What If I-485 Fee Changes After Mailing But Before USCIS Receives It?

Key Takeaways

• USCIS raised Form I-485 filing fee from $1,225 to $1,440 effective April 1, 2024.
• Fee applied based on USCIS receipt date, not mailing date; wrong fee causes rejection.
• No grace period exists; rejected applications must be resubmitted with correct fees promptly.

If you’re applying for a green card in the United States 🇺🇸 using Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, understanding how fee changes affect your application is critical. Recent changes by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have left many applicants wondering what happens if they mail their I-485 application before a fee increase, but USCIS receives it after the new fee takes effect. This situation can cause confusion, delays, and extra costs if not handled correctly.

Let’s break down what you need to know, why it matters, and what steps you should take to avoid problems with your I-485 application.

Who is affected, what changed, and why does it matter?

On April 1, 2024, USCIS raised the filing fee for Form I-485 from $1,225 to $1,440. This change is part of a broader effort to cover the agency’s operating costs, as about 96% of USCIS’s budget comes from application fees. The new rule is clear: any I-485 application received by USCIS on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fee amount. It doesn’t matter when you mailed your application—the date USCIS receives it is what counts.

If you sent your I-485 before April 1 but USCIS receives it after that date and you paid the old fee, your application will be rejected. There is no grace period for I-485 fee changes. This means you’ll have to refile your application with the correct fee, causing delays and extra costs.

How does USCIS decide which fee applies?

USCIS uses the receipt date—the day they actually get your application—to decide which fee is required. The postmark date (the day you mailed it) does not matter for I-485 applications. If your application arrives after a fee increase and you paid the old fee, USCIS will reject your application for “insufficient fee.” They do not process or hold applications with the wrong fee.

Key points to remember:

• Receipt date matters: The fee in effect on the day USCIS receives your application is the one you must pay.
• No grace period: For I-485, there is no extra time to adjust to the new fee. The new fee applies immediately on the effective date.
• Rejection for wrong fee: If you pay the old fee and your application arrives after the change, USCIS will reject it and return your paperwork.

What happens if your I-485 is rejected for the wrong fee?

If USCIS rejects your I-485 because you paid the old fee after a fee change, you’ll receive your application back with a notice explaining the reason for rejection. You must then:

1. Prepare a new I-485 application (or update your existing one if nothing else has changed).
2. Pay the correct, current fee—in this case, $1,440 as of April 1, 2024.
3. Resubmit your application to USCIS.

This process means you lose valuable time, and if your immigration status is time-sensitive, a rejection could create bigger problems. You’ll also have to pay for postage again and possibly update supporting documents if they expire during the delay.

Why did USCIS increase the I-485 fee?

The fee increase is part of a final rule published on January 31, 2024. USCIS reviews its fees regularly to make sure it can cover its costs and keep processing times reasonable. Since the agency is almost entirely funded by application fees, it must adjust them as costs go up.

The new rule also introduced discounts for some applicants, such as nonprofits and small employers, and fee exemptions for certain categories. However, the base fee for most I-485 applicants increased to $1,440. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are meant to help USCIS maintain service levels and reduce backlogs, but they also put more pressure on applicants to pay close attention to fee schedules.

How can you avoid problems with I-485 fee changes?

To prevent your application from being rejected due to a fee change, follow these steps:

1. Check the current USCIS fee schedule

Before you file, always check the latest fees on the USCIS Filing Fees page. Fees can change with little notice, and relying on old information can cost you time and money.

2. Mail your application early

If you know a fee change is coming, send your application well before the effective date. This gives your package more time to reach USCIS before the new fee applies.

3. Use a trackable mailing service

Send your application using a method that provides delivery confirmation, such as USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS. This way, you’ll know exactly when USCIS receives your package.

4. Consider timing if you can’t pay the new fee

If you can’t afford the new fee and it’s close to the change date, you might consider waiting to file until after the increase. However, this could lead to longer processing times or affect your eligibility if you’re close to a deadline.

5. Act quickly if your application is rejected

If you receive your application back due to the wrong fee, refile as soon as possible with the correct fee. Delays can affect your status or eligibility for certain benefits.

What about other forms and exceptions?

While some USCIS forms have a grace period for fee changes, Form I-485 does not. For most forms, USCIS allowed a grace period until June 3, 2024, but this does not apply to I-485. Always check the specific rules for the form you’re filing.

Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or discounts, such as certain humanitarian applicants or those with very low income. You can find more details about fee waivers and eligibility on the USCIS Fee Waiver page.

Expert advice and real-world impact

Immigration attorneys strongly advise clients to pay close attention to fee changes and mailing dates. Missing a fee change can mean starting the process over, which is stressful and expensive. For people applying for a green card, a rejected I-485 can delay work authorization, travel, and even family reunification.

USCIS stresses that fee compliance is not just a technicality—it’s essential for the agency to function. Since nearly all of its funding comes from fees, strict enforcement is the norm. Nonprofits and small employers may benefit from some discounts, but these do not change the basic rule: the correct fee must be included based on the date USCIS receives your application.

What does this mean for different groups?

• Applicants: You must pay careful attention to fee schedules and mailing times. A simple mistake can set your immigration process back by weeks or months.
• Employers: If you’re sponsoring an employee, make sure you’re aware of fee changes and plan filings accordingly.
• Attorneys and representatives: Keep clients informed about upcoming fee changes and help them plan their filings to avoid rejections.
• Nonprofits and advocacy groups: While some discounts exist, the main rules about fee changes and receipt dates still apply.

What’s the future outlook for USCIS fees and I-485 applications?

USCIS may continue to adjust its fees in the future to keep up with costs. Fee changes often take effect around April 1 each year, so applicants should be especially alert during this time. The agency may also improve its communication and tracking tools to help applicants avoid fee-related problems.

Staying informed is your best defense. Regularly check the USCIS Fee Schedule and FAQs for updates. If you’re planning to file Form I-485, review the official instructions and make sure you’re using the latest version of the form and paying the correct fee.

Step-by-step summary: What to do if you’re filing I-485 around a fee change

1. Check the current fee on the USCIS website.
2. Mail your application early if a fee increase is coming.
3. Use a trackable mailing service to confirm when USCIS receives your application.
4. Pay the correct fee based on the date USCIS will receive your application, not the date you mail it.
5. If your application is rejected for the wrong fee, refile quickly with the correct fee to avoid further delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I mailed my I-485 before the fee increase but USCIS receives it after, can I pay the difference?
A: No. USCIS will reject your application and return it to you. You must refile with the full, correct fee.

Q: Is there any grace period for I-485 fee changes?
A: No. For I-485, the new fee applies immediately on the effective date. There is no grace period.

Q: What if I can’t afford the new fee?
A: Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver, but most must pay the full fee. Check the USCIS Fee Waiver page for details.

Q: How can I check if my application was received before the fee change?
A: Use a mailing service with delivery confirmation. You can also check your case status online once you receive a receipt notice from USCIS.

Practical tips to avoid I-485 fee problems

• Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to file your application, especially if a fee change is coming.
• Double-check everything: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Form I-485 and paying the correct fee.
• Keep records: Save your mailing receipt and any tracking information.
• Stay informed: Sign up for USCIS email updates or check their website regularly for news about fee changes.

Conclusion: What should you do now?

If you’re preparing to file Form I-485, always check the current fee and plan your mailing to avoid fee change problems. Remember, USCIS uses the date they receive your application—not the date you mail it—to decide which fee applies. There is no grace period for I-485 fee changes, so paying the old fee after a new fee takes effect will result in your application being rejected.

By staying alert, mailing early, and using trackable delivery, you can avoid costly delays and keep your green card process on track. For more detailed information, visit the USCIS Fee Schedule and FAQs page, which provides the latest updates and official guidance.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, careful attention to fee changes and receipt dates is one of the simplest ways to protect your immigration journey from unnecessary setbacks. Always double-check before you file, and if you have questions, consult an immigration attorney or trusted advisor for help.

Learn Today

Form I-485 → Application to register permanent residence or adjust status in the U.S.
USCIS Receipt Date → The official date USCIS receives an application, determining fee applicability.
Fee Increase → An official rise in the cost applicants must pay for filing immigration forms.
Fee Waiver → A USCIS provision allowing eligible applicants to file without paying fees.
Grace Period → A time window allowing old fees after a fee increase; not available for I-485.

This Article in a Nutshell

USCIS increased the I-485 filing fee to $1,440 effective April 1, 2024. Paying the old fee after this date causes application rejection. Receipt date dictates the fee applied. To avoid delays, applicants should mail early with trackable services and confirm current fees before filing their green card applications.
— By VisaVerge.com