Key Takeaways
• USCIS increased I-485 fees to $1,440 per applicant effective April 1, 2024, with no age discounts.
• Work permit (I-765) costs $260 and travel document (I-131) costs $630, no longer included with I-485.
• Proposed 2025 fees may add $1,000 for asylum, humanitarian parole, and Diversity Visa Lottery winners.
The United States 🇺🇸 immigration process has seen big changes in costs over the past year. Anyone thinking about applying for a green card, especially through the I-485 form within the country, should pay close attention to the new and proposed fee structures. These changes do not only affect individuals making their own applications, but also families applying together, employers sponsoring workers, and others who help immigrants adjust their status.
Summary of Recent Changes
Starting on April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raised the fees for many forms, especially the I-485 green card application. All applicants must now pay $1,440 each for the I-485, regardless of their age. This is a shift from previous rules, where children often paid less than adults. Alongside the main fee, extra costs for work permits (Form I-765) and travel documents (Form I-131) also apply now—these are no longer included for free with the I-485 filing.
The biometrics services fee, once a separate charge, is now part of the main fee for the I-485. This means that what used to be three payments is two, but the overall cost is higher than before. There are also proposals for even bigger increases for 2025 that could affect many categories, including those applying for asylum or humanitarian parole.
According to VisaVerge.com, immigration advocates warn that more increases could come soon, and there have already been public discussions and bills suggesting higher user fees may be added.
Why Did USCIS Fees Increase?
USCIS funds about 96% of its work with user fees, not federal taxes. With higher case volumes and inflation since the last fee increase in 2016, the agency needed more funds to keep up with demand and improve processing times. The new fee schedule that started on April 1, 2024, allows them to hire more staff and update their technology, which should help reduce wait times and clear backlogs.
The rule changes aim to give the agency more resources but also mean a steeper cost for applicants and families planning to settle in the United States 🇺🇸.
Breakdown of Current Fees (As of April 1, 2024)
Here is a clear breakdown of the key costs for green card applicants filing I-485:
- I-485 Filing Fee: $1,440 per person—no age-based discounts or exemptions.
- Form I-765 (Work Permit): $260 per person (previously free when filed with I-485).
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): $630 per person (previously free when filed with I-485).
To give a simple example, consider a family of four applying together:
I-485: 4 x $1,440 = $5,760
Work Permits: 4 x $260 = $1,040
Travel Documents: 4 x $630 = $2,520
Total: $9,320
This does not include legal fees or extra costs some may face for other types of petitions.
No Discounts for Children or Age-Based Exceptions
USCIS no longer offers any discount for applicants based on age, as of June 23, 2025. Every applicant—no matter if they are an infant or elderly—must pay the full I-485 fee. Some other forms sometimes offer discounts for children under 14, but not the I-485 adjustment-of-status package.
A common question comes up:
Does my child qualify for a reduced green card fee?
Answer: No. Every applicant must pay the full amount when filing Form I-485 as of April 2024.
Only rarely do some exceptions apply, such as in special humanitarian cases involving certain adopted children or refugees, but these do not cover most family-based applicants.
Fee Waivers and Reductions
Not many can avoid paying the full I-485 fee. Some applicants facing serious financial hardship may request a fee waiver using Form I-912, but this mostly applies to:
- Victims of abuse who self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
- Certain special immigrant juveniles
- Some humanitarian groups like refugees or asylees
Most family-based I-485 applicants, however, will not qualify for these waivers.
For naturalization, the government now offers a 50% discount for low-income filers (those earning up to four times the federal poverty level), but this break does not apply to I-485 or green card applications.
Changes to Biometrics and Filing Methods
Applicants no longer pay a separate biometrics fee for most forms, including I-485. The cost is built into the main fee and covers fingerprinting and background checks.
Some forms now offer a small discount (for example, a $50 break for the I-130 petition) if filed online instead of paper. However, the adjustment-of-status (I-485) process does not currently offer an online discount.
New Fees for Employers and Other Categories
Employers who want to sponsor workers also face new and higher costs. Starting in March 2025, the H-1B registration fee will jump from $10 to $215. There is also an “Asylum Program” surcharge that most must pay unless they are small businesses or recognized nonprofits.
Premium processing, a service that speeds up the processing time for some petitions, also saw increases in late February 2024. The new rules count only “business days” (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and weekends), so while the fee went up about 12%, the actual processing time may also be longer in some cases.
Possible Increases for 2025 and Beyond
USCIS is facing more pressure from lawmakers to cover its costs with user fees instead of taxpayer money. In May 2024, a new immigration bill was introduced in Congress that would:
- Charge a $1,000 fee for asylum applications (which are currently free)
- Charge a $1,000 fee for humanitarian parole requests
- Add about a $400 fee for winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery to collect their green card
- Penalize sponsors of unaccompanied minors up to $3,500
These proposals are not yet law. But they show that fees may climb higher, especially for humanitarian and high-need groups. If you or your family are thinking about applying for a green card, sponsoring someone, or making any immigration move, it might be wise to act soon before even steeper costs are in place.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, applying early can help avoid future price increases and sudden policy changes.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide Remains the Same
Even with fee changes, the basic I-485 “adjustment-of-status” process remains as follows:
- Check that you are eligible under USCIS rules.
- Gather all needed documents to show your status, identity, or relationship.
- Download and fill out the correct versions of all forms directly from USCIS.gov/forms.
- Pay the total fees with a check, money order, or credit card form (G-1450), making sure each amount is correct.
- Mail your complete application package to the correct address listed at USCIS I-485 addresses. Mistakes in payment or paperwork can cause delays or rejections.
- Wait for a notice for your biometrics appointment and attend as scheduled.
- If USCIS sends a Request for Evidence (RFE), respond quickly and completely.
- Be ready to attend an interview and bring original documents.
- Wait for the decision by mail or email.
Every applicant must pay attention to the exact fee total on the day they file, as rules and pricing can change quickly.
Practical Impacts for Different Groups
For Families:
Families must now budget for every member, including small children, without getting any price break. Multiple applications for work permits and travel documents make the total expenses even higher.
For Employers:
Employers who cover fees for sponsored workers and their families will face higher bills. Companies may need to rethink their policies about what costs they will pay and whether they can help employees’ dependents.
For Students and Young Adults:
There are no special discounts for students, youth, or those who may “age out” of dependent status. Anyone applying for a green card must pay full price, and extra for work or travel permits if needed while waiting.
Expert Recommendations from the Field:
- File as soon as possible. Increases linked to inflation or new laws may continue, no matter which party controls Congress or the White House.
- Always check the current official guidance and required forms directly at USCIS Filing Fees right before filing, as changes can come quickly.
- If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver, special humanitarian status, or face any unusual hardship, consult a licensed immigration attorney or a recognized nonprofit organization.
No End in Sight for Rising Costs
“Applying early remains your best hedge against both rising costs and shifting policies,” notes a Boundless Immigration analysis that reflects the views of many professionals.
Legislative and Regulatory Timeline
- Last major USCIS fee increases were in 2016.
- New fee schedule adopted and effective on April 1, 2024.
- Legislation proposing future increases introduced in May 2024.
- No new age-based exemptions for I-485 applications as of June 23, 2025.
- Ongoing debates and possible court challenges may impact how quickly further increases take hold.
Comparison to Prior Rules
Before April 1, 2024:
– Children often paid a reduced fee for I-485.
– Work permits (I-765) and travel documents (I-131) were included for free for adjustment-of-status applicants.
– Separate biometrics fee, usually $85, applied.
After April 1, 2024:
– Every I-485 applicant pays $1,440, no matter their age.
– I-765 and I-131 fees are now $260 and $630, respectively.
– Biometrics cost included, but overall costs are higher.
– All payments must be made separately for each application, with no one total check.
Where to Find Official and Reliable Information
Never rely solely on news articles or secondary websites for the latest updates. Always cross-check official sources. For the most up-to-date list of fees, forms, and instructions, visit USCIS Filing Fees. If you need legal help or want to explore your options for rare waivers or unique cases, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides a directory of licensed lawyers.
Possible Legal Challenges and Debates
Whenever fees go up, public debate usually follows. Some advocates argue that rising costs lock out lower-income families and make immigration less fair. No big lawsuits or court decisions are known as of June 2025, but any new law or fee model could face legal review.
Next Steps for Applicants
2025 may bring even higher costs for various groups, especially those seeking humanitarian relief or relying on diversity visas. Anyone considering applying, sponsoring, or supporting a green card applicant through an I-485 process should:
- Check for the most recent updates at USCIS.gov before acting.
- Organize all required paperwork and funds well in advance.
- Consider seeking legal advice if you have doubts, unusual situations, or concerns about hardship waivers.
In summary, as of June 23, 2025, every I-485 applicant should expect to pay at least $2,300 (I-485 + I-765 + I-131) per person if a work permit and travel document are needed. With more increases possible, current and future applicants should act quickly and use trusted official sources for their decisions.
Disclaimer: This information provides a general overview of USCIS policy changes. For guidance on your personal case, always seek professional legal advice. For up-to-date official fee details, visit USCIS Filing Fees.
### Learn Today
USCIS → The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services agency overseeing immigration applications and processing fees.
I-485 → Form used to apply for adjustment of status to obtain a U.S. green card while in the country.
I-765 → Application form for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) tied to immigration status.
I-131 → Form used to request a travel document, such as advance parole, permitting re-entry to the U.S.
Fee waiver → A request process allowing certain applicants with hardships to avoid paying immigration application fees.
### This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS raised green card fees substantially starting April 2024, affecting families, employers, and applicants. No child discounts apply. New fees for related permits add up, pushing total costs higher. Proposed 2025 law changes could increase charges further. Applicants should prepare financially and monitor official updates to avoid surprises.
— By VisaVerge.com
