I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025

Green card applicants face evolving costs as USCIS adjusts filing fees regularly. Understanding the I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 helps you budget accurately and avoid costly application rejections due to incorrect payment.

The I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status represents the final step for many immigrants seeking green cards. Fee changes directly impact employment-based applicants, family-based petitioners, diversity visa winners, and refugees or asylees adjusting status.

This guide explains current I-485 fees effective in 2025, breaks down costs by applicant category, identifies exemptions and reduced fees, and provides strategies for managing these expenses.

Need expert guidance on your I-485 application? Book a consultation with Beyond Border today.

Current I-485 Fee Structure for 2025

USCIS implemented significant fee increases effective April 1, 2024, that remain in effect through 2025. Understanding the current structure prevents payment errors.

The standard I-485 filing fee is $1,440 for applicants age 14 and older. This represents a $300 increase from the previous $1,140 fee. This fee covers application processing and includes biometric services.

Children under age 14 filing with at least one parent pay a reduced fee of $950. This lower rate recognizes that minor children typically file as derivatives of parent applications.

Children under 14 filing separately without parents pay the full $1,440 fee. This uncommon scenario applies when children adjust status independently rather than as derivatives.

The I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 include a separate $85 biometric services fee for applicants age 14-78. Applicants under 14 or 79 and older are exempt from this additional biometric fee.

Total costs for most adult applicants equal $1,525 when combining the $1,440 application fee and $85 biometric fee. This represents the baseline cost before any additional associated applications.

These fees apply regardless of whether USCIS approves your application. Filing fees are non-refundable even if your case is denied or you withdraw your application.

USCIS accepts payment via check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450. Electronic payments through the USCIS online filing system are also available for certain applicants.

Beyond Border helps clients navigate I-485 filing requirements including proper fee calculation and payment submission.

Associated Form Fees Affecting Total Costs

Most I-485 applicants file additional forms simultaneously, increasing total costs beyond the base adjustment of status fee.

Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization costs $520 as of 2025. Employment-based green card applicants typically file this to obtain work authorization while I-485 applications pend.

Form I-131 Application for Travel Document costs $630. This form requests advance parole allowing international travel while adjustment of status applications remain pending.

Combining I-765 and I-131 without filing I-485 costs $1,150. However, filing these forms concurrently with I-485 incurs their separate fees totaling $1,150 in addition to I-485 costs.

The total package for adult employment-based applicants filing I-485, I-765, and I-131 simultaneously reaches $3,675 including all fees. This represents the complete cost for comprehensive adjustment of status with work and travel authorization.

Medical examination costs are separate from USCIS fees. Form I-693 civil surgeon examinations typically cost $200-$500 depending on location and required vaccinations.

Attorney fees for I-485 preparation and filing range from $2,000-$5,000 or more depending on case complexity. These professional services fees are independent of government filing fees.

Document preparation costs including translations, notarizations, and certified copies add several hundred dollars to total expenses.

Understanding these combined costs helps applicants budget realistically for the complete green card application process in 2025.

Fee Exemptions and Reduced Rates

Certain applicant categories qualify for fee waivers or reduced rates under I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 regulations.

Refugees adjusting status one year after admission pay no I-485 filing fee. This exemption recognizes refugees' humanitarian protection status.

Asylees adjusting status pay no I-485 filing fee. Like refugees, asylees receive this benefit based on their protected status.

Special Immigrant Juveniles qualify for fee exemptions when adjusting status. This protects vulnerable youth from financial barriers to permanent residence.

Victims of human trafficking with T visas may qualify for fee waivers based on inability to pay. USCIS evaluates waiver requests individually.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners may request fee waivers demonstrating financial hardship. Form I-912 Request for Fee Waiver documents inability to pay.

Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrant Visa holders receive reduced fees or exemptions based on their service supporting US military operations.

Children under 14 filing with parents pay the reduced $950 fee rather than the standard $1,440, representing a $490 savings per child.

No fee waiver exists for routine employment-based or family-based I-485 applicants. Most green card seekers must pay full fees regardless of financial circumstances.

Book a consultation with Beyond Border to determine whether you qualify for any fee reductions or exemptions.

Payment Methods and Requirements

USCIS accepts specific payment methods for I-485 applications. Using incorrect payment methods causes application rejection.

Personal checks made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" are accepted. Include your name and A-number if you have one on the check memo line.

Money orders provide secure payment alternatives. Cashier's checks from banks or money orders from post offices or money transfer services work equally well.

Credit card payments require Form G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Complete this form and include it with your application if paying by credit card.

USCIS accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. Ensure your credit limit accommodates the total fee amount plus potential holds.

Online filing through the USCIS website allows electronic payment via credit card or debit card for certain applicant categories. Check whether your I-485 category qualifies for online filing.

Payment must equal the exact fee amount. Underpayment causes application rejection. Overpayment may result in refund delays.

Separate checks or money orders should accompany applications for multiple family members. While one payment covering the entire family is acceptable, separate payments per applicant simplifies tracking.

Do not send cash under any circumstances. USCIS does not accept cash payments and cannot be responsible for cash lost in mail.

Currency must be US dollars. Foreign currency is not accepted regardless of country of origin or current exchange rates.

Strategies for Managing I-485 Costs

High fees create financial burdens for many applicants. Several strategies help manage these costs effectively.

Save systematically over time before filing. If you anticipate filing I-485 within 12-18 months, begin setting aside funds monthly to spread the financial impact.

Prioritize necessary forms over optional ones. If finances are extremely tight, file I-485 first and add I-765 or I-131 later if truly needed, though this costs more overall.

Consider filing timing strategically. If employer sponsorship is involved, discuss whether employers will cover any filing fees as part of immigration benefits.

Explore whether family members truly need all forms. A spouse already with work authorization may not need I-765, saving $520.

Budget for medical examination costs separately. Schedule the civil surgeon appointment timing to spread costs across different months from USCIS fees.

Use credit cards strategically if necessary. Consider rewards cards to earn points on large government fees, though avoid this if it creates unmanageable debt.

Research whether your category qualifies for any fee reductions. Verify exemption eligibility thoroughly before assuming full fees apply.

Plan for potential RFE costs. Budget an additional $500-$1,000 beyond filing fees for possible evidence gathering or attorney consultation if USCIS requests additional information.

Beyond Border provides comprehensive cost analysis and strategic guidance for managing I-485 expenses effectively.

FAQ

What is the current I-485 filing fee for adults in 2025?

 The I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 set the standard fee at $1,440 for applicants age 14 and older, plus an $85 biometric services fee for those age 14-78, totaling $1,525 for most adult applicants.

Do children pay the same I-485 fee as adults?

 No, children under 14 filing with at least one parent pay a reduced fee of $950 under I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025, while children under 14 filing alone pay the full $1,440 fee.

Are I-485 filing fees refundable if the application is denied? 

No, USCIS does not refund I-485 filing fees regardless of whether applications are approved, denied, or withdrawn, making proper preparation essential before filing.

What is the total cost for I-485 with work and travel authorization?

 The I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 result in total costs of $3,675 for adults filing I-485 ($1,440), I-765 ($520), I-131 ($630), and biometric services ($85) simultaneously.

Who qualifies for I-485 fee waivers or exemptions?

 Refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Juveniles, certain trafficking victims, and VAWA self-petitioners may qualify for fee exemptions under I-485 Filing Fee Changes in 2025 regulations, while most employment and family-based applicants pay full fees.