Key Takeaways
• USCIS requires separate $1,440 payments per Form I-485 applicant as of April 1, 2024.
• Combine payments lead to application rejection, causing costly delays and re-filing.
• Include separate payments for related forms I-765 ($260) and I-131 ($630) per applicant.
When you’re applying for a green card through adjustment of status in the United States 🇺🇸, you’ll likely use Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Many families apply together, hoping to make the process easier by sending everything in one package. However, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has very clear rules about how you must pay the filing fee for each Form I-485. If you don’t follow these rules, your entire application package could be rejected, causing delays and extra costs.
This guide explains, step by step, how to pay the Form I-485 filing fee for each family member, what forms of payment are accepted, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also find a checklist at the end to help you get everything right the first time.
Purpose: Why Separate Payments Matter for Form I-485
USCIS requires a separate payment for each Form I-485 application, even if you’re applying as a family. This means you cannot combine all the fees for your family’s I-485 forms into a single check, money order, or credit card payment. If you do, USCIS may reject your entire package, and you’ll have to start over.
Key reasons for this policy:
– Prevents processing errors: Separate payments help USCIS match each payment to the correct applicant and form.
– Reduces delays: Combined payments can cause confusion, leading to rejected applications and lost time.
– Ensures compliance: Following the payment rules shows USCIS you understand and respect their process.
Step 1: Gather the Right Forms for Each Family Member
Before you pay any fees, make sure you have the correct forms for each person applying. The main form is Form I-485. Many applicants also file these forms at the same time:
– Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (work permit)
– Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (advance parole)
For each family member, you’ll need:
– One completed Form I-485
– Optional: Form I-765 and/or Form I-131, if you want to work or travel while your I-485 is pending
Tip: Each form must be filled out and signed by the person applying (or their parent/guardian if under 14).
Step 2: Check the Current Filing Fee for Each Form
As of April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440 per applicant. This is a recent increase from the previous fee of $1,225.
Other common fees:
– Form I-765: $260 per applicant
– Form I-131: $630 per applicant
Important: These fees are separate. If you file all three forms for one person, you must pay each fee individually.
Example for a family of four (two parents, two children):
– Each person files Form I-485: 4 x $1,440 = $5,760
– Each person files Form I-765: 4 x $260 = $1,040
– Each person files Form I-131: 4 x $630 = $2,520
Total for all forms: $9,320 (paid as separate payments for each form and each person)
Always check the USCIS Filing Fees page before you file, as fees can change.
Step 3: Prepare Separate Payments for Each Form and Applicant
USCIS does not allow you to combine payments for multiple forms or applicants. Each payment must match one form for one person.
How to prepare your payments:
– Check or Money Order: Make each payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS.”
– Credit Card: If filing by mail, use Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) for each payment.
For each applicant:
– Write a separate check or money order for each form (I-485, I-765, I-131).
– If using a credit card, fill out a separate Form G-1450 for each form.
Example:
– Parent 1: 3 checks (I-485, I-765, I-131)
– Parent 2: 3 checks (I-485, I-765, I-131)
– Child 1: 3 checks (I-485, I-765, I-131)
– Child 2: 3 checks (I-485, I-765, I-131)
Total checks/money orders or credit card forms: 12
Tip: Write the applicant’s name and form number in the memo line of each check or money order to help USCIS match payments.
Step 4: Assemble Your Application Package
When you’re ready to mail your applications, organize them carefully:
- For each applicant, stack their forms together (I-485 on top, then I-765 and I-131 if included).
- Attach the correct payment (check, money order, or Form G-1450) to each form.
- Label each set clearly with the applicant’s name and date of birth.
- Place all family members’ application sets in one envelope if mailing together, but keep each set separate inside.
Do not combine payments or mix up forms between applicants.
Step 5: Double-Check Everything Before Mailing
Before you send your package, go through this checklist:
- [ ] Each Form I-485 is complete, signed, and dated.
- [ ] Each Form I-485 has its own separate payment for the correct amount.
- [ ] If filing Form I-765 and/or I-131, each has its own separate payment.
- [ ] All checks or money orders are made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
- [ ] Each payment has the applicant’s name and form number in the memo line.
- [ ] If using credit card, a separate Form G-1450 is included for each payment.
- [ ] All forms and payments are grouped by applicant.
- [ ] You have copies of all forms and payments for your records.
Tip: Use a trackable mail service so you can confirm delivery to USCIS.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
By Mail:
– Mail your package to the correct USCIS address listed on the Form I-485 page.
– Use the address for your eligibility category (family-based, employment-based, etc.).
Online (where available):
– Some applicants can file Form I-485 and pay online through their USCIS account.
– If filing online, you’ll pay electronically for each form and applicant.
Note: Not all categories allow online filing. Check the official USCIS I-485 page for details.
Time Estimates: How Long Does Each Step Take?
- Preparing forms and payments: 1–2 days (longer if you need to gather documents)
- Mailing and delivery: 1–5 days, depending on mail service
- USCIS receipt notice: Usually within 2–4 weeks after USCIS receives your package
If you make a payment mistake (such as combining fees), USCIS may reject your entire package. This can add weeks or even months to your process.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. Combining payments for multiple forms or applicants
– Problem: USCIS will reject your package.
– Solution: Always prepare a separate payment for each form and each person.
2. Incorrect payment amounts
– Problem: Underpaying or overpaying can cause rejection.
– Solution: Check the latest fees on the USCIS Filing Fees page before you pay.
3. Using the wrong payee name
– Problem: Checks or money orders not made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” will be rejected.
– Solution: Always use the full, correct payee name.
4. Missing or unsigned forms
– Problem: USCIS will reject unsigned forms.
– Solution: Double-check that every form is signed and dated.
5. Not keeping copies
– Problem: If your package is lost or rejected, you’ll need copies to refile.
– Solution: Make copies of everything before mailing.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Package Is Rejected
If USCIS rejects your application package because of a payment mistake:
– Read the rejection notice carefully. It will explain the reason.
– Correct the problem. Prepare separate payments as required.
– Refile your entire package. You must send all forms and payments again.
– Check your bank account. Make sure any checks or money orders from the rejected package are not cashed.
Tip: If you’re unsure why your package was rejected, call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for help.
Checklist Summary: Submitting Form I-485 Fees for Your Family
Before you mail your family’s Form I-485 applications, make sure:
- [ ] Each family member has their own Form I-485, completed and signed.
- [ ] Each Form I-485 has a separate payment for $1,440.
- [ ] Any Form I-765 or I-131 has its own separate payment.
- [ ] All payments are made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
- [ ] Payments are grouped with the correct forms for each applicant.
- [ ] You have copies of all forms and payments.
- [ ] You’re using the correct USCIS mailing address.
- [ ] You’re sending your package with tracking.
Expert Advice and Practical Tips
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups recommend:
– Budget carefully: The total cost for a family can be high, especially with the new fee increases.
– Plan ahead: Gather all documents and payments before you start.
– Consult a professional: If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer.
– Stay updated: Fee amounts and payment rules can change. Always check the official USCIS I-485 page for the latest information.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, USCIS has no plans to allow combined payments for multiple I-485 forms. The agency stresses that separate payments help avoid processing errors and keep your application on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I pay for all my family’s I-485 forms with one check or money order?
– A: No. Each Form I-485 must have its own separate payment. Combined payments are not accepted.
Q: What happens if I combine payments by mistake?
– A: USCIS will likely reject your entire application package, and you’ll have to refile with separate payments.
Q: Can I pay by credit card?
– A: Yes, if filing by mail, use Form G-1450 for each payment. If filing online, you’ll pay electronically for each form.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the separate payment rule?
– A: No. As of May 2025, USCIS requires separate payments for each form and applicant.
Q: Where can I find the latest fee information?
– A: Visit the USCIS Filing Fees page for up-to-date fees.
Official Resources
- USCIS Form I-485 page: Official instructions, eligibility, and filing addresses
- USCIS Filing Fees page: Current fee schedule for all forms
- USCIS Fee Rule FAQs: Answers to common questions about fees
- USCIS National Customer Service Center: 1-800-375-5283 for payment and filing questions
Final Takeaways
- Never combine payments for multiple Form I-485 applications.
- Prepare a separate payment for each form and each applicant.
- Double-check all forms, payments, and mailing details before you send your package.
- Stay informed about fee changes and payment policies by checking the official USCIS website.
By following these steps and using the checklist, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your family’s green card applications moving forward. Always use official resources and, when in doubt, seek professional advice to make sure your filing is correct and complete.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → Application to register permanent residence or adjust immigration status in the United States.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency handling immigration applications.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization allowing applicants to work while their status is processed.
Form I-131 → Application for Travel Document, permitting travel outside the U.S. during immigration processing.
Filing fee → The required payment submitted with an immigration form to cover processing costs.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS mandates individual payments for each Form I-485 and related forms. Combining fees risks rejection and delays. Follow this stepwise guide to prepare payments correctly and avoid costly mistakes for your family’s green card applications.
— By VisaVerge.com
