What are the Costs and Fees for Adjustment of Status?
Applying for Adjustment of Status (AOS) involves government filing fees that vary depending on the forms required, the applicant's age, immigration category, and individual circumstances. The primary application, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, currently has a general filing fee for applicants age 14 and older. Certain applicants may qualify for reduced fees or fee exemptions.
Additional costs may apply depending on the Adjustment of Status process. For example, an applicant may need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, when seeking a family-based Green Card. Applicants who wish to work while their I-485 is pending may also need Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, while those seeking advance parole generally file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. USCIS currently lists separate fees for these applications.
Applicants should also consider expenses that are not paid directly to USCIS, including the required immigration medical examination, document translation, obtaining civil records, passport photographs, mailing, and, when applicable, immigration attorney fees. The total cost can therefore be significantly different from the Form I-485 filing fee alone.
USCIS filing fees can change, and some applications may qualify for fee waivers, exemptions, or reduced fees depending on the applicant's circumstances and immigration category. Before submitting an Adjustment of Status application, applicants should verify the current fees and filing requirements using the official USCIS fee schedule. Understanding the full cost of Adjustment of Status before filing can help applicants avoid rejected filings, unexpected expenses, and delays caused by incorrect fee payments.
Disclaimer: This content is shared for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or interacting with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration situations vary from case to case. For legal guidance specific to your situation, consult with a licensed immigration attorney.