Key Takeaways
• Starting April 1, 2024, USCIS requires separate fees for Forms I-485, I-131, and I-765.
• Form I-485 fee is $1,440; Form I-131 costs $630; Form I-765 costs $260.
• Combining payments may cause USCIS to reject the entire application package.
A major change in United States 🇺🇸 immigration policy took effect on April 1, 2024, directly affecting how applicants pay for adjustment of status and related benefits. Anyone filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) now faces a new fee structure. The most important update: the fee for a travel document, also known as Form I-131, is no longer included in the I-485 filing fee. Instead, applicants must pay for each benefit—adjustment of status, work authorization, and travel authorization—separately. This policy shift impacts thousands of immigrants, families, and employers across the United States 🇺🇸.
Let’s break down what this means, why it happened, and how you can avoid costly mistakes when filing your immigration paperwork.
What Changed: Separate Fees for Each Immigration Benefit
Who is affected?
Anyone filing Form I-485 on or after April 1, 2024, and seeking work or travel authorization while their application is pending.
What changed?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires separate payments for each form:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
- Form I-131 (Travel Document/Advance Parole): $630
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document): $260
Where does this apply?
This policy applies to all adjustment of status applicants in the United States 🇺🇸, regardless of where they file.
When did this start?
April 1, 2024.
Why did this happen?
USCIS updated its fee rule to better reflect the cost of each service and to support new electronic processing systems that require separate payments for each form.
How does this affect applicants?
Applicants must now submit separate payments for each benefit. Combined payments may result in the rejection of the entire application package.
The New Fee Structure: What You Need to Know
Before April 1, 2024, the process was simpler. If you filed Form I-485, the fee covered not only your adjustment of status application but also your requests for a work permit (Form I-765) and a travel document (Form I-131) if you filed them together. This meant one payment, less paperwork, and fewer chances for mistakes.
Now, things have changed. Here’s what you need to know:
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- New Fee: $1,440 (increased from $1,225)
- What it covers: Only the adjustment of status application
- What it does NOT cover: Work authorization or travel authorization
Access the official Form I-485 page here.
Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (Advance Parole)
- Fee: $630 (must be paid separately)
- Purpose: Allows you to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 while your I-485 is pending and return without abandoning your application
- Who needs it: Anyone who wants to travel internationally while waiting for their green card
Access the official Form I-131 page here.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Fee: $260 (must be paid separately)
- Purpose: Allows you to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 while your I-485 is pending
Access the official Form I-765 page here.
Why Did USCIS Change the Fee Structure?
USCIS says the new fee structure is meant to:
- Reflect the true cost of each service provided
- Support electronic filing systems that require separate payments for each form
- Improve transparency so applicants know exactly what they are paying for
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this change also helps USCIS manage its workload and resources more efficiently, but it does increase the upfront cost for many applicants.
How to File: Step-by-Step Process with the New Fees
Filing for adjustment of status and related benefits now involves more steps and careful attention to payment details. Here’s a simple guide to help you avoid mistakes:
1. Complete Each Form Separately
- Fill out Form I-485 for your adjustment of status.
- If you want to travel while your application is pending, fill out Form I-131 for a travel document (Advance Parole).
- If you want to work, fill out Form I-765 for an employment authorization document.
2. Prepare Separate Payments
- Do not combine payments for multiple forms. Each form must have its own payment.
- For example:
- $1,440 for Form I-485
- $630 for Form I-131
- $260 for Form I-765
3. Choose the Right Payment Method
- At a USCIS field office: You can pay with personal checks, credit/debit cards, or prepaid cards. Money orders and cashier’s checks are not accepted.
- At a service center: Check the instructions for accepted payment methods.
4. Submit Forms and Payments Together
- Mail all forms together in one package, but attach each payment to the correct form.
- Double-check that each form is signed and dated.
5. Review Before Sending
- Make sure all forms are complete and all payments are correct.
- If you combine payments or make a mistake, USCIS may reject your entire application.
6. Keep Copies of Everything
- Make copies of all forms, checks, and payment receipts for your records.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the New Rules?
If you submit a combined payment for multiple forms, or if you pay the wrong amount, USCIS may reject your entire application package. This can cause delays, extra costs, and even put your immigration status at risk.
USCIS also warns that all fees are final and non-refundable. If you pay by credit card, you cannot dispute the payment later. If your application is rejected, you will have to start over and pay the fees again.
Who Is Most Affected by the Change?
Applicants Filing Multiple Forms
People who want to adjust their status and also need work and travel authorization are most affected. They now face higher upfront costs and more paperwork.
Families
Families applying together must pay separate fees for each family member and each benefit. For example, a family of four applying for adjustment of status, work permits, and travel documents would need to submit 12 separate payments.
Employers
Employers who help employees with adjustment of status must be aware of the new fee structure to avoid mistakes that could delay or jeopardize the process.
Immigration Attorneys and Legal Service Providers
Lawyers and legal aid organizations must update their guidance and checklists to reflect the new requirements. They also need to explain the changes to clients who may be confused by the new rules.
Background: How the Old System Worked
Before April 1, 2024, the process was simpler and less expensive for many applicants. The fee for Form I-485 included the cost of applying for both a work permit (Form I-765) and a travel document (Form I-131) if filed at the same time. This “bundled” fee made it easier for applicants to get all the benefits they needed with one payment.
The new policy ends this bundling. Now, each benefit must be paid for separately, reflecting the actual cost of processing each request.
Why the Change Matters: Real-World Impacts
Higher Upfront Costs
Applicants now face higher upfront costs. For example, someone applying for all three benefits (adjustment of status, work permit, travel document) must pay a total of $2,330, instead of the previous bundled fee of $1,225.
More Room for Mistakes
With separate payments required, there is a greater chance of making a payment error. Even a small mistake can lead to rejection of the entire application package.
Financial Challenges
Some applicants and families may struggle to pay the higher fees all at once, especially if several family members are applying together.
Administrative Burden
Applicants, lawyers, and legal service providers must now keep track of more forms, more payments, and more receipts.
Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Concerns
Immigration attorneys say the new fee structure provides clearer accounting of each service’s cost, but it also increases the financial burden on applicants. Some worry that the higher fees and more complicated process could discourage eligible immigrants from applying for adjustment of status, work permits, or travel documents.
Community organizations and advocacy groups have called for more outreach and education to help applicants understand the new rules and avoid costly mistakes.
USCIS, for its part, says the changes are necessary to keep up with rising costs and to support new electronic filing systems. The agency emphasizes that applicants must follow the new payment instructions carefully to avoid delays or rejections.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you plan to file Form I-485, Form I-131, or Form I-765, here’s what you should do:
- Check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS Fee Schedule page before you file.
- Prepare separate payments for each form you are filing.
- Read the instructions for each form carefully to make sure you are using the correct payment method.
- Keep copies of all forms and payments for your records.
- Contact the USCIS Contact Center if you have questions about fees or payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fee for a travel document (Form I-131) included when I pay the fee for my I-485 form?
No. As of April 1, 2024, the fee for Form I-131 is not included in the Form I-485 fee. You must pay the $630 fee for Form I-131 separately.
Can I pay for all forms with one check or money order?
No. You must submit a separate payment for each form. Combined payments may cause your application to be rejected.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount or combine payments?
USCIS may reject your entire application package, causing delays and extra costs.
Are the fees refundable if my application is rejected?
No. All fees are final and non-refundable.
Where can I find the latest information on fees and payment methods?
Visit the USCIS Fee Schedule page for the most up-to-date information.
Looking Ahead: Will the Policy Change Again?
As of now, USCIS has not announced any plans to return to bundled fees. The agency is moving toward more electronic processing, which requires separate payments for each form. Applicants should watch for future announcements from USCIS in case of further changes.
Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- Always check the latest fee schedule before filing.
- Prepare separate payments for each form: Form I-485, Form I-131, and Form I-765.
- Do not combine payments for multiple forms.
- Follow the payment instructions for your filing location.
- Keep copies of all forms and payments.
- Contact USCIS if you have questions or need help.
By following these steps, you can avoid costly mistakes and delays in your immigration process.
For more detailed guidance, visit the USCIS Fee Schedule page or consult with a trusted immigration attorney.
In summary: Since April 1, 2024, the fee for a travel document (Form I-131) is not included in the Form I-485 fee. Applicants must pay the $630 fee for Form I-131 separately from the $1,440 fee for Form I-485. This change reflects USCIS’s updated policy requiring separate payments for each immigration benefit form filed together. Careful attention to these new rules will help you avoid delays and keep your immigration journey on track.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → Application to register permanent residence or adjust status for lawful immigrants in the U.S.
Form I-131 → Application for travel document, also called Advance Parole, allowing travel during immigration processing.
Form I-765 → Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allowing legal work while adjustment is pending.
Adjustment of Status → The process to change from a temporary visa to lawful permanent resident without leaving the U.S.
Advance Parole → Authorization permitting travel outside the U.S. without abandoning pending adjustment of status application.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS changed fees for adjustment of status on April 1, 2024. Applicants must pay separately for work authorization and travel documents. This increases upfront costs and risks errors that delay processing. Careful payment handling and compliance with new rules are essential to avoid costly application rejections and delays in immigration benefits.
— By VisaVerge.com
