What the EOIR Payment Portal is and who uses it
The EOIR Payment Portal is an online system run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice. It lets you pay fines, fees, and other financial obligations related to immigration court cases without mailing a check or going to a courthouse in person.
You would use this portal if an immigration judge ordered you to pay a fine, if you owe a filing fee for a motion or appeal, or if you have another financial obligation tied to your immigration court case. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers.
The system is separate from other immigration payments — it does not handle USCIS filing fees, work permit fees, or green card application costs. Those go through different payment systems. EOIR handles only the money you owe directly to the immigration court.
Key Takeaways
- The EOIR Payment Portal is the official online way to pay fines and fees ordered by an immigration judge or required by the court.
- You will need your case number, the amount owed, and a valid credit card, debit card, or bank account to complete a payment.
- Payments are processed immediately, but it can take several business days for the court to record the payment in your case file.
- The portal charges a processing fee on top of the amount you owe, which varies depending on your payment method.
- If you cannot pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the court address listed in your case documents.
How to access and use the EOIR Payment Portal
Go to the EOIR website and look for the Payment Portal link, usually found under a "Payments" or "Pay Online" section. You do not need to create an account or log in — the portal is designed to work without registration.
When you open the portal, you will enter your case number, which appears on your Notice to Appear, your court order, or any official document from the immigration court. You will also enter the amount you owe. The system will show you the processing fee that will be added to your payment.
Choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account. Enter the required information and review the total amount before submitting. Once you confirm, the payment is processed immediately and you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — it is your proof of payment.
Processing fees and payment methods
The EOIR Payment Portal charges a processing fee that is added to the amount you owe. The fee varies by payment method. Credit and debit card payments typically carry a higher fee than bank transfers, because the court pays a percentage to the payment processor.
You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. You can also pay by electronic bank transfer using your checking or savings account number and routing number. Some courts may accept other methods, but the portal defaults to cards and bank transfers.
The processing fee is non-refundable even if your case is later dismissed or if you win on appeal. The fee goes to the payment processor, not to the court. If you are concerned about the cost, paying by bank transfer usually results in a lower fee than paying by card.
What happens after you submit a payment
Your payment is processed immediately and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it if there are questions later about whether the payment went through.
It can take three to five business days for the court to record the payment in your case file and update your account. During this time, the money has left your account but may not yet show as paid in the court system. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem.
If you do not see the payment recorded after a week, contact the court directly using the phone number on your case documents. Have your confirmation number ready. Do not make a second payment — wait for the court to confirm the first one.
When you cannot pay online
If you do not have a credit card, debit card, or bank account, or if the portal is not working, you can mail a check or money order to the court. The address will be on your Notice to Appear or any order from the judge.
Make the check or money order payable to the "Executive Office for Immigration Review" or "EOIR," depending on what your court documents say. Write your case number on the check. Mail it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was sent.
Mailed payments take longer to process — typically two to three weeks from the time the court receives them. If you are close to a deadline, paying online is faster and gives you an immediate confirmation number.
Payments and your immigration case
Paying a fine or fee through the EOIR portal does not change the outcome of your case. If you owe money because a judge ordered it, paying does not mean your case will be dismissed or that you will win on appeal. It simply means you have satisfied a financial obligation.
If you cannot afford to pay, you can ask the court for a payment plan or a waiver. This request must be made in writing to the court — the payment portal does not have an option for this. Contact your immigration attorney or a legal aid organization for help filing this request.
Failure to pay an ordered fine can result in additional penalties, including contempt of court charges. If you are having trouble paying, it is better to contact the court and explain your situation than to ignore the debt.
Common problems and what to do
If your payment is declined, check that your card or account information is correct and that you have sufficient funds. Some banks flag international transactions or online payments as suspicious — contact your bank to confirm the payment is allowed.
If you entered the wrong case number, the payment may go through but not be recorded to your case. Contact the court immediately with your confirmation number and explain the error. The court can usually redirect the payment to the correct case or issue a refund.
If the portal is down or not loading, try again in a few minutes. If it continues to fail, use the mailed payment option instead. The EOIR website sometimes has status updates about portal outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EOIR Payment Portal the same as paying USCIS fees?
No. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has its own payment system for green card fees, work permit fees, and visa petition fees. EOIR handles only immigration court fines and fees. If you are unsure which system to use, check the document that tells you what you owe — it will specify whether payment goes to USCIS or EOIR.
Can I get a refund if I pay too much?
Yes, but you must request it in writing to the court. The portal does not issue refunds automatically. Include your confirmation number and explain the overpayment. Processing a refund can take several weeks.
What if I pay but my case is dismissed before the payment is recorded?
Contact the court with your confirmation number and explain that your case was dismissed. The court can issue a refund, though it may take time to process. Keep your confirmation number and any court documents showing the dismissal date.
Do I need an attorney to use the EOIR Payment Portal?
No. The portal is designed for individuals to use on their own. You do not need legal representation to make a payment. However, if you have questions about whether you actually owe the money or whether you can request a payment plan, an attorney or legal aid organization can help.
What if I lose my confirmation number?
Contact the court with your case number and the date you made the payment. The court can look up the payment in their system and provide you with the confirmation number or proof that the payment was received. Keep records of any correspondence with the court about this.