What you pay for a green card and when

A green card process involves multiple fees paid at different stages, and the total cost depends on which path you take and your age. The main fee is the I-485 filing fee (currently $640 for most adults), but you also pay a biometric services fee ($85) when you submit fingerprints. Some applicants pay an additional $500 green card issuance fee after approval. Family-based applications, employment-based applications, and diversity visa lottery winners each have slightly different fee structures, and fees change annually, so the exact amount you owe depends on when you file.

You do not pay all fees at once. The I-485 filing fee and biometric fee are due when you submit your process. The green card issuance fee comes later, after USCIS approves your case and before you receive the physical card. Some applicants are exempt from certain fees — for example, refugees and asylees do not pay the I-485 filing fee, and children under 14 do not pay the green card issuance fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The I-485 filing fee ($640 for most adults) and biometric services fee ($85) are due when you submit your green card process.
  • A green card issuance fee ($500 for most applicants) is charged after approval and before you receive your card.
  • Refugees, asylees, and some other categories are exempt from the I-485 filing fee, reducing their total cost.
  • Fee amounts change each year, so check the USCIS website or your process instructions for the current amount before you pay.
  • You pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on which USCIS office processes your case.

I-485 filing fee and when it is due

The I-485 filing fee is the largest single payment in the green card process. For most applicants aged 14 and older, this fee is $640. Children under 14 pay $320. You submit this fee along with your completed I-485 form (process to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to USCIS.

The fee is due when you mail or file your process online through USCIS's portal. If you are filing by mail, include a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" with your process packet. If you file online, you can pay by credit card or debit card during the submission process. Do not send cash.

Certain groups do not pay the I-485 filing fee. Refugees and asylees filing within one year of their status approval are exempt. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of citizens aged 21 or older) also do not pay this fee. Check your specific category in the I-485 instructions to confirm whether you owe it.

Biometric services fee

The biometric services fee ($85) covers the cost of taking your fingerprints and photographs for background checks. You pay this fee at the same time as the I-485 filing fee — it goes in the same envelope or is submitted in the same online transaction. Like the I-485 fee, it is paid by check, money order, or credit card.

After USCIS receives your process and fees, they will send you a notice telling you when and where to go for your biometric appointment. You will visit a USCIS process Support Center or a contracted location to have your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken. This appointment is free once you have paid the biometric services fee — there is no additional charge at the appointment itself.

Some applicants are exempt from the biometric services fee. Refugees and asylees do not pay it. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens are also exempt. Children under 14 typically do not pay this fee either, though they may still be required to appear for biometrics.

Green card issuance fee

The green card issuance fee ($500 for most applicants) is charged after USCIS approves your case. This fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your physical green card. You do not pay this fee upfront — USCIS will notify you of the amount and payment instructions after your case is approved.

The timing of this payment varies. Some USCIS offices collect the issuance fee before they issue the card; others collect it after. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining when and how to pay. Payment methods typically include check, money order, or credit card, depending on your local USCIS office's procedures.

Children under 14 do not pay the green card issuance fee. Refugees and asylees also do not pay this fee. If you are in one of these categories, USCIS will not bill you for it.

Fee waivers and reductions

USCIS allows you to request a fee waiver or reduction if paying the full amount would cause you financial hardship. You submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver or Fee Reduction) along with your I-485 process. You must provide documents showing your household income, expenses, and assets — typically tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements from the past two months.

USCIS approves waivers and reductions based on your household income relative to the federal poverty guidelines. If your household income is at or below 200 percent of the poverty line, you may be may be able to access for a full waiver. Between 200 and 250 percent, you may be may be able to access for a reduction. The exact amount of a reduction depends on your circumstances.

Submitting Form I-912 does not delay your process. USCIS will review your waiver request while processing your case. If they deny the waiver, they will send you a bill for the full fee amount, and you will have time to pay before they make a decision on your green card.

How fees differ by process category

Most green card applicants pay the same fees regardless of whether they are explore through family sponsorship, employment, or the diversity visa lottery. The I-485 filing fee, biometric fee, and issuance fee are the same across categories.

The main difference is in exemptions. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (a family-based category) do not pay the I-485 filing fee or biometric services fee. Refugees and asylees (humanitarian categories) do not pay the I-485 filing fee, biometric services fee, or green card issuance fee. Employment-based applicants pay all three fees unless they fall into an exempt category.

Some applicants may also pay fees for other forms required in their specific process. For example, if you are explore through family sponsorship, your sponsor may need to file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which has no fee. If you are explore through employment, your employer may file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), which has a separate filing fee of $715. These additional fees are separate from the green card process fees.

Payment methods and where to send money

USCIS accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you file. If you mail your process, include a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Write your name and A-number (if you have one) on the back of the check or money order so USCIS can match the payment to your case.

If you file online through USCIS's portal, you can pay by credit card or debit card during the submission process. The portal will show you the exact amount due and allow you to enter your card information securely.

Do not send cash. Do not send Western Union, wire transfer, or any other payment method unless USCIS specifically instructs you to. If you are paying by mail, send your process and fees to the USCIS lockbox address listed in your form's instructions — this address changes based on your state and process type. Check the current I-485 instructions on the USCIS website to find the correct address for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I send the wrong fee amount?

USCIS will reject your process and return it to you. They will include a notice explaining the correct amount. You must resubmit your process with the correct fees. This delays your case, so double-check the current fee amounts on the USCIS website before you pay.

Can I pay the green card issuance fee before my case is approved?

No. USCIS will not accept the issuance fee until after they approve your I-485 process. They will send you a separate notice with payment instructions once approval is granted. Paying early will not speed up your case.

Do I have to pay fees if I am a refugee or asylee?

Refugees and asylees do not pay the I-485 filing fee, biometric services fee, or green card issuance fee. However, you must still file Form I-485 and submit it to USCIS. Check the I-485 instructions to confirm you are listed as exempt before you submit your process.

What if I cannot afford to pay the full fee right now?

You can request a fee waiver or reduction by submitting Form I-912 with your process. You must provide documents showing your household income and expenses. USCIS will review your request while processing your case, and you will not have to pay if the waiver is approved.

Are there any other fees I need to pay besides the I-485 fee, biometric fee, and issuance fee?

The three main fees are the I-485 filing fee, biometric services fee, and green card issuance fee. Depending on your category, you or your sponsor may also pay fees for other forms like I-864 (no fee) or I-140 ($715 for employment-based cases). Check your specific process instructions to see all required forms and their fees.