Key Takeaways
• No family cap: each I-485 form requires a separate $1,440 (adult) or $950 (child) fee as of April 2024.
• Combining payments for multiple I-485 forms causes USCIS to reject all applications, creating delays and extra costs.
• Additional fees apply for Forms I-765 ($260) and I-131 ($630) if filed with the I-485.
Families Filing Multiple I-485 Forms: No Maximum Total Fee, Key Costs, and What You Need to Know
As of June 2025, families applying for green cards through adjustment of status in the United States 🇺🇸 face a clear rule: there is no maximum total fee or “family cap” when filing multiple I-485 forms. Each family member must file their own Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and pay the required fee. This policy, set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), means that the total cost for a family depends on the number of people applying and their ages.
This article explains what this means for families, the current fee amounts, how the process works, and what steps you should take to avoid costly mistakes. We’ll also look at the background of this policy, its impact on families, and what to expect in the future.
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
- Who: Families and individuals applying for adjustment of status (green card) in the United States 🇺🇸
- What: Filing multiple I-485 forms, each with its own filing fee, with no family cap or maximum total fee
- When: As of June 15, 2025, with the latest fee increase effective April 1, 2024
- Where: United States 🇺🇸, through USCIS
- Why: USCIS policy requires a separate application and fee for each person
- How: Each family member files their own I-485 form and pays the required fee; payments must not be combined
No Family Cap: Each I-485 Form Requires Its Own Fee
USCIS does not offer a family discount or cap on total fees for I-485 filings. Every person applying for adjustment of status must submit their own I-485 form and pay the full fee. This has been the rule for many years, and there have been no recent changes or announcements about introducing a family cap.
Key facts:
– Each applicant files a separate I-485 form.
– Each form must have its own payment.
– No maximum total fee for families—cost is per person.
If a family of four applies (for example, two adults and two children), each person must file their own form and pay the fee. If you try to combine payments for multiple forms, USCIS may reject the entire package, causing delays and extra costs.
Current I-485 Filing Fees (Effective April 1, 2024)
The cost to file Form I-485 increased on April 1, 2024, as part of a wider update to USCIS fees. Here are the current fees:
- Adults (most applicants): $1,440 per person
- Children under 14 (filing with a parent): $950 per child
- Refugees, certain military members, and Special Immigrant Juveniles: $0 (fee exempt, if eligible)
Additional Forms and Fees:
– Form I-765 (Employment Authorization): $260 per person (if filed with I-485)
– Form I-131 (Travel Document): $630 per person (if filed with I-485)
These extra forms are not included in the I-485 fee. If you want to work or travel while your green card application is pending, you must pay for these forms separately.
Example: Total Fees for a Family of Four
Let’s break down the costs for a typical family:
- Adult 1: $1,440 (I-485) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131)
- Adult 2: $1,440 (I-485) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131)
- Child 1 (under 14): $950 (I-485) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131)
- Child 2 (under 14): $950 (I-485) + $260 (I-765) + $630 (I-131)
Total for I-485 forms only:
$1,440 + $1,440 + $950 + $950 = $4,780
Total with I-765 and I-131 for all:
Add $1,150 per person ($260 + $630), so $1,150 x 4 = $4,600
Grand total: $4,780 + $4,600 = $9,380
Important: These numbers can change if not everyone files for work or travel documents. Always check the latest fee schedule on the USCIS Filing Fees page.
Why Is There No Family Cap?
USCIS has always charged fees per person, not per family. The agency says this covers the cost of processing each application, which can be different for each person. Even if family members apply together, each case is reviewed separately.
Key points:
– No family cap has ever existed for I-485 filings.
– Each person’s application is processed on its own.
– Fees help cover the cost of background checks, interviews, and other steps for each applicant.
How to File Multiple I-485 Forms for a Family
Filing for a whole family can be stressful, but following these steps can help:
1. Check Eligibility for Each Family Member
Make sure each person qualifies to file Form I-485. Eligibility depends on your visa type, how you entered the United States 🇺🇸, and other factors. Read the official I-485 instructions for details.
2. Complete a Separate I-485 Form for Each Person
Every family member needs their own I-485 form. You can download the latest version from the USCIS I-485 page.
3. Calculate the Correct Fee for Each Applicant
Use the current fee schedule:
– Adults: $1,440
– Children under 14 (filing with parent): $950
– Check if anyone qualifies for a fee exemption.
4. Prepare Separate Payments
Do not combine payments. Each I-485 form must have its own payment. You can pay by:
– Money order
– Personal check
– Cashier’s check
– Credit or debit card (using Form G-1450)
If you combine payments, USCIS may reject all applications.
5. Gather Required Documents
Each applicant must submit their own supporting documents, such as:
– Birth certificate
– Passport copy
– Proof of current status
– Photos
– Any other required evidence
6. Mail the Applications
Send all forms, payments, and documents to the correct USCIS address. Check the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses page for the latest information.
7. Track Each Application
After filing, use the USCIS case status tool to check progress for each person.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?
If you combine payments or miss a fee, USCIS will likely reject all applications in the package. This means you’ll have to start over, pay new fees, and wait longer. Always double-check that each I-485 form has its own payment and all required documents.
Fee Exemptions: Who Qualifies?
Some people do not have to pay the I-485 filing fee. These include:
– Refugees
– Certain members of the U.S. military
– Special Immigrant Juveniles
If you think you might qualify, check the USCIS fee exemption page or talk to an immigration lawyer.
Why the Fees Matter for Families
The cost of filing I-485 forms can be a big financial burden for families, especially large ones. With no family cap, the total can add up quickly. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups often point out that these costs can make it hard for some families to apply for green cards.
Practical tips:
– Plan ahead: Calculate the total cost before you start.
– Save up: Make sure you have enough money for all required fees.
– Check for fee waivers: If you’re in a special category, see if you qualify for an exemption.
– Don’t combine payments: Avoid costly mistakes that can delay your case.
Recent Fee Changes and Policy Updates
The most recent major change was the fee increase on April 1, 2024. Before that, the I-485 fee was lower, and there was no charge for Forms I-765 and I-131 when filed with I-485. Now, each of these forms has its own fee, making the process more expensive for many families.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have made it even more important for families to plan carefully and understand the full cost before applying.
What Do Immigration Experts and USCIS Say?
USCIS guidance: The agency stresses the importance of following payment instructions exactly. If you don’t, your application could be delayed or rejected.
Immigration lawyers: Many lawyers say the lack of a family cap is a challenge for families, especially those with limited income. They recommend checking for fee exemptions and making sure all forms and payments are correct.
Advocacy groups: Some groups are calling for a family cap or lower fees for children, but as of June 2025, there are no signs that USCIS will change its policy.
What’s Next? Future Outlook
As of June 2025, there are no plans to introduce a family cap or change the per-person fee structure for I-485 filings. USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security have not announced any upcoming changes. Families should keep checking the official USCIS website for updates.
Summary Table: I-485 Fees for Families (2024–2025)
| Applicant Type | I-485 Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $1,440 | Per person |
| Child under 14 | $950 | If filing with a parent |
| Refugee/Military/etc. | $0 | If eligible for exemption |
Remember: There is no maximum total fee for families. Each person pays separately.
Key Takeaways for Families
- No Maximum Total Fee: Each family member must pay the full I-485 fee. There is no cap or discount for families.
- Separate Payments Required: Each I-485 form must have its own payment. Don’t combine payments.
- Recent Fee Increases: The I-485 fee is now $1,440 for most adults and $950 for children under 14 (filing with a parent).
- Extra Costs for Work/Travel: Forms I-765 and I-131 have their own fees if filed with I-485.
- No Pending Changes: No new rules or family caps are expected soon.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most current details, always check the USCIS Filing Fees page and the official I-485 instructions. If you have questions, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
In summary: Filing for a green card as a family in the United States 🇺🇸 means each person must file their own I-485 form and pay the full fee. There is no family cap, so the total cost depends on the number of applicants. Careful planning, following payment rules, and checking for exemptions can help you avoid delays and extra expenses. Always use official USCIS resources for the latest information.
Learn Today
I-485 Form → USCIS application to register for permanent residence or adjust immigration status individually per applicant.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency handling immigration applications and fees.
Filing Fee → The payment required when submitting the I-485 form, varying by age and applicant category.
Fee Exemption → A USCIS provision allowing certain groups like refugees and military members to file without paying fees.
Biometric Services Fee → A separate payment for fingerprinting and identity verification, often included in the I-485 fee for most applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
Families filing multiple I-485 forms must pay individual fees with no total fee cap. USCIS enforces separate payments. Costs can exceed $9,000 for a typical family due to recent fee increases and extras like work or travel documents. Careful planning prevents delays and rejections.
— By VisaVerge.com
