birth, and your immigration court case number (also called an A-number or receipt number).
Have these details ready before you start. If you do not know your case number, check any court documents you received, your notice to appear, or correspondence from the immigration court. The court that issued your case will have this number on file.
The portal works on most web browsers and devices. It is designed to be accessible on phones and tablets, though a computer screen may be easier to read. You do not need special software or a government login account.
What fees you can pay through the portal
The EOIR portal handles specific court fees related to removal proceedings. The most common are filing fees for motions, appeals, and other formal requests to the court. Some cases also involve bond amounts set by the immigration judge — if you are paying a bond directly to the court (rather than through a bail bondsman), you would use this portal.
The fees vary depending on the type of case and the action you are taking. A motion to reopen a case costs differently than an appeal. The court will tell you in writing what fee is due and by when. That notice will either direct you to the portal or provide the information you need to use it.
The portal does not handle payments for work permits, travel documents, or other USCIS services. Those go through a separate system. It also does not process payments to private immigration lawyers or bail bondsmen, even if they are involved in your case.
Step-by-step payment process
Once you have your case information and know the fee amount, the payment process takes about five to ten minutes. Enter your personal details and case number into the portal. The system will search for your case and display the fee owed.
Review the amount carefully. If it does not match what the court told you to pay, stop and contact the immigration court before proceeding. Paying the wrong amount can delay your case or require you to pay again.
Select your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Credit and debit cards are processed when ready. Bank transfers may take one to three business days to clear. Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction.
The portal will generate a confirmation page with a receipt number. Write this number down or take a screenshot. This is your proof of payment. The receipt will also show the date and time of the transaction and the amount paid.
What happens after you pay
Payment through the portal does not automatically notify the immigration court that you have paid. The court's case management system and the payment portal are separate. You should keep your receipt and, depending on your case, notify the court in writing that you have submitted payment.
If you are paying a filing fee for a motion or appeal, include a copy of your receipt with the document you are filing. If you are paying a bond, bring the receipt to your next court hearing or send it to the court by mail or email, depending on how the judge told you to proceed.
Processing times vary. Some courts update their records within a few days; others may take one to two weeks. If your case important date is approaching, do not wait until the last day to pay. Pay early enough that the court has time to process and record the payment.
If you do not see the payment reflected in your case file after two weeks, contact the immigration court directly. Provide your receipt number and case number. The court can verify that the payment was received and investigate any delays.
Payment issues and what to do if something goes wrong
If your payment is declined, the portal will display an error message. This usually means the card information was entered incorrectly, the card has insufficient funds, or the card issuer blocked the transaction. Try again with the correct information, or use a different payment method.
If you paid but did not receive a confirmation number, do not assume the payment went through. Refresh the page or try logging back in. If the portal still shows no record, contact your bank or card issuer to confirm whether the charge appeared on your account. If money was taken but the portal has no record, contact the EOIR help line with your receipt from your bank and your case number.
If you paid the wrong amount by mistake, contact the immigration court when ready. Some courts can issue a refund or credit the overpayment to a future fee. Others may require you to submit a formal request. Do not assume the error will correct itself.
If you cannot pay online, some immigration courts accept payment by mail or in person. Contact your local immigration court to ask about alternative payment methods. The court's phone number and mailing address are on your notice to appear or on the EOIR website.
Keeping records and what to save
Save your receipt number, the date of payment, and the amount paid. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page or print it. If the court later disputes that you paid, this receipt is your proof.
Keep the receipt until your case is fully closed and any appeals are finished. Immigration cases can take years, and you may need to show proof of payment long after the transaction. Store it with your other case documents.
If you paid by credit card or bank transfer, your bank or card statement will also show the charge. This serves as a backup record. The merchant name on your statement will identify it as an EOIR payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a fee for someone else's immigration case?
Yes. You can pay using another person's case number and personal information. The portal does not require you to be the person named on the case. However, you should have permission from that person, and you should keep the receipt in case questions arise later about who paid and when.
What if I do not have a case number yet?
You cannot use the portal without a case number. The portal searches for your case by that number. If you have not received a notice to appear or case documents, contact the immigration court or USCIS to find out your case number before attempting to pay.
Is the EOIR portal the same as the USCIS payment system?
No. EOIR handles immigration court fees. USCIS handles fees for work permits, green cards, and other immigration benefits. If you are unsure which system to use, check the notice or bill you received — it will say which agency is collecting the fee.
How long does it take for the court to see my payment?
The portal records the payment when ready, but the immigration court's case file may not update for several days to two weeks. If your important date is soon, pay early. If the payment does not appear in your case file after two weeks, contact the court with your receipt number.
Can I get a refund if I paid by mistake?
Refunds depend on the immigration court and the reason for the overpayment. Contact the court directly with your receipt number and explain the situation. Some courts issue refunds; others credit the amount to future fees. Do not expect an automatic refund.