How to Pay the I-485 Filing Fee: Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• The I-485 filing fee is $1,440 as of April 1, 2024, with some exceptions and waivers available.
• Accepted payments include money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card with Form G-1450.
• Incorrect payment or missing documentation causes USCIS to reject the application and delay processing.

Paying the I-485 Filing Fee: A Step-by-Step Instructional Guide

Applying for a Green Card in the United States 🇺🇸 is a major step for many immigrants and their families. One of the most important parts of this process is paying the I-485 filing fee. The I-485 form, officially called the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” is the main form used to apply for a Green Card from within the United States 🇺🇸. Paying the correct fee in the right way is critical—mistakes can cause delays, rejections, or even lost opportunities.

How to Pay the I-485 Filing Fee: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will walk you through every step of paying the I-485 filing fee, explain your payment options, highlight recent changes, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll have a clear checklist and practical tips to make sure your payment is accepted the first time.

Introduction: Why the I-485 Filing Fee Matters

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that handles immigration forms and applications. Almost all of its funding comes from the fees paid by applicants—about 96% of its budget, according to official reports. This means that paying the correct fee is not just a formality; it’s essential for your application to move forward.

As of April 1, 2024, the I-485 filing fee is $1,440 for most applicants. However, some people may pay less or even have the fee waived, depending on their situation. The fee is non-refundable, so if you pay the wrong amount or use the wrong payment method, you won’t get your money back—even if your application is denied or rejected.

Step 1: Confirm the Exact I-485 Filing Fee

Before you pay anything, you need to know the exact amount you owe. The standard fee for most applicants is $1,440, but there are exceptions. For example, some children, certain humanitarian applicants, and people who qualify for a fee waiver may pay less or nothing at all.

How to Confirm Your Fee:

Use the USCIS Fee Calculator: The USCIS Fee Calculator is the most reliable way to check your exact fee. Enter your details, and it will tell you the correct amount.
Check the Latest Fee Schedule: The USCIS Fee Schedule lists all current fees, including any recent changes.
Read the I-485 Instructions: The official Form I-485 instructions explain who qualifies for reduced fees or fee waivers.

Time Estimate: 10–15 minutes

Common Pitfall: Guessing the fee or using outdated information. Always check the latest sources before sending your payment.

Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method

USCIS accepts several payment methods for the I-485 filing fee. Each method has its own rules and steps. Picking the right one for your situation is important.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Money Order
Personal Check
Cashier’s Check
Credit or Debit Card (using Form G-1450)

Let’s look at each option in detail.

2.1 Money Order

Buy a money order from a bank, post office, or some retail stores.
Make it payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. Do not use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Write your name and A-number (if you have one) on the front.

2.2 Personal Check

Write a check from your own bank account.
Make it payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Use black or blue ink.
Write your address and phone number on the check.
Sign and date the check.

2.3 Cashier’s Check

Get a cashier’s check from your bank.
Make it payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Include your name and A-number on the check.

2.4 Credit or Debit Card (Using Form G-1450)

Fill out Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Enter your card details clearly.
Sign and date the form.
Place the completed Form G-1450 on top of your application package.

Important: You can only use Form G-1450 for applications mailed to USCIS lockbox facilities. It is not accepted at field offices or service centers.

Time Estimate: 10–20 minutes, depending on the method

Common Pitfall: Using the wrong payee name or sending cash. USCIS does not accept cash payments.

Step 3: Prepare Your Payment

Once you’ve chosen your payment method, it’s time to get everything ready. This step is about making sure your payment is filled out correctly and included in your application package.

3.1 For Checks and Money Orders

Double-check the payee: “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Write the correct amount: $1,440 (or the amount shown by the Fee Calculator).
Include your name, address, and A-number (if you have one).
Sign the check or money order.
Do not staple or clip the payment to your forms.

3.2 For Credit or Debit Card (Form G-1450)

Download the latest Form G-1450 from the USCIS website.
Fill out all sections clearly, using black ink.
Double-check your card number, expiration date, and billing address.
Sign and date the form.
Place Form G-1450 on top of your application package.

3.3 For Multiple Applications

If you are sending more than one form (for example, for family members), write a separate check or money order for each form.
Do not combine payments for different forms or applicants.

Time Estimate: 15–30 minutes

Common Pitfall: Combining payments for multiple forms. This can cause your entire package to be rejected.

Step 4: Submit Your Payment with the Application

Your payment must be included in the same package as your I-485 application. If you forget to include the payment, or if the payment is incorrect, USCIS will reject your application and return everything to you.

4.1 Assemble Your Application Package

Place your payment (check, money order, or Form G-1450) on top of your application forms.
Include all required supporting documents as listed in the I-485 instructions.
Double-check that you have signed all forms.

4.2 Mail to the Correct Address

Find the correct mailing address for your I-485 application on the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses page.
Use a trackable mailing service (like USPS Priority Mail, FedEx, or UPS) so you can confirm delivery.

4.3 Keep Copies

Make copies of your entire application package, including your payment.
Keep your mailing receipt and tracking number.

Time Estimate: 30–60 minutes

Common Pitfall: Sending your application to the wrong address. Always check the latest address on the USCIS website before mailing.

Step 5: Track Your Payment and Application Status

After you mail your application, you’ll want to know when your payment is processed and your application is received.

5.1 Payment Processing

Checks and Money Orders: USCIS will cash your check or money order soon after receiving your package. You can track when your check is cashed through your bank.
Credit or Debit Card (Form G-1450): Your card will be charged once USCIS processes your package. The charge will appear as “USCIS” on your statement.

5.2 Receipt Notice

USCIS will send you a Form I-797C, Notice of Action once your payment is accepted and your application is entered into their system.
This notice will include your receipt number, which you can use to check your case status online.

5.3 Checking Your Case Status

Go to the USCIS Case Status Online page.
Enter your receipt number to see updates on your application.

Time Estimate: 1–3 weeks for payment processing and receipt notice

Common Pitfall: Not monitoring your payment or missing the receipt notice. Always check your mail and email regularly.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many applicants make simple mistakes that can cause delays or rejections. Here are some of the most common problems and how to avoid them:

Wrong Payee Name: Always write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Never use abbreviations.
Incorrect Fee Amount: Use the Fee Calculator or check the latest fee schedule.
Combining Payments: Pay separately for each form and each applicant.
Using Cash: Never send cash. It will be rejected.
Outdated Forms: Download the latest versions of all forms from the USCIS website.
Missing Signature: Unsigned checks, money orders, or forms will cause rejection.
Sending to Wrong Address: Always confirm the correct mailing address before sending.
Incomplete Form G-1450: If using a credit or debit card, fill out all sections of Form G-1450 and sign it.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If There’s a Problem

Even with careful preparation, problems can happen. Here’s what to do if you run into trouble:

Payment Rejected or Not Processed

Check Your Bank or Card Statement: If your payment hasn’t been processed after two weeks, contact your bank or card company.
Wait for a Rejection Notice: If there’s a problem, USCIS will return your entire package with a notice explaining the issue.
Fix the Problem and Reapply: Correct the mistake and resend your application with the correct payment.

Lost or Stolen Payment

Contact Your Bank: If your check or money order is lost, ask your bank to stop payment and issue a new one.
Notify USCIS: If you think your payment information was stolen, contact USCIS customer service for guidance.

Credit or Debit Card Declined

Check Card Details: Make sure all information on Form G-1450 is correct.
Check Card Limits: Make sure your card has enough available credit.
Try a Different Card: If your card is declined, you’ll need to resubmit your application with a new Form G-1450 or another payment method.

Checklist Summary: Paying the I-485 Filing Fee

Use this checklist to make sure you’ve covered every step:

[ ] Confirmed the exact I-485 filing fee using the Fee Calculator or latest fee schedule
[ ] Chosen a payment method (money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit/debit card with Form G-1450)
[ ] Prepared payment with correct payee, amount, and details
[ ] Filled out Form G-1450 (if paying by card) and placed it on top of your package
[ ] Included payment in your application package
[ ] Mailed your package to the correct USCIS address
[ ] Kept copies of all documents and payment
[ ] Tracked payment processing and receipt notice
[ ] Checked your case status online

Additional Resources and Official Links

For the most up-to-date information, always use official government sources:

As reported by VisaVerge.com, following the correct payment steps is one of the most important parts of the Green Card process. Even small mistakes can cause big delays, so take your time and double-check every detail.

Final Takeaways and Practical Guidance

Paying the I-485 filing fee is a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. Always use the latest information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, confirm your fee, pick the right payment method, and include everything in your package. Remember, the fee is non-refundable, so it’s worth double-checking every detail before you send your application.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, visit the USCIS official I-485 page for the most current forms and instructions. By following this guide, you can avoid common mistakes and give your application the best chance of success.

Learn Today

I-485 Filing Fee → The money required to file Form I-485 to adjust immigration status to permanent resident in the U.S.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing immigration applications and fees.
Form G-1450 → The authorization form used to pay USCIS fees by credit or debit card securely.
Fee Waiver → A USCIS provision allowing fee reduction or exemption based on financial hardship or humanitarian reasons.
A-number → Alien Registration Number, a unique identifier assigned to non-citizens by USCIS for tracking immigration records.

This Article in a Nutshell

Paying the I-485 fee correctly is key to advancing your Green Card application. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator, choose a valid payment method, and submit your application package carefully to avoid costly delays or rejection by USCIS.
— By VisaVerge.com