Key Takeaways
• Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912 as of June 2025.
• Certain applicants, like VAWA self-petitioners, may be exempt from paying the Form I-485 fee.
• Submitting Form I-912 with I-485 causes USCIS rejection, so do not submit it together.
If you’re thinking about applying for a green card using Form I-485, you might wonder if you can get the filing fee waived. The cost of immigration forms can be high, and many people look for ways to reduce or avoid these fees. This guide explains everything you need to know about fee waivers for Form I-485, what options exist, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for requesting a fee waiver for other eligible forms, so you can make informed decisions and avoid delays.
Introduction: Can You Get a Fee Waiver for Form I-485?
Form I-485, also called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is the main form used to apply for a green card from within the United States 🇺🇸. The filing fee for Form I-485 is significant, and many applicants hope to reduce or eliminate this cost by requesting a fee waiver.
However, as of June 2025, Form I-485 is NOT eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912 or any other standard fee waiver process. This means that most applicants must pay the full fee unless they qualify for a specific exemption under special rules.
This guide will help you:
– Understand why Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver
– Learn about exceptions and special cases where the fee may be reduced or waived
– Avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials
– Find out how to request a fee waiver for other eligible forms
– Get practical tips and a checklist to help you through the process
Step 1: Understand Fee Waiver Eligibility for Form I-485
1.1 What Is a Fee Waiver?
A fee waiver lets certain applicants avoid paying the filing fee for specific immigration forms if they can’t afford it. The main way to ask for a fee waiver is by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver along with your application.
1.2 Is Form I-485 Eligible for a Fee Waiver?
No. Form I-485 is NOT on the list of forms eligible for a fee waiver. According to the official USCIS Fee Waiver Policy, only certain forms qualify. These include:
- Form I-90 (Replacement of Permanent Resident Card)
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document, for humanitarian parole)
- Some naturalization forms
- Other specific benefit forms
Form I-485 is not included. If you submit Form I-912 with your I-485 application, USCIS will reject your fee waiver request and may also reject your I-485 application if the fee is not paid.
1.3 Why Isn’t Form I-485 Eligible?
USCIS sets strict rules about which forms qualify for a fee waiver. These rules are based on federal regulations (8 CFR 106.3(a)) and the USCIS Policy Manual. Form I-485 is not included because of these policies, and there have been no recent changes to expand eligibility.
Step 2: Know the Exceptions and Special Cases
While the standard fee waiver is not available for Form I-485, there are some exceptions. Certain groups may be exempt from paying the fee or may qualify for a fee reduction under special rules.
2.1 Who Might Qualify for a Fee Exemption?
You may not have to pay the I-485 fee if you fall into one of these categories:
- VAWA Self-Petitioners: If you are applying under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you may be exempt from the fee.
- Certain Humanitarian Programs: Applicants for programs such as Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ), Afghan or Iraqi nationals, or other humanitarian categories may qualify for exemptions.
- Other Statutory Exemptions: Some laws or USCIS policies provide fee exemptions for specific groups.
Important: These exemptions are not requested using Form I-912. Instead, you must include proof of your eligibility for the exemption with your Form I-485 application.
2.2 How Do You Claim an Exemption?
- Check the USCIS instructions for Form I-485 to see if your category is listed as fee-exempt.
- Include a cover letter with your application explaining why you qualify for the exemption.
- Attach supporting documents (such as a copy of your VAWA approval notice or other evidence).
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, it’s a good idea to speak with a legal aid group or an immigration attorney.
Step 3: What Happens If You Submit Form I-912 with Form I-485?
Many applicants mistakenly submit Form I-912 with their I-485 application, hoping to get a fee waiver. This is a common pitfall.
3.1 What Will USCIS Do?
- USCIS will reject your fee waiver request.
- Your I-485 application may also be rejected if you do not pay the required fee.
- You will lose time and may have to refile, which could affect your immigration status or eligibility.
3.2 How to Avoid This Mistake
- Do not submit Form I-912 with Form I-485.
- Check the official USCIS Fee Waiver page before applying.
- If you believe you qualify for an exemption, include proof with your I-485 application, not a fee waiver form.
Step 4: Explore Other Options If You Can’t Afford the I-485 Fee
If you cannot pay the I-485 fee and do not qualify for an exemption, consider these alternatives:
4.1 Seek Legal Aid or Advocacy Help
- Many non-profit organizations and legal aid groups help low-income immigrants with their applications.
- They may help you find resources or explain your options.
4.2 Ask About Payment Plans
- USCIS does not currently offer payment plans for Form I-485 fees.
- However, it’s worth checking the USCIS website for any updates or pilot programs.
4.3 Wait for Policy Changes
- As of June 2025, there are no new policies expanding fee waivers to include Form I-485.
- Keep checking the USCIS Newsroom for updates.
Step 5: How to Request a Fee Waiver for Eligible Forms
If you need to file other immigration forms that are eligible for a fee waiver, here’s how to do it:
5.1 Gather Your Documents
- Proof of means-tested benefits (like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI)
- Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs)
- Proof of financial hardship (medical bills, eviction notices)
5.2 Complete Form I-912
- Download the latest Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver from the USCIS website.
- Fill out all sections honestly and completely.
5.3 Attach Supporting Evidence
- Include copies of all documents that show you qualify for a fee waiver.
- Do not send original documents unless USCIS asks for them.
5.4 Submit Both Forms Together
- Mail Form I-912 and your main immigration form together to the address listed in the instructions for your main form.
- Do not send Form I-912 by itself.
5.5 Wait for USCIS to Review
- USCIS will review your fee waiver request first.
- If approved, they will process your main application.
- If denied, they will return your application and you will need to pay the fee to continue.
Time Estimate: Fee waiver requests usually add a few weeks to the processing time, depending on the USCIS workload.
Step 6: Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
6.1 Submitting the Wrong Forms
- Do not submit Form I-912 with Form I-485. It will be rejected.
- Only use Form I-912 for forms listed as eligible on the USCIS Fee Waiver page.
6.2 Not Including Enough Evidence
- Always include proof of your income, benefits, or hardship.
- Missing documents are a top reason for fee waiver denials.
6.3 Not Checking for Updates
- USCIS policies can change. Always check the official website before applying.
6.4 Ignoring Special Exemptions
- If you qualify for a fee exemption (such as VAWA), do not use Form I-912. Instead, include a letter and proof with your I-485 application.
Step 7: Checklist Summary
Use this checklist before you file your Form I-485 or any fee waiver request:
For Form I-485:
– [ ] Did you check if you qualify for a fee exemption (VAWA, humanitarian, etc.)?
– [ ] Did you include proof of exemption, if eligible?
– [ ] Did you avoid submitting Form I-912 with your I-485?
For Other Eligible Forms:
– [ ] Did you download the latest Form I-912?
– [ ] Did you fill out all sections completely?
– [ ] Did you attach proof of income, benefits, or hardship?
– [ ] Did you mail Form I-912 together with your main application?
– [ ] Did you check the USCIS Fee Waiver page for the latest list of eligible forms?
Additional Resources
- USCIS Fee Waiver Information: Official list of eligible forms and instructions.
- Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver: Download the form and read the instructions.
- USCIS Policy Manual: Details on fee waiver policies.
- USCIS Contact Center: For questions about fee waivers and exemptions.
Practical Takeaways
- Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912. Don’t waste time or risk rejection by submitting a fee waiver request for this form.
- Some applicants may qualify for a fee exemption under special rules (such as VAWA or certain humanitarian programs). Always include proof if you believe you qualify.
- For other eligible forms, use Form I-912 and include all required evidence.
- Stay updated by checking the official USCIS website before applying.
- Seek help from legal aid or advocacy groups if you can’t afford the fees or are unsure about your eligibility.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, many applicants are confused about fee waivers for Form I-485, leading to unnecessary delays and denials. Following the steps and tips in this guide can help you avoid common mistakes and keep your immigration process on track.
Final Thoughts
Immigration forms and fees can be confusing, especially when money is tight. While it’s disappointing that Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver, knowing your options and following the right steps can save you time and trouble. Always use official resources, double-check your eligibility, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. This approach will give you the best chance for a smooth and successful application process.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → Application to register permanent residence or adjust status within the United States.
Fee waiver → Official permission to avoid paying filing fees due to financial hardship or eligibility.
Form I-912 → USCIS form used to request a fee waiver for eligible immigration forms.
VAWA → Violence Against Women Act, allowing certain self-petitioners to request fee exemptions.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, agency handling immigration benefits and applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
Applying for a green card with Form I-485 involves a required fee with no waiver option via Form I-912. Some special categories qualify for fee exemptions, but incorrect fee waiver requests lead to rejection and delays. Knowing these rules helps applicants avoid mistakes during the immigration process.
— By VisaVerge.com
