USCIS Fee Increases to Take Effect April 1, 2024

For the first time since 2016, USCIS is raising its filing fees for most petitions. The new fees will apply to filings postmarked on or after April 1, 2024.

One of the most notable fee increases for our clients is for family-based adjustment of status/green card (I-485) applications. Currently, the I-485 fee includes a package of forms including I-131 (application for permission to travel while waiting for your green card) and I-765 (application for permission to work while waiting for your green card). Starting April 1, 2024, I-131 and I-765 fees will not be bundled into the I-485 fee, but will instead be charged over and above the already increased I-485 fee.

If your green card application is postmarked before April 1, 2024, the filing fee for most cases is $1,225.00, which includes I-485, I-131, and I-765 all together.

On or after April 1, 2024, applying for a green card will be significantly more expensive. According to the new fee schedule table published by USCIS, the cost to apply for a green card along with advance parole and employment authorization is broken down as follows:

I-485: $1,440.00 (increased from $1,225.00)

I-131: $630.00 (formerly included in I-485 bundle)

I-765: $260.00 (formerly included in I-485 bundle)

Total: $2,330.00

In addition, the current fee structure allows for unlimited extensions of your advance parole and employment authorization while your I-485 is pending. Under the new rules, applicants will have to pay for yearly extensions for these benefits, even with a pending I-485.

Fee increases will also take place for most petitions. You can find frequently asked questions, along with a table detailing all current and future fees, here.

If you would like to discuss filing your case before the April 1st fee increases, contact DeGrio Channing Law today using the form below to schedule a 30-minute consultation. We can help assess the best path forward for you and your specific situation.

This blog post is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing this blog post, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.