Does the I-485 Fee Include Green Card Production Costs?

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Key Takeaways

• I-485 fee covers application, biometrics, and Green Card production in one payment since April 1, 2024.
• The fee ranges from $1,140 to $1,440, is non-refundable, and includes no extra Green Card cost.
• Separate fees apply for I-765 and I-131 forms if working or traveling while awaiting the Green Card.

When you apply for a Green Card in the United States 🇺🇸 through the adjustment of status process, one of the most important steps is filing the I-485 form. Many applicants wonder if the fee they pay for this form covers everything, including the actual production and mailing of the Green Card if their application is approved. This detailed guide explains how the I-485 form fee works, what it covers, and what you can expect throughout the process. We’ll also look at recent changes to USCIS fees, practical steps for applicants, and what the future may hold for Green Card fees.

Does the I-485 Fee Include Green Card Production Costs?

What Is the I-485 Form?

The I-485 form, officially called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the main form used by people already in the United States 🇺🇸 to apply for a Green Card. A Green Card is the common name for the Permanent Resident Card, which allows you to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.

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

What Does the I-485 Fee Cover?

The fee you pay when filing the I-485 form covers the entire process of reviewing your application, collecting your fingerprints and other biometrics, and producing the physical Green Card if your application is approved. You do not need to pay a separate fee for the Green Card itself.

Here’s a breakdown of what the I-485 fee includes:

Application processing: USCIS reviews your application, checks your eligibility, and makes a decision.
Biometrics services: This means collecting your fingerprints, photo, and signature at a special appointment.
Green Card production: If you are approved, USCIS will make and mail your Green Card to you.

USCIS fees are set to cover the full cost of these services, including the cost of making and sending the Green Card.

How Much Is the I-485 Fee?

As of April 1, 2024, the fee for the I-485 form depends on your age and category, but it usually ranges from $1,140 to $1,440. This amount includes the cost of biometrics and the Green Card production.

Key points about the I-485 fee:

The fee is non-refundable. If your application is denied or you withdraw it, you do not get your money back.
No separate biometrics fee. The cost for biometrics is now included in the main I-485 fee.
No extra fee for the Green Card. Once your application is approved, you do not pay anything more to receive your Green Card.

You can check the most up-to-date fees using the USCIS Fee Calculator.

Why Did the Fee Structure Change?

Before April 2024, applicants paid a separate biometrics fee in addition to the I-485 filing fee. The new rule, which started on April 1, 2024, combined the biometrics fee with the main application fee. This change was made to make things simpler and less confusing for applicants.

Now, when you pay the I-485 fee, you are paying for everything in one payment. This includes:

Processing your application
Collecting your biometrics
Making and mailing your Green Card if you are approved

There is no separate fee for the physical Green Card after your application is approved.

Step-by-Step Process: From Filing to Green Card Issuance

Let’s walk through the process and see how the fees work at each step:

1. Filing the I-485 Form

You fill out the I-485 form and gather all required documents.
You pay the full fee, which covers application processing, biometrics, and Green Card production.

2. Biometrics Appointment

After you file, USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment.
At this appointment, they will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
You do not pay anything extra for this appointment. The cost is already included in your I-485 fee.

3. Application Review (Adjudication)

USCIS reviews your application and supporting documents.
They may ask for more information or schedule an interview.
This review process is covered by your I-485 fee.

4. Decision and Green Card Production

If your application is approved, USCIS will produce your Green Card.
You do not pay any additional fee for the card.
The card is mailed to the address you provided.

5. If Your Application Is Denied or Withdrawn

If you are not approved, the fee is not refunded. The fee pays for the government’s work in reviewing your case, even if you do not get a Green Card.

What If You File Other Forms With the I-485?

Many people file other forms at the same time as the I-485, such as:

I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): Lets you work while your I-485 is pending.
I-131 (Application for Travel Document): Lets you travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while waiting for your Green Card.

Each of these forms has its own fee. The cost of making your Green Card is only included in the I-485 fee. If you want to work or travel while waiting, you must pay the fees for those forms separately.

You can find the official forms and instructions here:
– I-765 form
– I-131 form

Who Sets the Fees and Why?

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) sets the fees for immigration forms. The fees are designed to cover the full cost of providing the service. This includes:

Reviewing and processing applications
Collecting biometrics
Making and mailing documents like the Green Card
Paying for staff, office space, and other costs

USCIS updates its fee schedule regularly to make sure it can pay for all these services. The last major update was in April 2024.

There is no separate fee for the Green Card production after approval; it is bundled into the I-485 filing fee.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Green Card Journey

Let’s look at a real-world example to make this clearer.

Maria is a student from Brazil who married a U.S. citizen. She wants to adjust her status and get a Green Card. Here’s what she does:

Maria files the I-485 form and pays the fee of $1,440 (including biometrics).
She also files the I-765 and I-131 forms so she can work and travel while waiting. She pays the separate fees for these forms.
Maria attends her biometrics appointment. She does not pay anything extra for this.
After a few months, Maria is approved for a Green Card. USCIS mails her the card at no extra cost.
Maria did not have to pay a separate fee for the Green Card itself. Everything was included in her I-485 fee.

What Happens If You Can’t Afford the Fee?

Some people may not be able to pay the full I-485 fee. In certain cases, USCIS offers fee waivers or reductions for people who qualify. This means you may not have to pay the full amount if you can show financial hardship.

Fee waivers do not change what the fee covers. If your waiver is approved, you still get the full service, including the Green Card production, if your application is approved.

You can learn more about fee waivers and eligibility on the USCIS Fee Waiver page.

Why Is the Fee Non-Refundable?

The I-485 fee is non-refundable because it pays for the work USCIS does to review your application, collect your biometrics, and make a decision. Even if your application is denied, the government has already spent time and resources on your case.

Key points:

If your application is approved, you get your Green Card at no extra cost.
If your application is denied or withdrawn, you do not get your money back.

How Does the U.S. Fee Structure Compare to Other Countries?

In some countries, the fee for permanent residency is split into several parts. For example, you might pay one fee for the application, another for biometrics, and a third for the actual card. In the United States 🇺🇸, the I-485 fee covers everything in one payment, making it simpler for most applicants.

What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?

USCIS officials say that the fees are set to cover the full cost of services, including making and mailing the Green Card. This helps USCIS stay financially stable and able to serve all applicants.

Immigration lawyers confirm that there is no separate fee for the Green Card itself. This makes it easier for applicants to plan their finances.

Advocacy groups sometimes ask for lower fees or more fee waivers for people who cannot afford them, but this does not change what the fee covers.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current fee structure is designed to be simple and all-inclusive, so applicants know exactly what they are paying for.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

If you are planning to apply for a Green Card using the I-485 form, here are some practical steps:

Check the latest fee: Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to make sure you know the current amount.
Gather your documents: Make sure you have all the required paperwork before you file.
Budget for other forms: If you need to work or travel while waiting, remember to budget for the I-765 and I-131 fees.
Consider fee waivers: If you cannot afford the fee, check if you qualify for a fee waiver.
Keep your address updated: If you move, tell USCIS right away so your Green Card is mailed to the right place.

Where Can You Find Official Information?

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official USCIS website. Here are some helpful links:

Looking Ahead: Will the Fee Structure Change?

As of June 2025, there are no announced changes to the I-485 fee structure or the way the Green Card production cost is included. USCIS reviews its fees regularly and may adjust them in the future to keep up with costs, but the current system of one all-inclusive fee is expected to stay.

Summary and Key Takeaways

The I-485 fee covers everything: application processing, biometrics, and Green Card production.
No separate fee for the Green Card: Once approved, you receive your card at no extra cost.
Fee is non-refundable: You do not get your money back if your application is denied or withdrawn.
Other forms have separate fees: If you want to work or travel while waiting, budget for those forms too.
Check official sources: Always use the USCIS website for the latest information.

By understanding how the I-485 form fee works, you can better plan your Green Card journey and avoid surprises. For more details, visit the USCIS I-485 official page or consult with a trusted immigration professional.

References:
– USCIS Fee Calculator
– USCIS I-485 Form
– USCIS Fee Waiver Information
– Analysis from VisaVerge.com

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step look at what the I-485 fee covers and how it fits into the Green Card process. Always check official sources for the most current information and reach out to USCIS if you have questions about your specific case.

Learn Today

I-485 Form → Application used to request adjustment of immigration status to permanent resident within the U.S.
Biometrics → Collection of fingerprints, photo, and signature to verify identity during the immigration process.
Green Card → Permanent Resident Card allowing lawful permanent residence and work authorization in the United States.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that processes immigration applications.
Fee Waiver → An exemption allowing eligible applicants to avoid paying certain USCIS fees due to financial hardship.

This Article in a Nutshell

The I-485 form fee simplifies the Green Card process by covering application review, biometrics, and card production in a single payment, ensuring applicants avoid unexpected costs and can better plan their adjustment of status journey.
— By VisaVerge.com