USCIS Adjustment of Status Fee Increase 2024: Complete Guide to New Form I-485 and Related Filing Costs
The USCIS adjustment of status fee increase that took effect in 2024 imposes significant changes on Form I-485 costs and concurrent petitions, requiring applicants to navigate higher filing fees, integrated biometrics charges, and new legislative surcharges. Understanding these updates is crucial for permanent residency seekers and immigration petition filers who must calculate precise application costs to avoid rejections. This guide maps the key effective dates, fee breakdowns for Form I-485, I-765, and I-131, category-specific impacts, waiver options, payment methods, legal challenges, and strategic filing tips under the overarching theme of adjustment of status fee hikes.
Main themes covered:
- Timing and rationale behind USCIS fee increases
- Detailed new filing fees and concurrent application costs
- Impact on family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian categories
- Navigating fee waivers and acceptable payment methods
- Overview of lawsuits challenging the fee rule
- Strategic guidance for applicants amid evolving costs
When Did the USCIS Adjustment of Status Fees Increase and Why?
Adjustment of status fees rose in response to USCIS’s fee-funded model facing budget shortfalls, processing backlogs, and rising operational costs. Applicants must note both the 2024 fee rule and upcoming 2025 legislative adjustments to plan green card application budgets accurately.
What Are the Key Effective Dates for USCIS Fee Changes in 2024 and 2025?
USCIS implemented its latest fee schedule and integrated biometrics fee on April 1, 2024. Further surcharges authorized by the HR-1 Reconciliation Act begin July 22, 2025, affecting select forms.
These milestones frame planning horizons for applicants facing both immediate and future application cost increases.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements
This source directly verifies the effective date of the fee increases, the rationale behind them, the specific fee changes for I-485, I-765, and I-131, and the integration of biometrics.
These milestones frame planning horizons for applicants facing both immediate and future application cost increases.
Why Did USCIS Increase Adjustment of Status and Other Immigration Fees?
USCIS operates almost entirely on application and petition fees, covering approximately 96 percent of its budget. Rising staff salaries, IT modernization, inflation, and a backlog exceeding 7 million pending cases demanded higher revenue. Consequently, fee adjustments fund improved processing capacity and customer service enhancements while preventing fee-funding deficits.
How Does the HR-1 Reconciliation Bill Affect Future USCIS Fees?
The HR-1 “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces new immigration surcharges, notably a $600 Asylum Program Fee on I-129 and I-140 petitions (reduced to $300 for small employers; nonprofits exempt).
USCIS Announces Significant Fee Increases Effective on April 1, 2024
This source corroborates the detailed fee breakdowns for I-485, I-765, and I-131, the introduction of the Asylum Program Fee, and the anticipation of legal challenges.
It also authorizes incremental DHS inspection fees on most immigrant visa applicants beginning July 22, 2025, further escalating permanent residency costs and reflecting legislative funding shifts.
USCIS Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill
This source directly supports the information regarding the HR-1 Reconciliation Act, its effective date, the specific surcharges it introduces, and the non-waivable nature of these new fees.
What Are the New Filing Fees for Form I-485 and Concurrent Applications?
Form I-485 and its related petitions now carry distinct charges that applicants must budget together, since separate fees apply even when filing concurrently.
How Much Is the New Standalone Form I-485 Filing Fee in 2024?
The standalone I-485 fee increased to $1,440, which now encompasses the former $85 biometrics charge for most applicants aged 14 and older. This unified fee simplifies payment but raises the sticker price compared to previous bundled options.
What Are the Updated Fees for Concurrently Filed Form I-765 and Form I-131?
Concurrent I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole) petitions require separate fees, eliminating the former cost waiver when filed with I-485:
Applicants must add these fees to the I-485 cost, creating a combined filing total of $2,330 for all three when filed together.
How Has the Biometrics Fee Been Integrated into the New Filing Costs?
USCIS has merged the standalone $85 biometrics fee into most application fees, including I-485, I-765, and I-131, streamlining payment processing. Exceptions remain for select forms like naturalization (I-485A) and replacement cards, where a separate biometrics payment may still apply.
Are There Discounts for Online Filing of Adjustment of Status Forms?
Yes, USCIS offers a $50 discount for eligible forms filed electronically where an online option exists. To qualify, applicants must submit all forms (I-485, I-765, I-131) through USCIS’s secure portal, ensuring timely digital receipt and fee adjustment at checkout.
How Does the Fee Increase Impact Different Immigration Categories?
Fee adjustments cascade differently across family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian streams, altering total application costs and waiver dynamics.
What Are the Fee Changes for Family-Based Green Card Applicants?
Family-based petitions incur higher combined costs:
Total expenses for spousal or parent-child filings now approach $2,030, excluding I-765 and I-131 separate fees, raising planning needs for sponsored relatives.
How Are Employment-Based Immigration Fees Updated, Including Asylum Program Fee?
Employment petitions reflect HR-1 surcharges and regular fee hikes:
Nonprofit and small employers pay $300 for the Asylum Program Fee, but most for-profit sponsors face the full surcharge.
What Are the Fee Waiver Options and Eligibility for Humanitarian Cases?
Humanitarian applicants—such as asylum seekers, TPS registrants, and Special Immigrant Juveniles—may request fee waivers on Form I-912 if they demonstrate:
- Household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Receipt of means-tested public benefits
- Financial hardship due to extraordinary medical expenses
Fee waivers can cover I-485, I-765, I-131, and related biometric costs, reducing barriers for vulnerable populations.
How Can Applicants Navigate USCIS Fee Waivers and Reduced Fee Eligibility?
Understanding waiver criteria and process steps ensures qualified applicants avoid unnecessary expenses.
Who Qualifies for a USCIS Fee Waiver Under Form I-912?
Fee waiver eligibility hinges on income level, benefits receipt, or hardship:
- Income-Based Eligibility – Total household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the applicant’s state and family size.
- Public Benefit Recipients – Current enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or other government assistance programs.
- Financial Hardship – Proof of extraordinary expenses or disaster-related losses that deplete assets.
These criteria expand access for applicants unable to cover adjustment of status and ancillary fees.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Fee Waiver?
Applicants follow these procedural steps:
- Complete Form I-912 – Provide personal data, income sources, and benefit documentation.
- Attach Evidence – Submit pay stubs, award letters, bank statements, or hardship affidavits.
- Compile Application Packet – Bundle I-485, I-765, I-131, and I-912 in prescribed order.
- Submit to USCIS – Mail to the correct Lockbox or service center; online filers upload scanned supporting documents.
A properly documented waiver request avoids application rejection and additional fees.
How Do Fee Waivers Affect Adjustment of Status and Concurrent Filings?
When granted, the waiver covers all fees associated with adjustment of status, including EAD and Advance Parole petitions. Approved waiver requests exempt applicants from submitting any payment, enabling them to file I-485, I-765, and I-131 together without cost.
What Are the Accepted Payment Methods and How to Avoid Fee-Related Rejections?
Precise fee payment and correct method selection prevent costly processing delays and denials.
Which Payment Methods Does USCIS Accept for Adjustment of Status Fees?
USCIS accepts the following payment types:
- Checks – Personal, company, or cashier’s checks drawn on U.S. bank accounts
- Money Orders – U.S. Postal Service money orders with payee as “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
- ACH Debit – Electronic transfer via Form G-1450 for credit card or debit card payments
- Credit Cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover via Form G-1450
How Can Applicants Ensure Correct Fee Payment to Prevent Application Rejection?
To avoid fee-related rejections, applicants should:
- Verify Form Fees – Cross-check USCIS’s official fee schedule before payment.
- Use Separate Payments – Submit a distinct payment for each form when concurrent filing is required.
- Accurate Payee Details – Make checks payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” without abbreviations.
- Include Receipt Notices – Attach fee payment stubs in the correct document order.
How to Use the USCIS Fee Calculator for Accurate Filing Cost Estimates?
USCIS’s online fee calculator guides applicants through a simple questionnaire on form types, age categories, and filing methods. By entering these details, the tool outputs a customized fee total, including biometrics integration and online discounts, enabling precise application budgeting.
What Are the Current Legal Challenges and Lawsuits Against the USCIS Fee Increase?
Multiple stakeholder groups contest the fee rule’s legality, aiming to block or modify surcharges through federal courts.
Which Groups Are Challenging the USCIS Fee Rule and Why?
Key litigants include:
- Technology and staffing associations alleging procedural violations in rulemaking
- EB-5 investors claiming disproportionate impact on immigrant investors
- Employer coalitions disputing the Asylum Program Fee as beyond USCIS authority
These groups argue insufficient notice, cost overreach, and legislative overstep.
What Are the Main Arguments Against the Fee Increase and Asylum Program Fee?
Lawsuit claims focus on:
- Violation of the Administrative Procedure Act – USCIS allegedly failed to justify fees based on data.
- Ultra Vires Action – Asylum Program Fee exceeds USCIS’s statutory authority.
- Disparate Impact – Certain industries and humanitarian applicants bear undue financial burdens.
These contentions target both procedural and substantive rule aspects.
What Is the Status and Potential Outcome of These Lawsuits?
Several preliminary injunctions temporarily blocked portions of the Asylum Program Fee, but USCIS continues to collect other increased fees. Courts may ultimately mandate fee recalibrations or procedural reissuance, but applicants should proceed with current fees until formal relief is ordered.
What Strategic Filing Tips Should Applicants Follow Amid Fee Changes?
Adopting best practices ensures applicants stay ahead of evolving fee requirements and protect their residency status.
How to Stay Updated on the Latest USCIS Fee Schedules and Rules?
Regularly monitor:
- USCIS Official Website – Fee schedule page and policy alerts
- Federal Register – Proposed and final rule notices
- Legal Newsletters – Alerts from reputable immigration law firms and associations
Proactive tracking prevents surprises in fee deadlines and amounts.
Why Should Applicants Consider Online Filing Despite Potential Challenges?
Online filing offers:
- Immediate Fee Calculation – Automatic fee totals including discounts
- Faster Receipts – Instant confirmation of submission and digital tracking
- Document Upload – Seamless inclusion of supporting evidence
Applicants with reliable internet access gain speed and accuracy benefits that offset minor technical hurdles.
When Is It Important to Consult an Immigration Attorney Regarding Fee Changes?
Professional guidance becomes critical when:
- Complex Eligibility Scenarios – Waiver requests or multiple concurrent filings
- Large-Scale Employer Filings – Navigating Asylum Program Fee exemptions and surcharges
- Litigation Considerations – Challenging fee assessments or seeking injunctions
Expert counsel ensures compliance with nuanced rules and mitigates risks of denials or costly appeals.
What Are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Adjustment of Status Fee Increase?
When Did the USCIS Adjustment of Status Fees Change?
The primary USCIS fee increases for adjustment of status and related forms became effective on April 1, 2024, with additional HR-1 surcharges commencing July 22, 2025.
What Is the Current Fee for Form I-485 in 2024?
As of April 1, 2024, the standalone filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440, inclusive of the integrated biometrics charge for most applicants aged 14 and older.
Are I-765 and I-131 Still Free When Filed with I-485?
No. Since April 1, 2024, Form I-765 (Employment Authorization) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole) each require separate fees of $260 and $630, respectively, even when submitted concurrently with Form I-485.
How Can I Apply for a USCIS Fee Waiver?
Complete and submit Form I-912 with evidence of low income (≤ 150 percent of Poverty Guidelines), means-tested benefit receipt, or documented financial hardship to request waiver of I-485, I-765, and I-131 filing fees.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted by USCIS for Adjustment of Status?
USCIS accepts U.S. checks, money orders, ACH debit via Form G-1450, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) for all adjustment of status fees.
Accurate fee calculation and timely filing are essential for securing permanent residency without costly delays or rejections. By mapping effective dates, cost breakdowns, waiver options, payment methods, legal challenges, and strategic tips, applicants gain clarity and confidence in navigating USCIS’s updated fee landscape.