Is the Form I-485 Filing Fee Different for Children or Specific Groups?

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Key Takeaways

• Form I-485 filing fee is $1,440, reduced to $950 for children under 14 filing with a parent.
• April 2024 fee increase added separate costs for Form I-765 ($260) and I-131 ($630).
• Certain U.S. Armed Forces members and low-income applicants may qualify for fee exemptions or waivers.

Form I-485 Filing Fee: Detailed Guide for Adults, Children Under 14, and Special Groups

Applying for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸 is a major step for many immigrants and their families. One of the most important parts of this process is filing Form I-485, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form allows people already in the United States 🇺🇸 to apply for lawful permanent resident status, also known as getting a green card.

Is the Form I-485 Filing Fee Different for Children or Specific Groups?

Understanding the costs, who pays what, and how recent changes affect different groups—including children under 14—is essential for anyone planning to file. This guide explains the current filing fees, who qualifies for reduced rates or exemptions, and what these changes mean for applicants and their families.

What Is Form I-485?

Form I-485 is the main application used by people in the United States 🇺🇸 to ask for a green card. This process is called “adjustment of status.” Instead of leaving the country to apply for a green card at a U.S. embassy or consulate, eligible people can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 and apply from within.

You can find the official Form I-485 and its instructions on the USCIS website.

Who Needs to File Form I-485?

Form I-485 is used by many different groups, including:

Family members of U.S. citizens or green card holders
People with approved employment-based immigrant petitions
Refugees and asylees
Special immigrant groups, such as certain religious workers or Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government

Each group has its own eligibility rules. Before filing, it’s important to check if you qualify and what documents you need to include.

Filing Fee for Form I-485: The Basics

As of June 15, 2025, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440 for most applicants. This fee was increased from $1,225 on April 1, 2024. The fee is non-refundable, which means you won’t get your money back even if your application is denied.

Why Did the Fee Increase?

USCIS, the government agency that handles immigration benefits, reviews its fees regularly. The increase in April 2024 was made to cover higher processing costs and to keep up with the growing number of applications. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a larger effort to make sure the agency has enough resources to process cases in a timely manner.

Filing Fee for Children Under 14

One of the most common questions is whether the filing fee is different for children. The answer is yes, but only in certain cases.

Children under 14 years old who file Form I-485 at the same time as at least one parent pay a reduced fee of $950.
If a child under 14 files alone (not with a parent), the full fee of $1,440 applies.

This reduced fee is meant to help families with young children by lowering the cost when applying together.

Example: Family With Young Children

Let’s say a family of four—two parents and two children ages 12 and 15—wants to apply for green cards. Here’s how the fees would work:

Parent 1: $1,440
Parent 2: $1,440
Child (12, filing with parent): $950
Child (15): $1,440

Total filing fees: $5,270

In this example, only the child under 14 who files with a parent gets the reduced fee. The 15-year-old pays the full amount.

Other Special Groups and Fee Exemptions

Not everyone has to pay the full fee. Some groups are either exempt from paying or may qualify for a fee waiver.

U.S. Armed Forces Members

Certain members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are applying under INA section 101(a)(27)(K) do not have to pay the Form I-485 filing fee. This exemption recognizes their service to the country.

Fee Waivers for Financial Hardship

Some applicants who can show that they cannot afford the fee may qualify for a fee waiver. To request a waiver, you must file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and provide proof of your financial situation. USCIS reviews each request and decides if you qualify.

Who Does Not Qualify for a Fee Waiver?

Not all categories are eligible for a fee waiver. For example, most employment-based applicants and those applying through certain special programs must pay the full fee, even if they have financial difficulties.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting Fees

The April 2024 fee increase was not the only change. There are other important updates that affect how much you pay and what is included in your application.

In the past, people who filed Form I-485 could include Form I-765 (for work authorization) and Form I-131 (for a travel document) at no extra cost. This is no longer the case.

Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): Now costs $260 when filed with Form I-485.
Form I-131 (Travel Document): Now costs $630 when filed with Form I-485.

This means that if you want to work or travel while your green card application is pending, you must pay extra for each form.

Biometric Services

USCIS sometimes requires applicants to provide fingerprints, photos, and a signature. This is called a “biometric services appointment.” While the fee for biometric services is now included in the main Form I-485 fee for most applicants, there have been changes to biometric fees for other forms. Always check the latest instructions to see if you need to pay an extra biometric fee.

How to Calculate Your Total Fees

Because the fees can add up quickly, it’s important to calculate the total cost before you file. Here’s a simple way to do it:

Start with the Form I-485 fee: $1,440 for most, $950 for children under 14 filing with a parent.
Add fees for any extra forms: $260 for Form I-765, $630 for Form I-131, if you want to work or travel while waiting.
Check for biometric fees: Usually included, but double-check the instructions for your category.
Subtract any exemptions or waivers: If you qualify, you may not have to pay some or all of the fees.

You can use the USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm the exact amount you need to pay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Form I-485

Filing Form I-485 can be a long process, but breaking it down into steps can make it easier.

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before you do anything, make sure you qualify to file Form I-485. Check the eligibility rules for your category (family, employment, asylum, etc.).

2. Gather Your Documents

You’ll need to collect important documents, such as:

Birth certificates
Passports
Proof of your current immigration status
Marriage certificates (if applying as a spouse)
Any other documents listed in the Form I-485 instructions

3. Complete the Forms

Fill out Form I-485 and any other forms you need, such as:

Make sure all information is correct and matches your supporting documents.

4. Calculate and Prepare Your Fees

Add up the fees for all forms you are filing. Remember:

Pay each form’s fee separately. If you combine payments, USCIS may reject your application.
Accepted payment methods include money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card (using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).

5. Submit Your Application

Mail your forms, fees, and supporting documents to the correct USCIS address. The address depends on your category and where you live. Double-check the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485 before sending your package.

6. Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

If required, USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment. Go to the appointment and provide your fingerprints, photo, and signature.

7. Wait for a Decision

USCIS will review your application and may ask for more information or an interview. Processing times vary, so check the USCIS Processing Times page for updates.

Practical Implications for Families and Individuals

The recent fee increases and changes to related forms have a real impact on families and individuals. Here’s what you need to know:

Higher Costs: Filing for a family of four can now cost thousands of dollars, especially if you include work and travel forms.
Planning Ahead: Because the fees are non-refundable, it’s important to make sure your application is complete and accurate before filing.
Children Under 14: The reduced fee helps, but only if the child files with a parent. Older children pay the full amount.
Fee Waivers: If you can’t afford the fees, check if you qualify for a waiver. This can make a big difference for low-income families.

Real-World Example: Single Parent With Two Children

Maria is a single mother with two children, ages 10 and 16. She wants to apply for green cards for herself and her children. Here’s how her fees would look:

Maria: $1,440
Child (10, filing with Maria): $950
Child (16): $1,440

Total: $3,830

If Maria cannot afford these fees, she can look into a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 with proof of her income and expenses.

Rights and Pathways After Filing Form I-485

Once you file Form I-485, you gain certain rights and options:

Stay in the United States 🇺🇸: You can remain in the country while your application is pending.
Work Authorization: If you file Form I-765 and it’s approved, you can work legally while waiting for your green card.
Travel Permission: If you file Form I-131 and it’s approved, you can travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 and return.

However, you must follow all rules and respond to any requests from USCIS to avoid delays or denials.

Comparing Fees: Children Under 14 vs. Other Applicants

To make things clearer, here’s a simple comparison:

Applicant Type	Filing Fee (as of June 2025)
Adult or child 14 and older	$1,440
Child under 14, filing with parent	$950
Child under 14, filing alone	$1,440

This table shows how the reduced fee for children under 14 only applies when they file with a parent.

Staying Up to Date With Fee Changes

USCIS reviews and updates its fee schedule from time to time. As of now, there are no announced changes beyond the April 2024 increase, but it’s wise to check the USCIS Fee Schedule before you file.

Where to Get Help

If you have questions or need help:

Visit the USCIS website for official forms and instructions.
Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
Talk to an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid group for advice.

Legal and advocacy groups often help people understand fee changes and apply for waivers or exemptions. Immigration attorneys can explain your options and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Filing Form I-485 is a big step toward becoming a permanent resident of the United States 🇺🇸. Understanding the filing fee, especially for children under 14 and special groups, helps you plan and avoid surprises. Remember to:

Check if you qualify for a reduced fee or exemption
Calculate your total costs, including related forms
Use the official USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm your fees
File each form’s fee separately to avoid rejection
Stay up to date with any future fee changes

By following these steps and using official resources, you can make the process smoother for yourself and your family. For more detailed analysis and updates, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed about policy changes is key to a successful application.

Always rely on official government sources for the latest information, and seek professional help if you have questions about your specific case.

Learn Today

Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to get a green card in the U.S.
Adjustment of Status → Process of applying for permanent residence from inside the United States without leaving the country.
Fee Waiver → An official exemption from paying the filing fee due to financial hardship or eligibility.
Biometric Services → Appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and signature for identity verification during immigration processing.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization allowing applicants to work legally during their green card process.

This Article in a Nutshell

Filing Form I-485 is crucial for green card applicants in the U.S. Children under 14 filing with parents pay lower fees, but others pay full costs. New rules now charge extra for work and travel forms. Fee waivers exist for qualified applicants needing financial help.
— By VisaVerge.com