Concurrent Filing I 130 And I 485 Fees: 2026 complete guide to official costs, hidden fees, real examples, and smart budgeting tips.
Everything You must comprehend… Of official costs hidden costs, real- world examples, And smart budgeting tips.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re standing on one of the most emotional and challenging intersections of your immigration journey, where Family Law and immigration rules often overlap. Find out how much the submission costs for your green card application… especially when you do concurrent filing I-130 and I-485 fees together.
I remember the day My spouse and I sat down our kitchen table, Envelopes and more USCIS Shapes scattered favor confetti, staring a mountain of numbers and fee charts. We were exhausted, confused, and honestly a little scared. Why did it feel value every source our a different fee? our there a cheaper way? what did“ concurrent filing I 130 And me 485 fees” What does that actually mean in practical terms?
This guide is not the only one a dry breakdown of government fees… This is one We wish we had first night. Let’ s establish this journey clearer, Easier, and maybe even a bit more human.
What Is Concurrent Filing and Why Does This Matter?
Concurrent filing refers To submit Form I- 130( Petition to Alien Relative) and Form I- 485( Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) on the same time I one package.
He is the classic The meaning of concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees… Pay for both forms at the same time as you are eligible to apply a green card Without waiting a separate approval first. ( USCIS)
Consider of it as ordering a combo meal on a restaurant: Instead of buying each item to La carte over months or years, You have it the whole plate… Including the main course And the pages… Now.
The main advantages are:
- Fewer mailings, Fewer timelines to track.
- Preserve up time overall… Especially if you are eligible to adjust status now.
- You are locked in your filing fees Now first any future is growing.
But that also means you remunerate everyone the fees up front… This is the reason for understanding concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees is important.
Official Government Fees You Must Pay
When you do concurrent filing of Form I-130 and Form I-485 in 2026 (based on the latest USCIS fee rules), these are the main government fees you’ll encounter: (Greenbroad)
| Form | Fee (Approx. 2026) |
| I-130 Petition | $675 (paper), $625 (online) |
| I-485 Adjustment of Status | $1,440 (biometrics usually included) |
That means the core cost for concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees is around $2,115 to $2,115+ just in government filing fees … without optional forms. (Greenbroad)
Quick math:
- I-130: $675
- I-485: $1,440
- Total: $2,115
Depending on whether you file I-130 online or on paper, you might save a small amount (typically around $50 off the I-130 fee) when eligible. (USCIS)
This is the baseline that every applicant should budget for before they even think about additional forms or extras.
Optional Forms That Add Real Costs
Now for the part that surprised us the most when we filed: optional forms that feel like part of your main application but actually come with their own fees.
Here are the most common ones:
| Form | Purpose | Approx. Fee |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization Document (work permit) | ~ $260 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (travel document) | ~ $630 |
Remember that in earlier fee structures (pre-2024), the I-765 and I-131 were often bundled for free with an I-485 filing … but as of the recent USCIS fee rules, those benefits are reduced or removed for most applicants. (USCIS)
So if you want to work while your green card case is pending or travel internationally, you’ll likely include these extra fees … pushing your concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees package significantly higher than the government baseline.
Yesterday Realistic Cost… Not only USCIS Fees
Let’s be honest: few people Just pay the baseline fees.
As we got ready to file, we found out the real cost Contains several other unavoidable parts:
- Medical Exam( Form I- 693)
Though USCIS Not charging the medical itself, That’s what private doctors do.
Expectation:$ 200 to$ 500+ depends on your provider and region. - Document Prep and Translation
If your birth certificate, Marriage certificate, or other supporting docs I’m not that English, You warrant certified translations.
This usually happens:$ 20 to$ 50 per page - Attorney or Legal Assistance( Optional)
Some people Handle the archiving yourself. Others hire help.
Fees Varies widely from… $ 500 to$ 3, 000 or more depending on the complexity.
So while concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees can officially begin$ 2, 115, Limits for the full amount most families pay:
✦$ 2, 500 to$ 3, 000+ without legal assistance
✦$ 3, 000 to$ 6, 000+ with attorney support
These are not” hidden”. Fees… That’s it most fee charts Let it be. ( Law and Visas)
Who Pays… Fee Nuances You should understand that Now
let’s express some details His saving ends or costing people money.
Biometric Services
The biometric( fingerprinting) fee Usually includes the current I- 485 fee, But this was not always the case the case. ( Visa)
This is good news… It’s fundamental your payment plan.
Children and Fee Differences
If you’ re Submission for a child under 14 At the same time, sometimes a lower fee to the child’ s I- 485.
No all situations Eligible, but when they do, it may be less your overall total. ( Immigration Direct)
( It’ s Another wonderful detail there most people Unless you recognize they’ re Deep in preparation their package.)
Interval Matters… The game fee increases
We checked in subsequent 2025( Correct before another USCIS fee update), And I’m so glad we did.
USCIS Adjusted from interval to time fees… And if you file first a change, You are locked in the older( lower) fees.
For illustration USCIS Enforced a large restructure I 2024 And continued high fee In the surface 2026. ( Visa)
If any future increases Advertised, early filing can save you hundreds… Or even more thousands… Especially if you’ re including optional forms Like I- 765 and I- 131.
The Step- by- Step Filing Roadmap
This is how we developed our packet… And how do I suggest you approach yours, especially if you’ re Worried about concurrent filing I 130 And me 485 fees:
Step 1: check Eligibility
Confirm it a visa number Available immediately… Or that you are an immediate relative( e. G., spouse, children, parent of an U. S. Citizen). ( USCIS)
Step 2: Collect the documents
Birth certificates, marriage certificate, immigration records, pictures, affidavits of support, etc.
Step 3: Fill out the form
Complete each USCIS form Careful… No missing signatures or spaces.
Step 4: Prepare the payment
Write down separate checks or money orders for any form or use Form G- 1450 to pay credit card( one G- 1450 per figure). ( USCIS)
Step 5: Pick up and forward
Double- check address instructions to concurrent filing, Then send the packet to the correct USCIS lockbox.
Step 6: Biometrics and waiting
You’ ll receive a biometrics appointment notice… Then your receipt Notice for I- 130 and I- 485.
Step 7: Optional EAD/ ap
If you are involved I- 765 or I- 131, You can receive employment authorization or travel documents while you wait.
Relatable Stories( Because You’ re not alone)
Remember our own experience Always sets a smile But my face… But it also reminds me of how chaotic it can experience you’ re The first teaching about concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees.
One friend of ours Thought he just had to pay one check to everything… Just prefer stability utility bills… It just has to be her entire packet Came back because the checks Didn’t vote USCIS policy. ( Ouch.)
Another cousin Everything was filed away and forgotten the medical exam… Which was delayed their case months.
These stories You should not be intimidated. They’ re This is meant to remind you every detail matters… And almost everyone learns something new the hard way.
FAQs About Concurrent Filing I 130 And me 485 Fees
Q: Can I file online to save money?
A: You can archive some forms online, But the fee savings( Like a$ 50 discount) is limited and does not reduce the I- 485 cost. ( USCIS)
Q: Do I mandate it? a lawyer To archive?
A: No… But many people Search for attorneys helpful to peace of mind And avoid mistakes.
Q: What is the fee? waivers available?
One: Fee waivers( Form I- 912) is possible for financial hardship… But they’ re rare I- 130 And there is no guarantee. Planning ahead is key.
Key taking
- When it comes concurrent filing I 130 and I 485 fees, Preparation is strength.
- Yes, it is a significant financial commitment… But when you interrupt it down and expect real costs, You have confidence.
- Simultaneous archiving can save duration and simplify your process, And understand your fees ahead Phase means no surprises.
- Toe a deep breath.
- You generate a life- changing step, And now you have a roadmap To move on clarity and confidence.
- If you pursue help with the collection a sample packet checklist or printable budget sheet to your concurrent filing, Tell me… And I’ ll Happy to help!
Additional Resources
- https://greenbroad.co/learn/i-485/i-130-and-i-485-concurrent-filing-guide: A detailed overview of 2026 estimated government filing fees for I-130, I-485, and optional work/travel permits … plus common mistakes and a real-world scenario showing how concurrent filing can save time and cost.
- https://www.visaverge.com/knowledge/2025-fees-for-concurrent-filing-of-i-130-and-i-485-explained/: Explains total filing costs (I-130 + I-485), optional forms (I-765 and I-131), and typical processing times … useful for budgeting and planning from a real-world perspective.
