Does I-485 Fee Include the Work Permit Fee for Concurrent I-765?

Key Takeaways

• As of April 1, 2024, USCIS requires separate fees for Forms I-485, I-765, and I-131.
• Form I-485 filing fee is $1,440; Form I-765 costs $260; Form I-131 is $630 as of June 2025.
• Failure to pay separate fees causes USCIS to reject related forms, delaying work permits or travel documents.

When applying for a green card through adjustment of status in the United States 🇺🇸, many applicants also want to work and travel while their case is pending. This often means filing several forms at once: Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and sometimes Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document, also called Advance Parole). Understanding the costs, requirements, and recent changes to the USCIS fee policy is essential for anyone planning this process.

This guide explains the current rules for Form I-485 and Form I-765 fees, who needs to pay them, how the process works, and what these changes mean for applicants and their families. It also covers practical steps, real-world examples, and important tips to help you avoid costly mistakes.

What Are Form I-485 and Form I-765?

Form I-485 is the official application for someone already in the United States 🇺🇸 to become a lawful permanent resident, also known as getting a green card. This process is called “adjustment of status.” People use Form I-485 if they are eligible to apply for a green card from inside the country, rather than going through a U.S. consulate abroad.

Form I-765 is the application for a work permit, officially called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card allows people to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 while their main immigration application, like Form I-485, is being processed.

Many applicants file both forms at the same time. This is called “filing concurrently.” It lets people apply for a green card and, at the same time, ask for permission to work while they wait for a decision.

Recent Changes to USCIS Fee Policy

What Changed on April 1, 2024?

Before April 1, 2024, the fee for Form I-485 included the cost of filing Form I-765 and Form I-131 (for travel permission) if you filed them together. This meant you could apply for a green card, a work permit, and a travel document with one payment.

As of April 1, 2024, this is no longer the case. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed its fee policy. Now, each form requires a separate fee, even if you file them all at once.

Current fees (as of June 2025):
– Form I-485: $1,440
– Form I-765: $260
– Form I-131: $630

If you file all three together, you must pay a total of $2,330 per applicant.

You can find the official fee schedule on the USCIS Filing Fees page.

Why Did USCIS Change the Fee Policy?

USCIS explained that the old bundled fee did not reflect the actual cost of processing each application. By separating the fees, the agency says it can better cover its expenses and keep up with rising costs. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this change is part of a larger effort to make the immigration system more financially stable, but it also means higher costs for applicants.

Who Needs to Pay the Separate Fees?

Anyone filing Form I-485 on or after April 1, 2024, must pay the new, separate fees. This includes people applying for a green card through family, employment, asylum adjustment, or other categories.

If you filed Form I-485 before April 1, 2024:
You do not need to pay for Form I-765 or Form I-131 renewals while your I-485 is still pending. The old bundled fee policy still applies to your case.

If you file after April 1, 2024:
You must pay each fee separately, even if you file all forms at the same time.

Step-by-Step Filing Process and Fee Payment

Filing for adjustment of status and related benefits involves several steps. Here’s how the process works under the new USCIS fee policy:

1. Complete Form I-485

• Download the latest version of Form I-485 from the USCIS website.
• Fill out all required sections carefully.
• Prepare a payment of $1,440 for the filing fee.

2. Complete Form I-765 (Optional, for Work Authorization)

• Download Form I-765 from the official site.
• Fill out the form if you want to work while your green card application is pending.
• Prepare a separate payment of $260 for this application.

3. Complete Form I-131 (Optional, for Advance Parole/Travel)

• Download Form I-131 if you want to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while your I-485 is pending.
• Prepare a separate payment of $630 for this form.

4. Prepare and Submit All Forms Together

• Place all completed forms and payments in one package if filing together.
• Each form must have its own payment. Do not combine payments for different forms.
• Double-check that you have included the correct fee for each form. If you miss a fee, USCIS will reject that form and return your application.

5. Mail Your Application

• Send your package to the correct USCIS address listed on the official instructions for each form.
• Keep copies of everything you send, including checks or money orders.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Correct Fees?

USCIS will reject any form that does not include the correct fee. For example, if you submit Form I-485 and Form I-765 together but only pay the I-485 fee, USCIS will process the I-485 but reject the I-765. This means you will not get a work permit unless you refile Form I-765 with the correct fee.

Key points:
– Each form must have its own payment.
– Rejected forms can delay your ability to work or travel.
– Always check the latest fee amounts on the USCIS Filing Fees page before sending your application.

Who Is Affected by the Fee Changes?

Adjustment Applicants

Anyone applying for a green card from inside the United States 🇺🇸 is affected by the new fee policy. This includes:
– Family-based applicants (spouses, children, parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders)
– Employment-based applicants (workers sponsored by U.S. employers)
– Asylees and refugees adjusting status
– Diversity Visa lottery winners already in the United States 🇺🇸

Families

For families applying together, the costs add up quickly. For example, a family of four filing all three forms for each person would pay:
– $1,440 x 4 = $5,760 (I-485)
– $260 x 4 = $1,040 (I-765)
– $630 x 4 = $2,520 (I-131)
– Total: $9,320

Students and Young Adults

Some students or young adults who are eligible to adjust status may find the extra fees for work permits difficult to pay, especially if they do not have a steady income.

Employers

Employers who help sponsor workers for green cards may need to explain these new costs to their employees and help them plan for the extra fees.

Real-World Example

Maria’s Story

Maria is married to a U.S. citizen and is applying for a green card from inside the United States 🇺🇸. She wants to work while her application is pending, so she plans to file Form I-485 and Form I-765 together.

• Maria fills out both forms and prepares her documents.
• She writes a check for $1,440 for Form I-485 and a separate check for $260 for Form I-765.
• She sends both forms in one envelope to USCIS.
• A few weeks later, Maria receives a receipt notice for each form.
• After several months, she gets her work permit (EAD) and can start working legally while waiting for her green card interview.

If Maria had only paid the I-485 fee, her I-765 would have been rejected, and she would have had to refile it with the correct fee, causing delays.

Practical Implications and Tips

Budgeting for Fees

• Plan ahead: Make sure you have enough money to pay all required fees before you file.
• Check for fee waivers: Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver for Form I-485 if they can show financial hardship. However, fee waivers are not available for Form I-765 or Form I-131 under the new rules.
• Keep records: Always keep copies of your payment receipts and all forms you submit.

Avoiding Delays

• Double-check fees: Always check the latest fee amounts on the USCIS Filing Fees page before sending your application.
• Use separate payments: Never combine payments for different forms.
• Follow instructions: Carefully read the instructions for each form to avoid mistakes.

What If You Filed Before April 1, 2024?

If you filed Form I-485 before April 1, 2024, and paid the old bundled fee, you do not need to pay for Form I-765 or Form I-131 renewals while your I-485 is still pending. This can save you money if your case is still in process.

Comparing Old and New Fee Policies

Key difference: Applicants now pay almost double the total amount if they want all three benefits.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have raised concerns that the higher fees make it harder for low-income families and individuals to apply for work permits and travel documents. Some say this could force people to wait longer without being able to work legally, which can cause financial stress.

Others, including USCIS officials, argue that the new fees are necessary to keep the agency running and to process cases more efficiently. They point out that USCIS is mostly funded by application fees, not by taxes.

What’s Next? Future Outlook

There are no plans to return to the old bundled fee system. USCIS may adjust fees again in the future, especially if costs go up or if Congress changes how the agency is funded. Applicants should always check the USCIS Filing Fees page for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does paying the I-485 fee cover the I-765 work permit fee?
A: No. As of April 1, 2024, you must pay a separate fee for Form I-765, even if you file it with Form I-485.

Q: What happens if I forget to pay the I-765 fee?
A: USCIS will reject your I-765 application. You will need to refile with the correct fee.

Q: Can I get a fee waiver for Form I-765?
A: No. Fee waivers are not available for Form I-765 under the current rules.

Q: Where can I find the latest forms and fees?
A: Visit the USCIS Filing Fees page for up-to-date information.

Actionable Takeaways

• Always check the latest fees before filing any immigration form.
• Prepare separate payments for each form you file.
• Keep copies of all forms and payment receipts.
• Consult an immigration attorney if you have questions about your case or need help with fee waivers.
• Monitor the official USCIS website for any future changes to fees or policies.

For more detailed analysis and updates on immigration policy changes, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed about USCIS fee policy is essential for anyone seeking adjustment of status or related benefits.

By understanding the current rules and planning ahead, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your green card application on track.

Learn Today

Adjustment of Status → Process to obtain green card without leaving the United States, by filing Form I-485.
Form I-485 → Application to register permanent residence or adjust status within the U.S.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization Document allowing work during immigration processing.
Form I-131 → Application for Travel Document or Advance Parole to travel while status adjustment is pending.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, agency that processes immigration applications and fees.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS changed its fee policy on April 1, 2024. Applicants must now pay separate fees for Forms I-485, I-765, and I-131. This shift almost doubles total costs for adjustment applicants. Filing errors cause rejections and delays. Understanding these changes helps avoid mistakes and ensures timely application processing.
— By VisaVerge.com