Key Takeaways
• USCIS requires separate $1,440 payments for each Form I-485 filed starting April 1, 2024.
• Separate fees of $260 for I-765 and $630 for I-131 must be paid per applicant.
• Combining payments for multiple family members leads to application rejection and costly delays.
If you’re planning to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for yourself and your family, it’s important to understand how to handle the filing fee and payment process. The United States 🇺🇸 Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has strict rules about payments, especially when you’re submitting applications for multiple family members. Following these rules is critical to avoid delays or even rejection of your entire application package.
This guide will walk you through every step of the payment process for multiple Form I-485 applications, explain why separate payments are required, and help you avoid common mistakes. You’ll also find a checklist at the end to make sure you’re ready to file. Let’s get started.
Introduction: Why Separate Payments Matter for Form I-485
When you’re applying for a green card through Form I-485, each applicant—whether it’s you, your spouse, or your children—must submit their own application. USCIS requires a separate filing fee for each Form I-485. This means you cannot combine payments for several family members into one check or money order. If you do, USCIS may reject your entire package, causing costly delays and extra work.
This rule became even more important after April 1, 2024, when USCIS updated its fee schedule and payment policies. Now, not only do you need to pay a higher fee for each Form I-485, but if you’re also filing for work authorization (Form I-765) or travel documents (Form I-131), those forms require their own separate payments too.
Step 1: Complete Form I-485 for Each Family Member
Every person applying for a green card must have their own Form I-485. This includes spouses, children, and any other family members applying with you.
- Download the latest version of Form I-485 directly from the USCIS website.
- Carefully fill out each form with the correct information for each applicant.
- Double-check that all information is accurate and matches supporting documents.
Time estimate: 30–60 minutes per form, depending on your familiarity with the process and the complexity of your case.
Tip: Don’t use old versions of the form. Always download the current version from the official USCIS website to avoid problems.
Step 2: Calculate the Filing Fee for Each Applicant
As of April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440 per applicant. This is a recent increase from the previous fee of $1,225.
- Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm the exact amount for each applicant.
- Remember, each applicant needs their own payment for their Form I-485.
- If you’re filing for work authorization (Form I-765) or advance parole (Form I-131) at the same time, these forms also have separate fees:
- Form I-765: $260 per applicant
- Form I-131: $630 per applicant
Time estimate: 10–15 minutes to check and confirm fees for all forms.
Important: Fees are non-refundable. If your application is denied or you withdraw, you won’t get your money back.
Step 3: Prepare a Separate Payment for Each Form I-485
USCIS will not accept combined payments for multiple applications. Each Form I-485 must have its own payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
- Money order
- Credit or debit card (using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)
How to Prepare Your Payment:
- Make each check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Do not use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS.”
- If paying by credit or debit card, fill out a separate Form G-1450 for each applicant.
- Write the applicant’s name and A-number (if available) on the memo line of each check or money order.
Time estimate: 5–10 minutes per payment.
Common Pitfall: Combining payments for multiple applicants into one check or money order. USCIS will reject your entire package if you do this.
Step 4: Prepare Separate Payments for Concurrent Forms (I-765 and I-131)
If you’re also applying for:
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document)
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole/Travel Document)
You must prepare separate payments for each form for each applicant.
Example: If you, your spouse, and your child are each filing all three forms, you will need nine separate payments (three for I-485, three for I-765, three for I-131).
Payment breakdown per person:
- I-485: $1,440
- I-765: $260
- I-131: $630
Total per person: $2,330 (as of April 1, 2024)
Time estimate: 5–10 minutes per payment.
Tip: Use a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of each payment and form for each family member.
Step 5: Make Each Check Payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This step is simple but very important. Every check or money order must be made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Using the wrong payee name can lead to rejection.
- Do not abbreviate.
- Double-check the spelling.
- Write the applicant’s name and A-number (if available) on the check’s memo line.
Time estimate: 1–2 minutes per check.
Step 6: Assemble Each Form I-485 with Its Corresponding Payment and Supporting Documents
For each applicant:
- Place the completed Form I-485, the correct payment, and all required supporting documents together.
- If you’re filing Forms I-765 and/or I-131, include those forms and their separate payments in the same package, but keep each form’s payment with the correct form.
- Use paper clips (not staples) to attach checks or money orders to the front of each form.
Time estimate: 10–20 minutes per application.
Tip: Organize each applicant’s documents in separate folders or envelopes to avoid mixing up forms and payments.
Step 7: Double-Check That No Payments Are Combined
Before you seal your package and mail it to USCIS:
- Review each application to make sure every form has its own separate payment.
- Confirm that you have not combined payments for multiple applicants or forms.
- Check that all checks or money orders are made out correctly.
Time estimate: 10–15 minutes for a final review.
Common Pitfall: Rushing through this step and missing a combined payment, which can lead to rejection and lost fees.
Time Estimates for the Entire Process
- Completing forms: 30–60 minutes per applicant
- Calculating fees: 10–15 minutes
- Preparing payments: 5–10 minutes per payment
- Assembling documents: 10–20 minutes per applicant
- Final review: 10–15 minutes
Total estimated time for a family of four: 4–6 hours, depending on your organization and experience.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. Combining Payments
– Mistake: Sending one check for multiple applicants or forms.
– Result: USCIS may reject your entire package.
– Solution: Always prepare a separate payment for each form for each applicant.
2. Incorrect Payee Name
– Mistake: Using abbreviations like “DHS” or “USDHS.”
– Result: Payment may be rejected.
– Solution: Always write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
3. Using Outdated Forms or Fees
– Mistake: Downloading old forms or using old fee amounts.
– Result: Application may be rejected or delayed.
– Solution: Always use the latest forms and check the current fee schedule on the USCIS website.
4. Missing Supporting Documents
– Mistake: Forgetting to include required evidence.
– Result: Delays or requests for more information.
– Solution: Use the checklist at the end of this guide.
5. Not Signing Forms
– Mistake: Submitting unsigned forms.
– Result: Automatic rejection.
– Solution: Double-check that every form is signed before mailing.
Troubleshooting Payment Issues
If you realize you made a mistake after mailing your package:
- Contact USCIS National Customer Service Center as soon as possible for guidance.
- If your package is rejected, carefully review the rejection notice to understand what went wrong.
- Prepare corrected forms and payments and resubmit as instructed.
If your check is returned or not cashed:
- Check your bank records to see if the payment was processed.
- If not, wait for a rejection or request for payment from USCIS.
- Do not send a replacement payment until you receive instructions from USCIS.
Checklist Summary: Filing Form I-485 for Multiple Family Members
Use this checklist to make sure you’ve completed every step correctly:
For Each Applicant:
– [ ] Completed and signed Form I-485
– [ ] Separate check, money order, or Form G-1450 for $1,440 made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
– [ ] Supporting documents attached
– [ ] (If applicable) Completed and signed Form I-765 with separate $260 payment
– [ ] (If applicable) Completed and signed Form I-131 with separate $630 payment
– [ ] All payments attached to the correct forms
– [ ] All forms are the latest versions from the USCIS website
For the Entire Package:
– [ ] No combined payments for multiple applicants or forms
– [ ] All checks/money orders have correct payee name and applicant info
– [ ] All forms are signed
– [ ] Final review completed
Recent Policy Changes and What They Mean for You
USCIS’s updated fee rule, effective April 1, 2024, brought several important changes:
- Higher filing fee for Form I-485: Now $1,440 per applicant.
- Separate fees for Forms I-765 and I-131: These forms are no longer free when filed with Form I-485.
- Strict requirement for separate payments: To support electronic processing and avoid errors, each form for each applicant must have its own payment.
Who is affected?
– Anyone filing Form I-485, I-765, or I-131 on or after April 1, 2024.
– Those who filed before this date with the old fees are not required to pay the new fees for I-765 or I-131 renewals while their I-485 is pending.
Why did USCIS make these changes?
– To modernize and digitize the application process.
– To reduce errors and speed up processing.
– To ensure each application is tracked and processed correctly.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger effort by USCIS to improve efficiency and reduce backlogs. However, they also mean that applicants must be extra careful to follow payment instructions exactly.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most up-to-date instructions, forms, and fee information, always check the official USCIS Form I-485 page. This page includes:
- The latest version of Form I-485
- Detailed instructions for each form
- The current fee schedule
- Answers to frequently asked questions
You can also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center if you have questions about payments or filing procedures.
Final Takeaways and Next Steps
- Always submit a separate payment for each Form I-485 and any other forms filed at the same time.
- Never combine payments for multiple applicants or forms.
- Double-check all forms, payments, and supporting documents before mailing.
- Use the official USCIS website for the latest forms and fee information.
- Keep copies of everything you send for your records.
By following these steps and paying close attention to payment rules, you can help ensure your family’s green card applications are processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Remember, careful preparation now can save you time, money, and stress later on.
For more details on filing fees and payment policies, visit the USCIS Filing Fees page.
If you follow this guide and use the checklist provided, you’ll be well-prepared to file Form I-485 for your family—and avoid the most common mistakes that lead to rejection or delays.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → Application used to register permanent residence or adjust immigration status within the US.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal body processing immigration applications.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization Document allowing applicants to work while status is pending.
Form I-131 → Application for travel documents, including Advance Parole, permitting temporary US travel during processing.
Filing Fee → The mandatory payment required for processing immigration forms like Form I-485.
This Article in a Nutshell
Filing multiple Form I-485 applications requires separate payments to USCIS. Each applicant must pay $1,440 plus separate fees for I-765 and I-131. Avoid combining payments to prevent rejection. Careful preparation ensures smooth processing, saves time, and supports your family’s path to permanent residence in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com
