Correct Filing Fees and Payment Methods for I-130, I-485, I-765 Concurrent Filing

If you are thinking about applying for a green card through a family member in the United States 🇺🇸, you may have heard about filing Form I-130, Form I-485, and Form I-765 together. This process is called “concurrent filing” for family-based adjustment of status. It can help you get your green card and work permit faster, but only if you meet all the rules. Here’s a clear guide to help you figure out if you qualify, what you need, what could stop you, and what to do if you’re not eligible right now.

Who Can File I-130, I-485, and I-765 Together?

You can file these forms together if you meet all of these requirements:

• ✅ You are in the United States 🇺🇸. You must be physically present in the country when you file.
• ✅ You have a qualifying family relationship. Usually, this means you are the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
• ✅ A visa is available for your category. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents), visas are always available. For other family categories, you must check the visa bulletin to see if your priority date is current.
• ✅ You entered the United States 🇺🇸 legally. Most people must have entered with a visa or been inspected at the border. There are some exceptions, but this is the general rule.
• ✅ You are eligible to adjust status. You must not have certain immigration violations or criminal issues that would make you ineligible.

If you meet all these points, you can usually file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) at the same time.

Detailed Requirements for Each Form

Let’s break down what each form is for and what you need to qualify:

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

• This form is filed by your U.S. citizen or green card holder family member to prove your relationship.
• You must provide proof of your relationship, like a marriage certificate for spouses or a birth certificate for children.
• The filing fee is $675 for paper submission or $625 if filed online. Most people file on paper, so $675 is typical.
• You must pay this fee with a separate check or money order.

Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)

• This form is your actual green card application.
• You must show you are eligible to adjust status, which means you entered the country legally and have no bars to adjustment.
• The filing fee is $1,440. This includes the biometric fee (fingerprints and photo), which is no longer charged separately.
• You must pay this fee with a separate check or money order.

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

• This form lets you get a work permit while your green card application is pending.
• The filing fee is $260. This fee is now required even if you file it with your I-485, which is a change from past rules.
• You must pay this fee with a separate check or money order.

Examples of Who Qualifies

• ✅ Maria is married to a U.S. citizen and entered the United States 🇺🇸 with a tourist visa. She is still in the country and her visa has not expired. She can file I-130, I-485, and I-765 together.
• ✅ John is the unmarried son of a green card holder. He is in the United States 🇺🇸 on a student visa. He checks the visa bulletin and sees his category is current. He can file all three forms together.
• ✅ Ana is the parent of a U.S. citizen over 21. She entered the United States 🇺🇸 with a visitor visa and is still here legally. She can file all three forms together.

Who Does NOT Qualify for Concurrent Filing?

You cannot file I-130, I-485, and I-765 together if:

• ⚠️ You are outside the United States 🇺🇸. You must use consular processing instead.
• ⚠️ You do not have a qualifying family relationship. For example, cousins or grandparents do not qualify.
• ⚠️ Your visa category is not current. For most family categories except immediate relatives, you must wait until your priority date is current.
• ⚠️ You entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection (illegally). There are some exceptions, but most people in this situation cannot adjust status.
• ⚠️ You have certain criminal convictions or immigration violations. These can make you ineligible.
• ⚠️ You are in removal (deportation) proceedings. Special rules apply, and you should talk to a lawyer.

Disqualifying Factors and Common Mistakes

• ⚠️ Wrong fees or combined payments. USCIS requires a separate payment for each form. If you send one check for all fees, your whole package will be rejected.
• ⚠️ Missing or incomplete forms. If you forget to sign a form or leave out required evidence, your application will be delayed or rejected.
• ⚠️ Outdated fees. The fees changed on April 1, 2024. If you use the old fees, your application will be rejected after August 21, 2025.
• ⚠️ Not using the correct payment method. You can pay by personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card (using [Form G-1450](https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450)). Make checks payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Alternative Options if You Are Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for concurrent filing, you may have other options:

• 📋 Consular Processing: If you are outside the United States 🇺🇸, your family member can file I-130 for you. Once approved, you will complete your green card process at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• 📋 Wait for Your Priority Date: If your visa category is not current, you must wait until it becomes current before filing I-485 and I-765.
• 📋 Apply for a Waiver: If you have certain immigration violations, you may be able to apply for a waiver. This is a special request to forgive your violation, but it is not available for everyone.
• 📋 Seek Legal Help: If you are in removal proceedings or have criminal issues, talk to an immigration lawyer. There may be special rules or exceptions for your case.

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

• ✅ Double-check all forms and fees. Use the [USCIS Fee Calculator](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees) to make sure you have the correct amounts.
• ✅ Submit all required evidence. Include copies of your passport, visa, I-94, marriage or birth certificates, and proof of your relationship.
• ✅ Follow the latest instructions. USCIS updates forms and rules often. Always use the latest version from the official website.
• ✅ Keep copies of everything. Make a copy of each form, check, and supporting document for your records.
• ✅ Mail your package with tracking. This helps you know when USCIS receives your application.

Fee Waivers and Special Cases

• Some people can get a fee waiver using [Form I-912](https://www.uscis.gov/i-912), but this is only for certain low-income applicants. Most family-based adjustment applicants do not qualify.
• If you need advance parole (permission to travel while your green card is pending), you must file [Form I-131](https://www.uscis.gov/i-131) and pay a separate fee of $630.

Recent Changes and Important Dates

• The new fees started on April 1, 2024.
• If you mail your forms after August 21, 2025, you must use the new fees or your application will be rejected.
• Always check the [USCIS Fee Schedule](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees) for the latest updates.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ You can file I-130, I-485, and I-765 together if you are in the United States 🇺🇸, have a qualifying family relationship, and meet all eligibility rules.
• ✅ You must pay separate fees for each form: $675 for I-130, $1,440 for I-485, and $260 for I-765.
• ✅ Use separate checks or money orders for each payment, or use Form G-1450 for credit/debit card payments.
• ✅ If you do not qualify, look into consular processing, waivers, or legal help.
• ✅ Always use the latest forms and double-check your eligibility before filing.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, keeping up with the latest USCIS rules and fee changes is key to a smooth application process. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have a complicated case, it’s wise to get advice from a trusted immigration professional or visit the official USCIS website for the most current information. This careful approach can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays on your path to a green card.