Is the Biometric Services Fee Included in the I-485 Filing Fee?

Key Takeaways

• As of April 1, 2024, USCIS bundled the $85 biometric fee into the $1,440 I-485 filing fee.
• New separate fees now apply to Forms I-131 and I-765, increasing total costs for applicants.
• Fee waivers are available, but most applicants face higher expenses with the streamlined process.

As of April 1, 2024, a major change took effect for anyone applying to adjust their status to permanent resident in the United States 🇺🇸. The biometric services fee—which applicants once paid separately—has now been rolled into the main I-485 filing fee. This update, announced and implemented by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), means applicants pay a single, higher fee for Form I-485, with no extra charge for biometrics in most cases. However, the overall cost for many applicants has gone up, since other forms that used to be free when filed together now require separate payments.

This article explains what these changes mean, why they happened, and how they affect people applying for a green card through adjustment of status. It also covers exceptions, practical steps for applicants, and what to expect in the future.

What Changed: Biometric Services Fee Now Included in I-485 Filing Fee

Who is affected?
Anyone filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS after April 1, 2024.

What changed?
The biometric services fee—previously a separate $85 payment—has been combined with the main I-485 filing fee. Now, applicants pay a single fee of $1,440 for Form I-485, which covers both the application and biometrics.

When did this happen?
The change took effect on April 1, 2024.

Where does this apply?
This applies to all I-485 filings with USCIS in the United States 🇺🇸, except for certain special cases.

Why was this change made?
USCIS wanted to make the process simpler and ensure that the agency recovers the full cost of processing applications, including the cost of collecting fingerprints and photos (biometrics).

How does it work now?
Applicants pay the new, higher I-485 filing fee, and do not need to make a separate payment for biometrics. USCIS will still schedule a biometrics appointment as part of the process.

Supporting Details: Fee Structure and Exceptions

New I-485 Fee Structure

• I-485 Filing Fee: $1,440 (includes biometric services)
• Previous Fee: $1,140 for I-485 plus $85 for biometrics, totaling $1,225
• Other Forms: Separate fees now required for Form I-131 (travel document) and Form I-765 (work permit), even if filed together with I-485

Summary Table: I-485 Fee Structure Before and After April 1, 2024

Exceptions to the Rule

While most applicants now pay a single fee, there are a few exceptions:

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Applicants still pay a separate biometric services fee of $30.
• EOIR Filings: Applications accepted on behalf of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) also require a separate $30 biometric services fee.

For everyone else, the biometric services fee is included in the main I-485 filing fee.

Background: Why Did USCIS Make This Change?

The Old System

Before April 1, 2024, applicants had to pay two separate fees:

• The main I-485 filing fee (usually $1,140)
• A separate biometric services fee ($85)

This meant more steps and a higher chance of making a payment mistake. If someone forgot to include the biometric fee, their application could be rejected.

The New System

USCIS decided to bundle the biometric services fee into the main I-485 filing fee. This means:

• One payment covers both the application and biometrics
• Fewer mistakes in payment
• Simpler process for applicants

USCIS explained that this change helps the agency recover the full cost of processing applications, including the cost of collecting fingerprints and photos. It also makes the process easier for applicants, since they only have to make one payment.

Policy Rationale

USCIS said the main reasons for this change were:

• Streamlining: Making the process simpler by reducing the number of separate payments.
• Cost Recovery: Making sure the agency collects enough money to cover all the costs of processing applications, including biometrics.

Practical Implications for Applicants

What Does This Mean for You?

If you are applying for a green card through adjustment of status, here’s what you need to know:

• No Separate Biometric Fee: You do not need to pay a separate biometric services fee when you file Form I-485.
• Higher Total Cost: The total cost for most applicants is now higher, because you must pay separate fees for Form I-131 (travel document) and Form I-765 (work permit), even if you file them together with I-485.
• Biometrics Appointment Still Required: You will still be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, but you do not need to pay an extra fee for it.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your I-485 Application

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure you are eligible to file Form I-485. Some people may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee, especially in humanitarian cases.
2. Prepare Forms: Complete Form I-485 and any other forms you need, such as Form I-131 (for a travel document) and Form I-765 (for a work permit).
3. Calculate Fees: Use the USCIS Fee Calculator or check the latest USCIS Fee Schedule to find out exactly how much you need to pay.
4. Submit Payment: Pay the required fees online or by mail. For I-485, the $1,440 fee covers both the application and biometrics.
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment: USCIS will send you a notice for your biometrics appointment. You must attend, but you do not need to pay an extra fee.

Important Reminders

• Fee Waivers: Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. Check the USCIS fee waiver page for details.
• Online Filing Discount: Some forms, like N-400 (naturalization), offer a $50 discount for online filing. This does not apply to I-485.
• Correct Payment: If you do not pay the correct fee, USCIS will reject your application.

Impact on Different Groups

Immigrants and Families

For many families, the higher total cost is a big concern. Before April 2024, families could file I-485, I-131, and I-765 together and pay a single fee for each person. Now, each form requires a separate fee, making it much more expensive for families applying together.

Employers

Employers who sponsor workers for green cards may also see higher costs if they help pay for adjustment of status applications. The new fee structure means budgeting for higher expenses.

Students and Humanitarian Applicants

Some students and people applying for humanitarian reasons may qualify for reduced fees or fee waivers. However, most applicants will pay the new, higher fees.

Legal and Advocacy Groups

Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have mixed feelings about the change. Many say the new system is easier to understand, but they worry about the higher costs for applicants. Some groups, like the International Rescue Committee, point out that more people can now get fee waivers, but most applicants will still pay more overall.

Expert Perspectives

USCIS View

USCIS says the new fee structure is better for everyone. By including the biometric services fee in the main I-485 filing fee, the process is simpler and there are fewer mistakes. The agency also says it needs to collect enough money to cover all the costs of processing applications.

Immigration Attorneys

Many attorneys agree that the process is simpler, but they are concerned about the higher costs. They say some families may have trouble paying the new fees, especially if several family members are applying at the same time.

Advocacy Groups

Groups that help immigrants say the higher fees could make it harder for some people to apply for a green card. They are glad that more people can get fee waivers, but they want USCIS to do more to help low-income applicants.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the new fee structure has made the process easier to understand but has also increased the financial burden for many applicants, especially those filing multiple forms.

Policy Implications and Future Outlook

Immediate Impact

• Higher Costs: The biggest change is the higher total cost for adjustment of status applicants. This is especially true for families and people who need to file several forms at once.
• Simpler Process: The process is now easier to follow, with fewer chances for payment mistakes.

Long-Term Considerations

• Fee Reviews: USCIS reviews its fees from time to time. More changes could happen in the future, so applicants should always check the latest information before filing.
• No Announced Changes: As of June 2025, there are no new changes planned, but many people expect USCIS to keep adjusting fees as costs go up.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• USCIS Fee Schedule: The most up-to-date fee information is always on the USCIS Fee Schedule page.
• USCIS Fee Calculator: Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to find out exactly how much you need to pay for your application.
• Contact USCIS: For questions, call 1-800-375-5283 or visit uscis.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to go to a biometrics appointment?
Yes. Even though you no longer pay a separate biometric services fee, you must still attend a biometrics appointment as part of the I-485 process.

Can I get a fee waiver for the I-485 filing fee?
Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. Check the USCIS fee waiver page to see if you are eligible.

What happens if I pay the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if you do not pay the correct fee. Always check the latest fee schedule before filing.

Are there any discounts for filing online?
Some forms, like N-400, offer a $50 discount for online filing. This does not apply to I-485.

Where can I find the official forms?
– Form I-485
– Form I-131
– Form I-765

Conclusion and Next Steps

The biometric services fee is now included in the main I-485 filing fee for most applicants, thanks to a rule change that took effect on April 1, 2024. While this makes the process simpler and reduces the risk of payment mistakes, it also means higher total costs for most people applying for a green card through adjustment of status. Separate fees are now required for Form I-131 and Form I-765, making the total cost for a typical application package much higher than before.

Applicants should:

• Check the latest fees using the USCIS Fee Calculator
• Prepare all required forms and payments before filing
• Look into fee waivers if they have limited income
• Stay updated on possible future changes by visiting the USCIS website

For more detailed analysis and updates, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed about fee changes and policy updates is key for anyone planning to apply for adjustment of status in the United States 🇺🇸.

By understanding these changes, applicants can avoid mistakes, plan for the higher costs, and make sure their applications are processed smoothly.

Learn Today

Biometric Services Fee → A payment for collecting fingerprints and photos during immigration processing, now included in the I-485 fee.
Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, used to apply for a green card.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency handling immigration and naturalization processes.
Fee Waiver → A grant allowing certain applicants to skip or reduce USCIS fees based on financial hardship.
Adjustment of Status → The process for eligible applicants to become permanent residents without leaving the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS updated the I-485 process, combining the biometric fee with the filing fee. This simplifies payments but raises overall costs, especially for families filing multiple forms, requiring separate fees for I-131 and I-765. Applicants must attend biometrics appointments and check fee waivers or updates on USCIS.gov for a smooth application.
— By VisaVerge.com