Key Takeaways
• Standard I-485 filing fee is $1,440, no age-based discount except biometric fee waiver at 79+ years.
• Applicants 79 or older exempt from $85 biometric fee but pay full $1,140 base application fee.
• Fee waivers for I-485 available only for financial hardship, not based on age.
When applying for permanent residency in the United States 🇺🇸, many people use Form I-485, also called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is a key step for those who want to become lawful permanent residents, often known as green card holders. One common question, especially among older immigrants, is whether elderly applicants pay a different or lower filing fee for the I-485 form. Let’s break down the current rules, the reasons behind them, and what elderly applicants should know before starting the process.
What Is Form I-485?
Form I-485 is the official application used by people already in the United States 🇺🇸 who want to adjust their status to become permanent residents. This process is called “adjustment of status.” It’s different from applying for a green card from outside the country, which is done through consular processing.
You can find the official Form I-485 and its instructions on the USCIS website. This page always has the most up-to-date version of the form and the latest instructions.
Who Needs to File Form I-485?
People who are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and want to become permanent residents usually need to file Form I-485. This includes:
- Family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Workers sponsored by U.S. employers
- Refugees and asylees
- Certain special immigrants, such as religious workers or Afghan/Iraqi nationals who worked with the U.S. government
Elderly applicants—meaning people who are older, often 65 or above—must follow the same process as everyone else. There are no special categories or shortcuts for older adults when it comes to the I-485 application itself.
I-485 Filing Fee: What Do Elderly Applicants Pay?
The Standard Fee
As of June 2025, the standard filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440. This amount includes:
- $1,140 base application fee
- $85 biometric services fee (for most applicants aged 14 to 78)
This fee is the same for almost all adult applicants, regardless of age. There is no special discount or reduced fee just because an applicant is elderly.
Are There Any Age-Based Discounts?
No, there is no reduced I-485 filing fee for elderly applicants. According to the most recent information from USCIS, the only age-based difference is related to the biometric services fee, not the main application fee.
Biometric Services Fee Exemption
- Applicants aged 79 or older do not have to pay the $85 biometric fee.
- However, they still must pay the full $1,140 base application fee.
This means that while elderly applicants aged 79 and above save $85, they do not get a lower overall filing fee. The main cost remains the same as for younger adults.
Are There Any Other Fee Reductions?
The only way to pay less than the standard fee is to qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are not based on age. Instead, they are based on financial hardship or other special situations.
How to Request a Fee Waiver
If you cannot afford the I-485 filing fee, you may be able to request a fee waiver. This is done by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver along with your I-485 application.
Who Can Get a Fee Waiver?
USCIS will consider a fee waiver if you can show:
- You receive a means-tested benefit (like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI)
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You have a financial hardship, such as high medical bills or loss of income
Age alone does not qualify you for a fee waiver. However, many elderly applicants may meet the income or hardship requirements, especially if they are retired or living on a fixed income.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
- Complete Form I-912: Fill out all sections and gather proof of your income or benefits.
- Submit with Paper I-485: You must file your I-485 by mail if you are requesting a fee waiver. Online filing is not allowed when using a fee waiver.
- Include Supporting Documents: Attach copies of benefit letters, tax returns, or other proof of income.
USCIS will review your request and decide if you qualify. If your fee waiver is denied, they will return your application and you will need to pay the full fee to continue.
Step-by-Step I-485 Filing Process for Elderly Applicants
Let’s walk through the process, highlighting what elderly applicants need to know:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you are eligible to adjust status. This depends on your immigration category, how you entered the United States 🇺🇸, and whether you have any issues like unlawful presence or criminal history.
2. Prepare Form I-485
Download the latest version of Form I-485 and read the instructions carefully. Gather all required documents, such as:
- Proof of your current immigration status
- Birth certificate
- Passport photos
- Medical exam results (Form I-693)
3. Calculate the Filing Fee
- If you are under 79 years old: Pay $1,140 (base fee) + $85 (biometric fee) = $1,225
- If you are 79 or older: Pay only the $1,140 base fee (biometric fee is waived)
4. Consider a Fee Waiver
If you cannot afford the fee, fill out Form I-912 and gather proof of your financial situation. Remember, you must file by mail if you are requesting a fee waiver.
5. Submit Your Application
- Online: If you are not requesting a fee waiver, you may be able to file online through your USCIS account.
- By Mail: If you are requesting a fee waiver, or if your category requires paper filing, mail your application to the correct USCIS address listed in the instructions.
6. Attend Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment, where they will take your fingerprints and photo. If you are 79 or older, you are usually exempt from this step.
7. Wait for USCIS Decision
USCIS will review your application, may ask for more information, and will eventually make a decision. Processing times can vary, so check the USCIS processing times page for updates.
Why Is There No Special Fee for Elderly Applicants?
Some people wonder why there isn’t a lower I-485 filing fee for elderly applicants. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, USCIS sets fees based on the actual cost of processing applications, not on the age of the applicant. The only exception is the biometric fee, which is waived for those 79 and older because collecting fingerprints and photos is less useful for this age group.
USCIS does offer fee waivers for people who truly cannot pay, but these are based on income and hardship, not age. This approach is meant to be fair to all applicants, regardless of how old they are.
Real-World Example: Elderly Applicant Filing I-485
Let’s look at a common scenario:
Maria is 82 years old and wants to adjust her status to become a permanent resident. She is living on Social Security and has limited savings.
- Filing Fee: Maria must pay the $1,140 base fee. She does not have to pay the $85 biometric fee because she is over 79.
- Fee Waiver: Maria receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), so she qualifies for a fee waiver. She fills out Form I-912 and attaches proof of her SSI benefits.
- Filing Method: Maria mails her I-485 and I-912 forms together to USCIS.
- Outcome: If USCIS approves her fee waiver, Maria does not have to pay any filing fee. If not, she will need to pay the $1,140 base fee to continue.
This example shows how elderly applicants can save on the biometric fee and may qualify for a fee waiver if they meet the requirements.
Historical Context: Have the Rules Changed?
USCIS has never offered a special or reduced I-485 filing fee just for elderly applicants. The only age-based rule has been the biometric fee exemption for people aged 79 and older. This policy has been in place for several years and is designed to make the process a little easier for older adults.
Fee waivers based on financial hardship have also been available for a long time, but again, these are not tied to age.
Recent Policy Updates
On January 22, 2025, USCIS announced updates to its fee schedule, which took effect in April 2025. These updates did not include any new discounts or special fees for elderly applicants. The fee schedule published on April 15, 2025, confirmed that the standard fees apply to all adults, with the only exception being the biometric fee waiver for those 79 and older.
USCIS reviews its fees from time to time, but as of June 2025, there are no plans to change the I-485 fee structure for elderly applicants.
Practical Implications for Elderly Applicants
Here’s what elderly applicants should keep in mind:
- Full Fee Applies: Unless you qualify for a fee waiver, you must pay the full I-485 filing fee, just like younger adults.
- Biometric Fee Exemption: If you are 79 or older, you do not have to pay the $85 biometric fee.
- Fee Waiver Option: If you have low income or financial hardship, you may be able to get a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912.
- No Online Filing with Fee Waiver: If you request a fee waiver, you must file your application by mail.
Expert and Advocacy Group Advice
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups for seniors often help elderly applicants understand their options. They recommend:
- Checking Fee Waiver Eligibility: Many elderly applicants are on fixed incomes and may qualify for a fee waiver.
- Getting Help with Forms: Community organizations and legal aid groups can help fill out Form I-485 and Form I-912.
- Watching for Policy Changes: While there are no special discounts now, it’s always good to check the official USCIS fee schedule for updates.
Common Questions from Elderly Applicants
Q: I am 80 years old. Do I pay less for my green card application?
– A: You do not pay less for the main I-485 filing fee, but you do not have to pay the $85 biometric fee.
Q: Can I file my I-485 online if I want a fee waiver?
– A: No. If you are requesting a fee waiver, you must file your application by mail.
Q: What if I cannot afford the fee?
– A: You can apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912 if you meet the income or hardship requirements.
Q: Will the rules change soon?
– A: As of June 2025, there are no announced changes to the I-485 fee structure for elderly applicants.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the USCIS Form I-485 page. This page has:
- The latest version of the form
- Filing instructions
- Current fees
- Mailing addresses
You can also find the official fee schedule and Form I-912 for fee waivers on the USCIS website.
If you have questions or need help, contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
Key Takeaways for Elderly Applicants
- No special or reduced I-485 filing fee for elderly applicants
- Biometric fee is waived for those 79 and older
- Fee waivers are available based on financial need, not age
- Always use the latest forms and instructions from the USCIS website
- Seek help from legal aid or community groups if you have questions
By understanding these rules, elderly applicants can better plan for the costs and steps involved in applying for permanent residency. Always check official sources for the latest updates, and consider reaching out for help if you need it.
Learn Today
Form I-485 → Official USCIS form to adjust status to lawful permanent residency within the United States.
Filing Fee → The payment required to process an immigration application like the Form I-485.
Biometric Services Fee → Fee charged for fingerprinting and photo services required for certain immigration applications.
Fee Waiver → A USCIS provision allowing applicants facing financial hardship to request exemption from filing fees.
Adjustment of Status → The process allowing immigrants in the U.S. to become permanent residents without consular processing.
This Article in a Nutshell
Elderly immigrants filing Form I-485 must pay the full $1,440 fee with no age discount. Those 79+ skip the biometric fee. Financial hardship may allow fee waivers, which are not age-based. Knowing these rules helps applicants navigate the permanent residency process confidently and avoid surprises.
— By VisaVerge.com
