Accepted Payment Methods for USCIS Form I-485 Fee Explained

Key Takeaways

• Form I-485 filing fee increased to $1,440 effective April 1, 2024.
• USCIS requires separate payments for each form to avoid application rejection.
• Accepted payments include checks, Form G-1450 for cards, online pay.gov, and in-person methods.

Applying for a green card through adjustment of status is a major step for many people living in the United States 🇺🇸. One of the most important parts of this process is paying the correct fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The main form used for this process is Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Understanding how to pay the required fees, what payment methods are accepted, and how recent changes affect applicants is essential for a smooth application experience.

This guide explains the accepted payment methods for the Form I-485 fee, recent fee changes, step-by-step payment instructions, and practical advice for applicants. It also covers the reasons behind these changes and what they mean for different groups of people. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pay your Form I-485 fee and avoid common mistakes that could delay your green card application.

What Is Form I-485 and Why Is the Fee Important?

Form I-485 is the official application used by people in the United States 🇺🇸 who want to become lawful permanent residents (get a green card) without leaving the country. This process is called “adjustment of status.” Paying the correct fee is required for USCIS to review your application. If you pay the wrong amount or use an unacceptable payment method, USCIS may reject your entire application, causing delays or even forcing you to start over.

Accepted Payment Methods for Form I-485 Fees

USCIS offers several ways to pay the Form I-485 fee. Choosing the right method and following the correct steps is very important. Below are the main payment options:

1. Check Payments

• Personal checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders are accepted.
• All checks and money orders must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Do not abbreviate or use any other name.
• Make sure the check or money order is for the exact fee amount. Overpaying or underpaying can lead to rejection.
• Include the check or money order with your application package when mailing it to USCIS.

Example:
Maria is applying for a green card and decides to pay by personal check. She writes the check for $1,440, makes it payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and includes it in her application envelope.

2. Credit or Debit Card Payments

• You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card by using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
• When filing by mail, complete and sign Form G-1450 and place it on top of your application package.
• USCIS will process your card payment after accepting your application. If your application is rejected, they will still destroy the G-1450 form to protect your card information.
• For online filings, you will be directed to the secure pay.gov website, where you can pay with a card or through a bank account withdrawal.

Example:
John wants to pay by credit card. He fills out Form G-1450, signs it, and places it on top of his I-485 application before mailing it to the USCIS Lockbox.

3. Online Payments

• If you file Form I-485 online, you will pay through the USCIS online system, which uses pay.gov for secure payments.
• Accepted online payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and direct bank account withdrawals.

Example:
Priya files her I-485 online. After submitting her application, she is directed to pay.gov, where she pays the fee using her debit card.

4. In-Person Payments

• At USCIS offices, you can pay using pay.gov with a credit card, debit card, or personal check.
• Cash is generally not accepted at USCIS offices.

Example:
Ahmed visits a USCIS office for help with his application. He pays the fee using his credit card through pay.gov at the office.

Recent Fee Changes and What They Mean

Fee Increase in 2024

• Effective April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form I-485 increased from $1,225 to $1,440.
• Forms often filed together with I-485, such as Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) and Form I-131 (Travel Document), now require separate fees of $260 and $630, respectively.
• In the past, these forms were often free when filed with I-485, but now each form must have its own payment.

Separate Payments Required

• USCIS requires separate payments for each form. If you combine payments for multiple forms, the entire package may be rejected.
• This rule is due to USCIS’s electronic processing systems, which cannot split combined payments.

Non-Refundable Fees

• All filing fees are final and non-refundable. If your application is denied or you withdraw it, you will not get your money back.
• If you pay by credit or debit card, you cannot dispute the charge after submitting your application.

Practical Impact:
For a family of four applying for adjustment of status and work permits, the total cost can be much higher than before. Each person must pay the I-485 fee, and if they want work or travel documents, those fees are added for each person.

Step-by-Step Payment Process for Mail Filings

Paying by mail is still common for many applicants. Here’s how to do it correctly:

1. Prepare Your Application

• Complete Form I-485 and gather all required supporting documents.

2. Calculate the Correct Fee

• Use the USCIS Fee Calculator or check the USCIS Fee Schedule to confirm the current fee.
• Add up fees for any other forms you are filing at the same time, such as I-765 or I-131.

3. Prepare Your Payment

• If paying by check or money order:
  • Make it payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
  • Write the exact amount.
• If paying by credit or debit card:
  • Complete Form G-1450 and sign it.
  • Place Form G-1450 on top of your application package.

4. Mail Your Application

• Send your complete package to the correct USCIS Lockbox address. The address depends on where you live and your specific situation. Check the official USCIS I-485 page for the correct address.

5. USCIS Processes Your Payment

• USCIS will process your payment after accepting your application.
• If there is a problem with your payment (wrong amount, incorrect payee, or declined card), USCIS will reject your application and return it to you.

Why Did the Fees and Payment Rules Change?

The fee increase and new payment rules are part of a larger effort by USCIS to cover rising operational costs and improve service. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the last major fee increase was in 2016. Since then, costs for processing applications, hiring staff, and updating technology have gone up.

The new rules requiring separate payments for each form help USCIS process applications more efficiently. Their electronic systems are designed to handle one payment per form, which reduces errors and speeds up processing.

Expert Opinions:
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups say these changes make it more expensive and complicated for people to apply for green cards and related benefits. Families and individuals who need to file several forms at once now face higher costs. However, USCIS says these changes are necessary to keep the agency running smoothly and to improve services for all applicants.

Practical Implications for Applicants

For Individuals

• Higher Costs: The total cost of applying for a green card and related benefits is now higher. Plan your budget carefully.
• Separate Payments: Always submit a separate payment for each form. Double-check before mailing your application.
• No Refunds: Be sure you are eligible and have all documents ready before paying, since fees are non-refundable.

For Families

• Multiply Fees by Each Family Member: Each person must pay the full fee for each form they file. For example, a family of four applying for adjustment of status and work permits will pay four times the I-485 fee plus four times the I-765 fee.
• Careful Organization Needed: Keep payments and forms organized to avoid confusion and rejection.

For Employers and Legal Representatives

• Advise Clients on New Fees: Make sure clients understand the increased costs and payment rules.
• Check Payment Methods: Help clients choose the best payment method for their situation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Combining Payments: Never combine payments for multiple forms. Each form needs its own payment.
• Wrong Payee: Always make checks and money orders payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Incorrect Fee Amount: Double-check the current fee before paying. Fees can change.
• Missing or Incorrect Form G-1450: If paying by card, always include a completed and signed Form G-1450.
• Using Cash: Do not send cash. USCIS does not accept cash payments.

Real-World Example

Case Study: The Hernandez Family

The Hernandez family, a couple with two children, decided to apply for adjustment of status. Each family member needed to file Form I-485, and the parents also wanted to apply for work permits (Form I-765) and travel documents (Form I-131).

• I-485 fee per person: $1,440 x 4 = $5,760
• I-765 fee per adult: $260 x 2 = $520
• I-131 fee per adult: $630 x 2 = $1,260

Total fees: $7,540

They made sure to write separate checks for each form and included all payments in their application package. By following the correct payment process, their application was accepted without delay.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for USCIS Fees and Payment Methods?

As of June 2025, there are no announced plans for more fee increases or changes to payment methods. However, USCIS continues to improve its online filing and payment systems. In the future, more electronic payment options and easier online processes may become available.

Applicants should always check the official USCIS website for the latest updates on fees and payment procedures. Staying informed helps avoid mistakes and delays.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• USCIS Form I-485 Page: Official instructions, fee information, and filing addresses.
• USCIS Fee Calculator: Helps you find the correct fee for your application.
• Form G-1450 Instructions: Step-by-step guide for paying by credit or debit card.
• Pay.gov: Secure payment portal used by USCIS for online and in-person payments.
• USCIS Contact Center: For questions about payments or application status.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, keeping up with these official resources is the best way to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Summary Table: Accepted Payment Methods for Form I-485 Fee

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Always check the latest fee schedule before submitting your application.
• Use only accepted payment methods and follow all instructions carefully.
• Submit separate payments for each form to avoid rejection.
• Keep records of your payments in case you need to track your application.
• Visit the official USCIS I-485 page for up-to-date information and instructions.

By following these steps and using the right payment methods, you can help ensure your Form I-485 application is accepted and processed without unnecessary delays. If you have questions or need help, contact USCIS or speak with a trusted immigration attorney.

Learn Today

Form I-485 → Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status for residents seeking a green card inside the U.S.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency processing immigration applications and petitions.
Form G-1450 → Authorization form used to pay USCIS fees with a credit or debit card by mail.
pay.gov → Secure U.S. government website used by USCIS for online and in-person fee payments.
Adjustment of Status → Process allowing individuals in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country.

This Article in a Nutshell

Applying for Form I-485 involves paying fees correctly to USCIS. Since April 2024, fees increased, and each form needs separate payments. Accepted methods include checks, credit cards via Form G-1450, online payments, and in-person. Avoiding mistakes helps prevent delays and ensures smoother green card processing.
— By VisaVerge.com