What Does the I-485 Filing Fee Cover and Are There Additional Fees?

Key Takeaways

• The I-485 filing fee is $1,440 as of June 2025 for permanent residence applications.
• Applicants aged 14 to 79 must also pay an $85 biometrics fee for identity verification.
• Separate fees apply for Forms I-765 ($260) and I-131 ($630), increasing total costs significantly.

When applying for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸, one of the most important steps is submitting Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form allows certain immigrants already in the United States 🇺🇸 to request lawful permanent resident status, which is commonly known as getting a green card. However, the process involves several fees, and recent changes have made it more expensive and complex for many applicants. This guide explains what the I-485 filing fee covers, what other fees you might need to pay, and what these changes mean for people seeking permanent residence.

What Is the I-485 Filing Fee?

The I-485 filing fee is the amount you pay to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you submit Form I-485. As of June 2025, the base fee for Form I-485 is $1,440. This fee is set by USCIS, which is the government agency responsible for handling immigration applications and services. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees USCIS and makes sure the agency follows federal laws and policies.

What Does the I-485 Filing Fee Cover?

The I-485 filing fee covers several important steps in the green card application process:

• Review of Your Application: USCIS staff check your form for accuracy and completeness.
• Background Checks: USCIS runs security checks to make sure you do not have a criminal record or other issues that would make you ineligible for a green card.
• Decision on Your Case: After reviewing your application and background, USCIS decides whether to approve or deny your request for permanent residence.

This fee does not cover other services, such as work permits or travel documents, which require separate applications and fees.

Biometrics Fee: What Is It and Who Pays?

In addition to the I-485 filing fee, many applicants must pay a biometrics fee of $85. Biometrics means collecting your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. USCIS uses this information to confirm your identity and run security checks.

• Who Needs to Pay? Most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must pay the biometrics fee. Some people, such as children under 14 or adults over 79, may not need to pay, depending on their situation.
• How Is It Paid? The biometrics fee is usually paid at the same time as the I-485 filing fee, using the same payment method.

Total Cost for I-485 with Biometrics:
$1,440 (base fee) + $85 (biometrics) = $1,525

Other Required Fees: Employment Authorization and Advance Parole

Many people who apply for a green card also want to work or travel while their application is being processed. To do this, they must file extra forms and pay more fees.

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization

• Purpose: Lets you get a work permit (also called an Employment Authorization Document or EAD) so you can work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting for your green card.
• Fee (2025): $260
• Official Form Link: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)

• Purpose: Lets you travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return while your green card application is pending.
• Fee (2025): $630
• Official Form Link: Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Important Change:
Before April 1, 2024, these forms were often free if filed together with Form I-485. Now, you must pay separate fees for each form, even if you file them all at the same time.

Total Cost for All Three Forms (with Biometrics):
$1,440 (I-485) + $85 (biometrics) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131) = $2,415

Additional Fees You Might Encounter

Depending on your situation, you may need to file other forms with their own fees:

• Form I-601: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
  • Fee: $1,050
  • Purpose: For people who are otherwise ineligible for a green card due to certain issues (like past immigration violations or criminal history) and need a waiver.
  • Official Form Link: Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
• Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
  • Fee: No separate fee
  • Purpose: Shows that the applicant has financial support and will not become a public charge. The person sponsoring the immigrant must fill out this form.
  • Official Form Link: Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying the I-485 and Related Fees

1. Identify Which Forms You Need:
   • Most applicants need Form I-485. If you want to work or travel while waiting, you’ll also need Forms I-765 and I-131.
2. Check the Latest Fee Schedule:
   • Always check the official USCIS fee schedule before you pay, as fees can change.
3. Prepare Your Payment:
   • Each form requires a separate payment. You can pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card. Make sure you use the correct payment method for each form.
4. Include All Fees in Your Application Packet:
   • Put the correct payment for each form in your application packet. If you need to pay the biometrics fee, include it with your I-485 payment.
5. Wait for USCIS Notices:
   • After you submit your application, USCIS will send you a receipt notice. If you need to give biometrics, you’ll get an appointment notice telling you when and where to go.

Who Oversees the Fee Structure?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the main agency that sets and collects immigration fees. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees USCIS and makes sure all rules and policies are followed. The current USCIS Director, as of June 2025, is Ur M. Jaddou.

Why Did the Fees Change?

On April 1, 2024, USCIS put a new fee structure in place. The main reasons for the change were:

• Rising Operational Costs: USCIS says higher fees are needed to pay for more staff, better technology, and faster processing.
• Reducing Backlogs: The agency hopes that more money will help reduce the long wait times many applicants face.
• Less Reliance on Congress: By raising fees, USCIS wants to depend less on money from Congress and more on the people who use its services.

Before this change, the I-485 fee (with biometrics) was $1,225, and Forms I-765 and I-131 were often free if filed together. Now, all forms require separate payments, making the process more expensive for most people.

Real-World Example: Family of Four

Let’s look at a common situation—a family of four (two parents and two children) applying for green cards at the same time:

• Each person files Form I-485: $1,440 x 4 = $5,760
• Each person pays biometrics fee: $85 x 4 = $340 (assuming all are required)
• Each person files Form I-765 (work permit): $260 x 4 = $1,040
• Each person files Form I-131 (travel document): $630 x 4 = $2,520

Total for the family:
$5,760 (I-485) + $340 (biometrics) + $1,040 (I-765) + $2,520 (I-131) = $9,660

This example shows how quickly the costs can add up, especially for families.

Fee Waivers and Discounts

Some people do not have to pay the full fees. USCIS offers fee waivers and discounts in certain cases:

• Who Can Get a Fee Waiver?
  • Refugees and asylees
  • Victims of trafficking or certain crimes
  • People who can show they cannot afford the fees (must meet strict income guidelines)
• How to Apply for a Fee Waiver:
  • File Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver with your application.
  • You must provide proof of your income and financial situation.
• Online Filing Discounts:
  • Some forms may have lower fees if you file online instead of by mail. Check the USCIS website for details.

For more details on who qualifies, see the USCIS Fee Exemptions list.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

Financial Burden

The new fee structure has made it much more expensive to apply for a green card, especially for families and people who need to file several forms at once. Advocacy groups like the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) have said that these higher costs could stop some people from applying, even if they qualify.

Processing and Backlogs

USCIS says the higher fees will help pay for more staff and better technology, which should speed up processing times and reduce backlogs. However, some experts worry that the extra cost will make legal immigration harder for low-income families.

Separate Payments

Now, each form requires its own payment. This means more paperwork and a higher chance of making mistakes, such as sending the wrong amount or forgetting a payment. If you make a mistake, USCIS may reject your application, causing delays.

Multiple Perspectives

USCIS View:
The agency believes the new fees are necessary to keep up with costs and improve service. They say separate fees for each form make the process clearer and more transparent.

Immigration Attorneys and Advocacy Groups:
Many lawyers and advocacy groups are concerned that the higher fees will hurt low-income immigrants the most. They recommend that applicants look into fee waivers and online filing discounts to save money where possible.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have led to ongoing debates among policymakers, lawyers, and immigrant communities about how to balance the need for efficient government services with fair access to legal immigration.

Looking Ahead: Will Fees Change Again?

As of June 2025, there are no plans to raise the I-485 filing fee or related fees again soon. However, USCIS reviews its fees from time to time, so changes could happen in the future. Immigration groups continue to push for lower fees and more fee waivers to help people who cannot afford the current costs.

Summary Table: I-485 and Related Fees (2025)

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Double-Check Fees: Always check the official USCIS fee schedule before sending your application.
• Pay Each Fee Separately: Use the correct payment method for each form to avoid delays.
• Consider Fee Waivers: If you think you might qualify, apply for a fee waiver to lower your costs.
• Keep Copies: Make copies of all forms and payment receipts for your records.
• Watch for Notices: After you apply, look out for receipt and biometrics appointment notices from USCIS.

Final Thoughts

The I-485 filing fee is just one part of the cost of applying for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸. With the new fee structure, applicants must pay more and handle separate payments for each form. While these changes aim to improve processing times and reduce backlogs, they also create new challenges for many immigrants and families. By understanding the fees, planning ahead, and exploring fee waivers, applicants can better manage the process and avoid costly mistakes.

For the most up-to-date information, always visit the official USCIS fee schedule and consult with a trusted immigration attorney or accredited representative if you have questions about your specific case.

Learn Today

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 agency handling immigration applications in the United States.
Biometrics → Collection of fingerprints, photograph, and signature to verify identity and security background.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization allowing applicants to work legally while waiting for green card approval.
Form I-131 → Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole) permitting travel outside the U.S. during processing.

This Article in a Nutshell

Applying for a green card requires filing Form I-485 with USCIS, costing $1,440 plus an $85 biometrics fee. Additional fees for work and travel permits make the process costly, especially for families. Understanding these fees and recent changes helps applicants avoid errors and delays in obtaining permanent residence.
— By VisaVerge.com