Key Takeaways
• As of June 2025, most I-485 applicants cannot get fee waivers due to the public charge rule.
• Humanitarian groups like refugees, asylees, and VAWA self-petitioners may request I-485 fee waivers.
• To apply, submit Form I-912 with proof of income, benefits, or financial hardship alongside I-485.
For many people hoping to become permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸, the cost of immigration paperwork can be a real challenge. The I-485 form, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is a key step for those seeking a green card from within the country. But the filing fee for this form is high, and not everyone can afford it. This raises an important question: Who can get a fee waiver for the I-485 form, and how does the process work?
Let’s break down the latest rules, who qualifies, and what steps you need to take if you think you might be eligible for a fee waiver. We’ll also look at why these rules exist, how they affect different groups, and what experts say about the future of fee waivers for the I-485 form.
Who Can Request a Fee Waiver for the I-485 Form?
As of June 2025, most people applying for a green card using the I-485 form cannot get a fee waiver. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only allows fee waivers for certain groups of people. This is mainly because of the “public charge” rule, which says that most green card applicants must show they can support themselves financially and will not depend on government help.
However, there are some important exceptions. Certain humanitarian groups are allowed to request a fee waiver for the I-485 form. These include:
- Refugees and asylees (people who were forced to leave their home country because of danger or persecution)
- T visa holders (victims of human trafficking)
- U visa holders (victims of certain crimes who help law enforcement)
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJS) (children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected)
- VAWA self-petitioners (people who have suffered abuse by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent, under the Violence Against Women Act)
- People applying under special humanitarian laws, such as the Cuban Adjustment Act, Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Haitian Refugee Fairness Act (HRIFA), and Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (LRIF)
If you belong to one of these groups, you may be able to get the I-485 fee waived if you can show that you cannot afford to pay.
Why Are Fee Waivers So Limited for the I-485 Form?
The main reason is the public charge rule. This rule is part of immigration law and says that most people applying for a green card must prove they will not become a “public charge.” In simple terms, this means they must show they will not need to rely on government benefits to live in the United States 🇺🇸.
If someone asks for a fee waiver, it could be seen as proof that they cannot support themselves. This could hurt their green card application. That’s why, for most family-based and job-based green card applicants, USCIS does not allow a fee waiver for the I-485 form.
But for people in humanitarian categories—like refugees, asylees, and others listed above—the public charge rule does not apply. That’s why these groups can still ask for a fee waiver if they meet the financial requirements.
What Are the General Rules for Getting a Fee Waiver from USCIS?
For forms where fee waivers are allowed, USCIS uses three main ways to decide if you qualify:
- You or a family member living with you gets a means-tested benefit. These are government programs for people with low income, like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, or TANF.
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated every year and depend on your family size and where you live.
- You are facing extreme financial hardship. This could be because of big medical bills, a sudden loss of income, or another emergency that makes it impossible to pay the fee.
If you meet any of these, and you are in a group that is allowed to request a fee waiver for the I-485 form, you can apply for one.
How to Request a Fee Waiver for the I-485 Form
If you think you qualify, here’s what you need to do:
1. Check Your Eligibility
First, make sure you are in one of the groups that can request a fee waiver for the I-485 form. If you are not a refugee, asylee, T or U visa holder, SIJS, VAWA self-petitioner, or applying under a special humanitarian law, you probably cannot get a fee waiver.
2. Fill Out Form I-912
This is the official Request for Fee Waiver form. You can find the latest version of Form I-912 on the USCIS website. Make sure you use the most recent version, as USCIS updates this form from time to time.
3. Gather Proof
You need to show USCIS that you qualify for a fee waiver. This means you should collect documents like:
- Proof that you get a means-tested benefit (for example, a letter showing you get Medicaid or SNAP)
- Proof of your household income (like pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of financial hardship (such as medical bills, eviction notices, or other documents showing your emergency)
4. Submit Everything Together
Send your completed Form I-912, your proof, and your I-485 form together in one package to USCIS. Do not send the fee if you are asking for a waiver.
5. Wait for USCIS to Decide
USCIS will look at your request and decide if you qualify. If they approve your fee waiver, you will not have to pay the I-485 fee. If they deny your request, you will need to pay the fee, or your green card application will be rejected.
6. Follow Up if Needed
If your fee waiver is denied, you can still pay the fee and continue with your application. But you must act quickly to avoid delays or rejection.
What Happens If You Submit an I-485 Without the Fee or a Valid Fee Waiver?
If you send in your I-485 form without the required fee and you do not qualify for a fee waiver, USCIS will reject your application. This means your green card process will stop, and you will have to start over. It is very important to check your eligibility before applying for a fee waiver.
What Are the Implications for Different Groups?
Family-Based and Employment-Based Applicants
Most people applying for a green card through family or a job cannot get a fee waiver for the I-485 form. If you are in this group, you must pay the fee, even if it is difficult. Asking for a fee waiver when you are not eligible can hurt your application.
Humanitarian Applicants
If you are a refugee, asylee, T or U visa holder, SIJS, VAWA self-petitioner, or applying under a special humanitarian law, you may be able to get a fee waiver. This can make a big difference for people who have already faced hardship and may not have much money.
Advocates and Legal Experts
Many advocates for immigrants say that fee waivers are important for making sure everyone has a fair chance to become a permanent resident, especially those who have suffered or are vulnerable. But they also understand that USCIS must follow the law and prevent fraud.
Recent Changes and Policy Updates
- As of April 1, 2025, USCIS requires the latest version of Form I-912 for all fee waiver requests.
- No major changes to I-485 fee waiver rules have been made in the past week, but USCIS continues to review its policies and update its manuals.
- USCIS is clear that most I-485 applicants are not eligible for a fee waiver because of the public charge rule, but humanitarian exceptions remain in place.
For more details on the official rules, you can visit the USCIS Fee Waiver Policy and Instructions page.
Why Does the Public Charge Rule Matter So Much?
The public charge rule is a long-standing part of U.S. immigration law. It is meant to make sure that people coming to live in the United States 🇺🇸 can support themselves and will not need to rely on government help. In recent years, the rule has been made stricter, and USCIS now looks closely at whether green card applicants can pay their own way.
This is why most people applying for a green card through family or work cannot get a fee waiver for the I-485 form. If they say they cannot pay the fee, it could be used as evidence that they might become a public charge, which could lead to their application being denied.
However, the rule does not apply to refugees, asylees, and other humanitarian groups. These people are protected by law from being denied a green card because of financial need.
What Do Experts Say About Fee Waivers for the I-485 Form?
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, immigration lawyers and advocates agree that fee waivers for the I-485 form are rare and mostly limited to humanitarian cases. They point out that the public charge rule makes it almost impossible for most family-based and job-based applicants to get a waiver.
At the same time, experts stress the importance of keeping fee waivers available for refugees, asylees, and other vulnerable groups. Without this help, many people who have already suffered could be blocked from getting a green card simply because they cannot afford the fee.
USCIS says it tries to balance the need to help those in need with the need to prevent fraud and follow the law.
What Does the Future Hold for I-485 Fee Waivers?
As of June 2025, there are no announced changes to the rules for fee waivers for the I-485 form. USCIS may update its policies if Congress changes the law or if courts make new rulings about the public charge rule. Advocates are watching closely and hope that more people might be allowed to get fee waivers in the future, but for now, the rules remain strict.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you are thinking about applying for a fee waiver for the I-485 form, here are some important resources:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
- USCIS Fee Waiver Policy and Instructions
- USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283 (for questions and help)
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Most people applying for a green card with the I-485 form cannot get a fee waiver. Only certain humanitarian groups are eligible.
- If you are in an eligible group, you must show that you get a means-tested benefit, have low income, or face extreme financial hardship.
- Use the latest version of Form I-912 and send it with your I-485 application and proof.
- If your fee waiver is denied, you must pay the fee or your application will be rejected.
- Check official USCIS resources for the most up-to-date information and forms.
Applying for a green card is a big step, and the rules can be confusing. If you are not sure whether you qualify for a fee waiver, it is a good idea to talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or a qualified nonprofit organization. They can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could delay your application.
By knowing the rules and preparing your paperwork carefully, you can give yourself the best chance of success on your path to permanent residence in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
I-485 Form → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for green card applicants.
Fee Waiver → An official exemption from paying USCIS filing fees for eligible immigrants.
Public Charge Rule → Immigration law rule requiring applicants prove financial self-sufficiency to avoid dependency on government aid.
Form I-912 → USCIS Request for Fee Waiver form used to apply for fee exemptions.
Humanitarian Categories → Groups like refugees or asylum seekers exempt from the public charge rule for fee waivers.
This Article in a Nutshell
The I-485 fee waiver is limited by law, mostly excluding family and employment applicants. Only specific humanitarian groups qualify if they prove financial hardship using the latest Form I-912 with supporting documents submitted to USCIS correctly.
— By VisaVerge.com
