Do we have to pay for the I-485 form? 3 Answers as of August 23, 2010

I have received your e-mail and I would be pleased to help if I can. I would say that you will probably have to pay the $1,010 fee for the I-485 application for adjustment of status, which is what you are talking about. Your mother can only sponsor you if she is herself either a citizen or permanent legal resident. If your mom is a U.S. citizen she should be able to successfully gain your legal status with such an application, especially since you are an entering senior in high school. If you want, I would be glad to be of help.

You may apply for a fee waiver and wait for processing (up to a year, usually less). The standard is pretty high, you must pretty much have no money; inability to pay must be supported by bills, bank statements, taxes, tuition statements, etc.

If the fee waiver is approved, I-485 application will be processed (in low priority; you cannot seek to expedite processing). If the fee waiver is denied, then the case is sent back and you will be asked to pay the fee for processing.

I’ve provided the exact information that you need regarding the form. The exact title of the form is the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.”

Purpose of Form : To apply to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident of the United States.
Number of Pages : Form 6; Instructions 10
Edition Date : 12/03/09. Previous editions not accepted.
Filing Fee: $1,010 ($930 plus a biometrics fee of $80). Exceptions apply. See "Special Instructions" for more.
Where to File:

Where you file your Form I-485 depends on the eligibility category under which you are filing. Please review the Filing Chart in the Related Link in the upper right corner of this web page for the most current guidance on where to file your application.

Special Instructions :

Please note that, if you file Form I-485 to adjust your status as a permanent resident on or after July 30, 2007, no additional fee is required to also file an application for employment authorization on Form I-765 and/or advance parole on Form I-131. You may file these forms concurrently. If you choose to file the I-765 and/or I-131 separately after July 30, 2007, you must also submit a copy of your I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence of the filing of an I-485. If you filed your Form I-485 prior to July 30, 2007, you must pay the fees associated with Forms I-765 and/or I-131 when you file.