Where to Place Payment in Your I-485 Application Package

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Key Takeaways

• The I-485 filing fee increased to $1,440 effective April 1, 2024.
• Payments must be separate for each form and placed on top of the package.
• Accepted payments: check, money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or Form G-1450 for card.

When you’re ready to apply for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸, one of the most important steps is submitting the I-485 form, also known as the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to making sure your payment is included correctly. Mistakes with payment placement or method can cause your entire application to be rejected or delayed, costing you time and money. This guide will walk you through every step of including your payment in your I-485 application package, explain the different payment options, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Introduction: Why Payment Placement Matters

Where to Place Payment in Your I-485 Application Package

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that every I-485 application package includes the correct filing fee. If you don’t include the right payment, or if you put it in the wrong place in your package, your application could be rejected. This means you’d have to start over, pay the fee again, and wait even longer for your green card. With the recent fee increase and stricter rules about payment methods, it’s more important than ever to follow the instructions exactly.

This guide will show you:

How to prepare your payment for the I-485 form
Where to place your payment in your application package
The different payment methods you can use
What to do if you’re filing multiple forms at the same time
How to avoid common mistakes that can lead to rejection
A checklist to make sure you’ve done everything right

Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Gather All Required Forms and Documents

Before you think about payment, make sure you have all the forms and documents you need for your I-485 application. This usually includes:

The completed I-485 form
Supporting documents (such as birth certificate, passport copies, and proof of eligibility)
Any other forms you’re filing at the same time, like Form I-765 (for a work permit) or Form I-131 (for a travel document)

Tip: Double-check the latest USCIS checklist to make sure you have everything. Missing documents can cause delays.

Step 2: Prepare Your Payment

The next step is to prepare your payment for the I-485 filing fee. As of April 1, 2024, the fee for the I-485 form is $1,440. This is a recent increase from the previous fee of $1,225. If you’re also filing Form I-765 or Form I-131, you’ll need to pay separate fees for those forms: $260 for I-765 and $630 for I-131.

Important: Fees are non-refundable. If your application is denied or you withdraw it, you won’t get your money back.

You have two main options for payment:

Option 1: Check or Money Order

Make your check or money order payable to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Do not use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Write the amount clearly and double-check for mistakes.
If you’re filing more than one form (like I-485 and I-765), write a separate check or money order for each form. Do not combine payments for multiple forms. USCIS will reject your entire package if you combine payments.

Option 2: Credit or Debit Card

Use Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Fill out the form completely and sign it.
Only use Form G-1450 for paper filings sent to a USCIS Lockbox facility.
USCIS will charge your card for the exact amount and then destroy the form to protect your information.

Note: If you file online, you’ll pay electronically through the pay.gov system, which accepts credit, debit, prepaid cards, and bank withdrawals.

Step 3: Place Your Payment on Top of the Application Package

This is where many applicants make mistakes. The payment must be the very first item in your application package.

If you’re paying by check or money order, place it on top of the I-485 form and all supporting documents.
If you’re paying by credit or debit card, place the signed Form G-1450 on top of your entire application package.

Why is this important?
USCIS staff open thousands of packages every day. Placing your payment on top helps them find it quickly and process your application without delays.

Step 4: Assemble the Rest of Your Forms and Evidence

After your payment (check, money order, or Form G-1450) is on top, stack your forms and documents in this order:

I-485 form
Supporting documents (such as birth certificate, passport, photos, etc.)
Any other forms you’re filing (I-765, I-131), each with its own payment on top

Tip: Do not staple, paperclip, or bind your payment to the forms. Just place it loosely on top.

Step 5: Mail Your Application Package to the Correct Address

Where you send your package depends on your eligibility category and where you live. The address can change, so always check the latest USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 before mailing.

Use a reliable mailing service with tracking, like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS.
Keep a copy of everything you send, including your payment.

Time Estimate:
– Preparing your forms and payment: 1–2 hours
– Mailing and delivery: 1–5 days, depending on your chosen service

Step 6: Track Your Application and Payment

After mailing your package, you can:

Use your mailing service’s tracking number to confirm delivery.
Wait for a receipt notice (Form I-797C) from USCIS, which usually arrives within 2–4 weeks.
If you paid by credit or debit card, check your account for the charge.

If you don’t receive a receipt notice within 30 days, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many applicants run into problems that can cause their I-485 application to be rejected or delayed. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Placing Payment in the Wrong Spot

Mistake: Burying the check, money order, or Form G-1450 somewhere in the middle or bottom of the package.
Solution: Always put your payment on top of the entire package.

2. Combining Payments for Multiple Forms

Mistake: Writing one check for both I-485 and I-765 fees.
Solution: Write a separate check or money order for each form.

3. Using the Wrong Payee Name

Mistake: Making the check out to “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Solution: Always write U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the payee.

4. Forgetting to Sign Form G-1450

Mistake: Sending an unsigned Form G-1450.
Solution: Double-check that you’ve signed and dated the form.

5. Sending Cash

Mistake: Including cash in your application package.
Solution: Never send cash. Use a check, money order, or credit/debit card.

6. Using an Outdated Fee Amount

Mistake: Paying the old fee of $1,225 instead of the new $1,440.
Solution: Check the latest USCIS Fee Schedule before sending payment.

7. Mailing to the Wrong Address

Mistake: Sending your package to an old or incorrect address.
Solution: Always verify the correct address on the USCIS website.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even if you’re careful, problems can happen. Here’s what to do if you run into trouble:

If Your Application Is Rejected

Read the rejection notice carefully. It will explain why your package was returned.
Fix the problem (such as correcting the payment or using the right form).
Re-submit your application with the correct payment and documents.

If Your Payment Is Not Processed

If your check or card is not charged within 30 days, contact the USCIS Contact Center.
If your payment is returned or declined, USCIS will usually send a notice explaining the issue.

If You Sent the Wrong Fee

If you paid too little, USCIS will reject your application.
If you paid too much, USCIS may accept the application but will not refund the extra amount.

If You Used the Wrong Payment Method

If you sent cash or combined payments, your package will be rejected.
Use the correct method and re-submit.

Checklist: Before You Mail Your I-485 Application Package

Use this checklist to make sure you’ve done everything right:

[ ] Completed the I-485 form and all supporting documents
[ ] Prepared a separate payment for each form (I-485, I-765, I-131)
[ ] Made checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
[ ] If paying by card, completed and signed Form G-1450
[ ] Placed payment on top of the application package
[ ] Assembled forms and documents in the correct order
[ ] Verified the correct mailing address on the USCIS website
[ ] Made copies of everything for your records
[ ] Used a reliable mailing service with tracking

Additional Tips and Reminders

Fees are non-refundable. Double-check everything before mailing.
Do not staple or bind your payment to your forms.
Do not send cash. Only use approved payment methods.
Check for the latest fee amounts and addresses on the official USCIS website.
If you’re unsure about anything, contact the USCIS Contact Center or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.

Why These Steps Matter

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and USCIS have strict rules for processing immigration forms. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, even small mistakes with payment placement or amount can cause major delays or rejections. The move to electronic processing means that combined payments are no longer accepted, and the new fee schedule affects many applicants. By following these steps, you can avoid common problems and give your application the best chance of being processed quickly.

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date information, always check the following official resources:

Conclusion: Take Action with Confidence

Filing the I-485 form is a big step toward getting your green card in the United States 🇺🇸. By preparing your payment correctly and placing it on top of your application package, you can avoid costly mistakes and delays. Always use the correct fee amount, payment method, and mailing address. If you’re filing multiple forms, remember to include a separate payment for each one. Use the checklist above to review your package before mailing.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a successful application. For more detailed guidance and updates, visit the official USCIS Form I-485 page or consult a trusted immigration professional.

Learn Today

I-485 Form → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status in the United States.
Form G-1450 → Authorization form to pay filing fees using a credit or debit card.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency handling immigration applications.
Filing Fee → Mandatory payment required to process immigration forms, non-refundable if denied.
Lockbox Facility → USCIS processing center where paper applications and payments are sent.

This Article in a Nutshell

Filing the I-485 form requires precise payment handling to avoid delays or rejection. Payment must be placed on top, be for the exact amount, and separate for each form. Follow updated 2024 fees and instructions carefully to secure a smooth green card application process with USCIS.
— By VisaVerge.com