Master the Adjustment of Status Fee: What You Need to Know

Introduction

The cost of residency for many applicants is prohibitively expensive and changes are expected to be announced for the 2026 applications. It is therefore very important that applicants are aware of the current fees and expected changes, to avoid being put off applying for a Green Card by cost. This post will outline the current fees and expected changes, and offer some advice to help you deal with the costs of permanent residency.

Understand the Adjustment of Status Process

We outline the necessary steps for Adjustment of Status (AOS) for permanent residency in the U.S. and answer any questions regarding the application process for AOS.

1. Eligibility: Explaining Adjustment of Status eligibility for Green Card in the U.S. and immediately obtaining Green Card as an immigrant husband or wife of a U.S. citizen, as well as immediately obtaining Green Card through employment in the U.S. We will also explain situations where applying for Green Card through Adjustment of Status in the U.S. is not preferable over consular processing for Green Card in your home country and what factors the government will use to determine whether you have shown “compelling reasons” for approval of your application for Adjustment of Status for Green Card in the U.S. rather than in your home country.
2. Filing Form I-485 for Green Card through AOS: El sujeto aplicación para la obtención de la permanencia permanente consiste en la presentación de la solicitud de verde card Form I-485 para ser ciudadano permanente del Estado Único por estar elegible para obtener la permanencia permanente teniendo residencia legal legal en el Estado Único; estar sujeto para ser denaturalizado; e inteligentemente tener interés en emigrar a estadounidense como residente permanente.
3. Biometrics Appointment: After the application has been filed, you will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. This is a short visit to a USCIS Service Center where your fingers will be printed on each hand and a photo will be taken for use in checking whether you present any safety or security concerns in the application process.
4. Interview: Usually AOS applicants are required to appear for an interview at a USCIS office. The applicant(s) must present adequate information to support their application for green card through AOS. AOS applicants should make sure they are prepared to present all required information to facilitate a smooth application process.
5. Decision: After the interview the USCIS will make a decision on your case. It can be approval or denial of your AOS application. Since the new policy of USCIS was introduced, every case will go through strict scrutiny. Therefore, it is recommended to seek help of an experienced immigration lawyer.

Understanding the process of obtaining a green card through AOS will enable you to start your journey to permanent residency.

Identify the Adjustment of Status Fees

We appreciate your interest in securing the cost of the Adjustment of Status process to process applications in 2026. The costs for processing the Adjustment of Status application as well as the required supporting applications (I-765 & I-131) for processing in 2026 are outlined below.

1. I-485 Fee: The fee for application for lawful permanent residence will be $1,440 for individuals over 14 years of age. Children under 14 years of age will be charged $950.
2. Biometric Services Fee: The fee for biometric services is $85 for applications mailed and is included in the application fee for applications submitted online. If you are submitting online, confirm that the fee is included in the total application fee.
3. Additional Documents: Form I-765 (work authorization) is $520.00. Form I-131 (advance parole) is $630.00.
4. Payment Methods: Our fees for our immigration solicitor can be paid by credit card, debit card or money order. Payment details can be found on the USCIS website which must be adhered to for online payments. The total fee for processing the I-485, I-765 and I-131 submissions is $2,330 for Adjustment of Status applications in addition to the application fee for the adjustment of status. Three separate checks are required for these submissions.

But we offer a payment plan based on your means whilst dealing with costs in uncertain times and also we have a contingency fee for personal injury claims, which will mean you can concentrate on your recovery in the future and we will inform you of the exact amount you will need to pay and there will be no hidden extra costs. The new signature rules for various immigration applications come into force on July 10, 2026 so please check the up-to-date information in relation to the new signature requirements for various applications when submitting your immigration applications.

Consider Additional Costs Beyond Filing Fees

Applicants planning the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process to obtain a Green Card will have several questions regarding the mandatory costs for the required medical exam, and the other costs for services to complete the AOS application. For applicants to AOS residing in North Carolina and Florida, it would be wise to contact the physician’s office first and obtain information on the costs for their required medical exam for AOS green card applicants. As a rough estimate, the costs for a medical examination for green card applicants range from $200 to $500 for services rendered by a doctor’s office.

The cost for an AOS attorney can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience. Typically for a full AOS application, AOS attorneys charge between $1,500.00 and $4,000.00 for their services. The attorneys at Dominguez Law offer payment plans to help make retaining an experienced AOS attorney affordable. The cost of the Adjustment of Status fee for Form I-485 is currently $1,140. However, effective April 1, 2015, this fee will increase to $1,440.

Note also that you must factor in costs for copies, for example for translations, as well as notarization for various documents. We are also including travel costs to and from the locations of your scheduled biometrics appointment and AOS interview for which you will need to budget in advance.

Remember that on April 1, 2024, USCIS will be raising the cost to process several of the immigration applications, including the cost for the Adjustment of Status fee for Form I-485, which will cost $1,440. This cost will need to be factored into the overall cost of processing the AOS application for green card applicants.

Explore Strategies to Reduce Adjustment of Status Fees

I have been dealing with clients recently that have inquired as to how much the adjustment of status fee is for an Adjustment of Status application. As many of my clients are going through a difficult time in their life, I have put together this list of ways in which an individual can lower the cost of their Adjustment of Status application.

1. Apply for a Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford to pay the required fees of the Department of Homeland Security because your gross income (for self and for each member of your household) is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines for your family size, then you may apply for a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 with your application.
2. Filing Online: If required to file several forms, you can save money & time by filing online versions as opposed to paper copies. For example, instead of paying $50 for a paper copy of Form I-485, the form would cost $0 to download and file online.
3. Look for Financial Support: Sometimes non-profit immigration organizations and even community groups or some lenders can help individuals cover the cost of immigration procedures and fees by offering low interest loans to cover costs. We have listed out some resources in your local community in order to assist.
4. Plan Ahead: The biggest cause of costly delays and additional immigration fees is clients not thoroughly preparing and organizing their own paperwork before submitting their application.
5. Use a Payment Plan: We understand that financial constraints can create huge problems for many of our clients. We are able to create a payment plan to pay for our services in full, or work out a payment plan with you to pay as we go. In personal injury cases, we work on a contingency fee basis so that you will only be charged legal fees if we win your case.

The implementation of the above methods to decrease Adjustment of Status fees will greatly help the individual who is trying to receive quality services from Vasquez Law Firm for their immigration case.

Conclusion

In this article, we’re explaining all of the various fees to go through the process of Adjustment of Status to permanent residency in the U.S. We will outline the fees to process each section of your application to obtain green card status.

We outline all the costs for Form I-485 and the other required documents for you. We also outline the circumstances under which a waiver of fees and/or payment of reduced fees and payment plans can be granted for you. Knowing these immigration costs and fees will help you to better plan and budget for the legal services required to obtain the immigration benefits that you desire as well as legal representation that you may need.

At Vasquez Law Firm, we help families obtain Permanent Residency in the U.S. We can guide you through the process and answer any questions that you may have. Vasquez Law Firm has a bilingual staff and offers flexible payment options. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process?

The Adjustment of Status (AOS) process allows individuals to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) while remaining in the U.S. It involves several steps, including filing the necessary forms, attending appointments, and possibly an interview.

Who is eligible for Adjustment of Status?

Eligibility for AOS includes immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens and individuals who have employment-based sponsorship in the U.S. However, there are situations where consular processing in the applicant's home country may be preferable.

What factors determine whether to apply for AOS or consular processing?

The government will assess whether the applicant has shown “compelling reasons” for choosing AOS over consular processing, which can include personal circumstances and the specifics of the case.

What is Form I-485 and its significance in the AOS process?

Form I-485 is the application for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status. It is essential for individuals seeking to become permanent residents while in the U.S.

What happens after filing Form I-485?

After filing Form I-485, applicants will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment, where their fingerprints and photo will be taken for security checks.

Is an interview required for AOS applicants?

Yes, most AOS applicants are required to attend an interview at a USCIS office, where they must present adequate information to support their application.

How does USCIS make a decision on the AOS application?

After the interview, USCIS will make a decision on the AOS application, which can either be an approval or denial. The process is subject to strict scrutiny under current policies.

Why is it recommended to seek help from an immigration lawyer during the AOS process?

Given the complexities and strict scrutiny of the AOS process, it is advisable to consult an experienced immigration lawyer to navigate the application effectively.

List of Sources

1. Understand the Adjustment of Status Process
   • Immigration and Citizenship Data (https://uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/immigration-and-citizenship-data)
   • May 2026 Adjustment of Status Updates Explained (https://ahlgrenlaw.com/2026/06/may-2026-adjustment-of-status-policy-updates-what-you-need-to-know)
   • USCIS Policy Update: What the New Adjustment of Status Guidance Means for Employers and Individuals (https://hinshawlaw.com/en/insights/insights-for-employers-alert/uscis-policy-update-what-the-new-adjustment-of-status-guidance-means-for-employers-and-individuals)
   • USCIS Redefines Adjustment of Status as Discretionary Relief (https://clarkhill.com/news-events/news/uscis-adjustment-status-discretionary-policy-2026)
   • USCIS Issues New Policy Guidance on Adjustment of Status Applications (https://oiss.yale.edu/news/uscis-issues-new-policy-guidance-on-adjustment-of-status-applications)
2. Identify the Adjustment of Status Fees
   • Certain USCIS Immigration-Related Fees Increased as of May 29, 2026 - Tahirih Justice Center (https://tahirih.org/news/uscis-increases-certain-immigration-related-fees-starting-january-1-2026)
   • Fee Increases for Form I-485, Form I-765, and Form I-131 | Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) (https://cliniclegal.org/resources/religious-immigration-law/fee-increases-form-i-485-form-i-765-and-form-i-131)
   • USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026 | International Scholars Office (https://ischo.mit.edu/news/uscis-announces-premium-processing-fee-increase-effective-march-1-2026)
3. Consider Additional Costs Beyond Filing Fees
   • USCIS Finalizes Increase in Fees for Immigration-Related Applications - American Immigration Council (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-increases-fees-immigration-applications)
   • Dentist in New York, NY | John Abroon (https://johnabroonmd.com/immigration-medical-exam-cost-in-nyc-2026-pricing-value-guide)
   • USCIS Issues Final Rule Increasing the Filing Fees for Most Applications and Petitions | Tafapolsky & Smith LLP (https://tandslaw.com/uscis-issues-final-rule-increasing-the-filing-fees-for-most-applications-and-petitions)
   • Adjustment of status cost in 2026 (https://tukki.ai/blog/adjustment-of-status-cost)
   • Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (https://uscis.gov/i-693)
4. Explore Strategies to Reduce Adjustment of Status Fees
   • Certain USCIS Immigration-Related Fees Increased as of May 29, 2026 - Tahirih Justice Center (https://tahirih.org/news/uscis-increases-certain-immigration-related-fees-starting-january-1-2026)
   • USCIS Announces Filing Fee Increases Effective January 1, 2026 (https://immigrationissues.com/uscis-announces-fee-increases-starting-january-1-2026)
   • USCIS Issues Final Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration and Naturalization Fees | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-issues-final-rule-to-adjust-certain-immigration-and-naturalization-fees)
   • USCIS Changes Policy on Fee Waivers, Potentially Deterring Thousands of Citizenship Applications (https://americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-changes-fee-waivers-policy)