Key Takeaways
• USCIS filing fees for Form I-485 are non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application.
• To withdraw I-485, send a written letter with your details to the USCIS office processing your case.
• You can reapply later but must pay full fees again; confirmation of withdrawal will be sent by USCIS.
If you’re thinking about withdrawing your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, you’re probably wondering what happens to the money you paid to USCIS. This is a common question, and it’s important to know the facts before making any decisions. Let’s walk through the process, the rules, and what you can expect if you decide to withdraw your I-485 application.
What Happens to My Filing Fees If I Withdraw My I-485?
Q: If I withdraw my I-485, can I get my money back?
A: No, you cannot get your money back. The filing fees you pay to USCIS for Form I-485 are non-refundable. This means that once you submit your application and pay the fees, you will not get a refund, even if you later decide to withdraw your application or if USCIS denies your case.
This rule is very clear and has been in place for a long time. USCIS uses these fees to cover the cost of processing your application, and the money is not returned under any circumstances related to withdrawal or denial.
Why Are I-485 Filing Fees Non-Refundable?
Q: Why doesn’t USCIS refund the fees if I withdraw my application?
USCIS treats the fees you pay as administrative and processing fees. These fees help cover the cost of reviewing your application, checking your background, and making a decision about your case. Even if you withdraw your application, USCIS may have already spent time and resources on your case.
Key points:
– All filing fees for Form I-485 are non-refundable.
– This includes fees for related forms like Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (travel document).
– The policy applies whether you withdraw your application or if USCIS denies it.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this non-refundable policy helps USCIS manage its costs and prevents people from filing applications they are not serious about.
How Do I Withdraw My I-485 Application?
Q: What’s the process for withdrawing my I-485?
If you decide to withdraw your I-485, you need to send a written withdrawal letter to the USCIS office that is handling your case. The address is usually listed on your receipt notice (Form I-797C, Notice of Action).
Here’s what you should do:
1. Write a clear letter stating that you want to withdraw your Form I-485 application. Include your full name, date of birth, A-Number (if you have one), and your USCIS receipt number.
2. Send the letter to the address on your receipt notice. It’s best to use a tracked mailing method, like certified mail or FedEx, so you have proof that USCIS received your request.
3. Wait for confirmation. After USCIS receives your withdrawal request, they will send you a notice confirming that your application has been withdrawn. This can take several weeks, depending on how busy USCIS is.
Tip: Always keep a copy of your withdrawal letter and any proof of delivery for your records.
For more details on the process, you can visit the official USCIS I-485 page, which provides the latest instructions and contact information.
What Happens After I Withdraw My I-485?
Q: Will I get a confirmation?
Yes. After you send your withdrawal letter, USCIS will review your request and then send you a confirmation notice. This notice will state that your I-485 application has been withdrawn. The time it takes to get this confirmation can vary, but it usually arrives within a few weeks.
Q: Can I reapply in the future?
Yes, you can reapply for adjustment of status in the future if you become eligible again. However, you will need to submit a new Form I-485 and pay the full filing fees again. Your new application will be treated as a completely new case.
Are There Any Exceptions to the No-Refund Rule?
Q: Are there any situations where I could get my money back?
In almost all cases, the answer is no. USCIS is very strict about not refunding filing fees for Form I-485 and most other applications. The only exceptions are rare situations where USCIS made a clear mistake, such as:
– If you paid more than the required fee by accident (overpayment).
– If you paid for a service that USCIS cannot provide (for example, if you paid for a form that is no longer accepted).
Even in these rare cases, refunds are not guaranteed and are handled on a case-by-case basis. For most people, once the fee is paid, it is gone.
What About Recent Changes to USCIS Fees?
Q: Have there been any changes to the fee rules recently?
Yes, there have been some updates, but they do not affect the non-refundable nature of the fees. In April 2024, USCIS made some changes to its fee structure:
– The biometric services fee (for fingerprinting and background checks) is now included in the main I-485 filing fee for most applicants.
– The $30 returned check fee was eliminated.
However, these changes do not mean that fees are refundable. The main rule remains the same: once you pay, you cannot get your money back if you withdraw your application.
For the latest updates on fees and policies, you can check the USCIS Fee Information and FAQs.
Personal Stories: Real Experiences With I-485 Withdrawals
To help you understand what this process feels like, let’s look at a few real-life scenarios.
Maria’s Story
Maria applied for a green card through marriage. After submitting her I-485 and paying the fees, her relationship changed, and she decided to withdraw her application. She wrote a letter to USCIS, sent it by certified mail, and waited. About a month later, she received a confirmation letter from USCIS. Maria was disappointed to learn that she would not get her money back, but she was glad she followed the correct process and kept all her records.
Ahmed’s Experience
Ahmed filed his I-485 while on a student visa. Later, he realized he was not eligible due to a missing document. He withdrew his application, hoping to get a refund, but USCIS told him the fees were non-refundable. Ahmed learned the importance of checking eligibility and consulting a lawyer before filing, as the financial loss was significant for him.
Practical Takeaways: What Should You Do?
If you’re thinking about withdrawing your I-485, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- You will not get your filing fees back. This includes fees for Form I-485 and any related forms.
- Think carefully before filing. Make sure you are eligible and ready to proceed before paying the fees.
- Consult an immigration attorney. Withdrawing your application can affect your immigration status, especially if you are in the United States 🇺🇸 on a visa or other temporary status.
- Keep all records. Save copies of your withdrawal letter, proof of delivery, and any confirmation notices from USCIS.
- Plan for the future. If you want to reapply later, you will need to pay the full fees again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my I-485 filing fees to another application?
No. Filing fees paid for Form I-485 cannot be transferred to another application or to another person. Each application is separate, and each requires its own payment.
What if my application is denied? Do I get a refund?
No. If USCIS denies your I-485 application, the fees are still non-refundable. The same rule applies as if you withdraw your application.
How much are the current I-485 filing fees?
As of April 2024, the standard filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,140 for most applicants, and this now includes the biometric services fee. However, fees can change, so always check the official USCIS I-485 page for the latest information.
Can I get a fee waiver for Form I-485?
Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver if they can show financial hardship. You must file Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and provide proof of your income and expenses. More information is available on the USCIS Fee Waiver page.
Expert Advice: When Should You Consider Withdrawing Your I-485?
Immigration lawyers often say that you should only withdraw your I-485 after careful thought. Here’s why:
- Financial loss: You lose all the money you paid in filing fees.
- Status risks: If you are in the United States 🇺🇸 and your only legal status is based on your pending I-485, withdrawing could leave you without legal status.
- Future applications: Withdrawing does not stop you from applying again, but you will have to start from scratch and pay all fees again.
Tip: Always talk to a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions about withdrawing your application. They can help you understand the risks and explore other options.
Background: Why Does USCIS Have a No-Refund Policy?
USCIS has had a no-refund policy for many years. The reason is simple: the fees are used to pay for the work needed to process each application. This includes:
– Reviewing documents
– Checking backgrounds
– Scheduling interviews
– Making decisions
Even if you withdraw your application, USCIS may have already done some or all of this work. The fees help keep the immigration system running and prevent people from filing applications they do not intend to complete.
What If I Made a Mistake on My I-485?
If you made a mistake on your I-485, you cannot get a refund by withdrawing. However, you may be able to correct the mistake by:
– Sending a letter to USCIS explaining the error
– Submitting a new application with the correct information (and paying the fees again)
If you realize the mistake before USCIS has started processing your case, you can try contacting the USCIS Contact Center for help.
Looking Ahead: Will the Refund Policy Change?
As of June 2025, there are no signs that USCIS or the Department of Homeland Security will change the non-refundable fee policy for I-485 withdrawals. While USCIS sometimes updates its forms and fee amounts, the basic rule about non-refundable fees has stayed the same for many years.
Key Insights and Final Thoughts
- Filing fees for Form I-485 are non-refundable, even if you withdraw your application.
- The withdrawal process requires a written letter sent to the USCIS office handling your case.
- You will receive a confirmation notice after your withdrawal is processed.
- Consult an immigration attorney before withdrawing to understand all possible effects on your status.
- You can reapply in the future, but you must pay the full fees again.
For more information, always check the official USCIS I-485 page for the latest updates, forms, and instructions.
Takeaway: If you’re thinking about withdrawing your I-485, remember that the money you paid in filing fees is gone for good. Make your decision carefully, get legal advice if needed, and keep all your records. The rules are strict, and knowing them can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you have more questions, the USCIS Fee Information and FAQs page is a helpful resource.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, being informed about the non-refundable nature of USCIS filing fees can save you from unexpected financial loss and help you plan your immigration journey more wisely.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → USCIS application to register permanent residence or adjust status in the United States.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency processing immigration applications.
Filing Fees → Non-refundable money paid to USCIS to process immigration forms and applications.
Withdrawal Letter → Written request sent to USCIS to officially cancel the pending I-485 application.
Biometric Services Fee → Charge covering fingerprinting and background checks included in the I-485 fee.
This Article in a Nutshell
Withdrawing your I-485 means losing the filing fees since USCIS does not refund. A written withdrawal letter is required, and you’ll receive confirmation. Future reapplications need new fees. Knowing these facts helps avoid costly mistakes in your immigration journey.
— By VisaVerge.com
