Do Asylees Have to Pay for Form I-485?

Yes, asylees generally must pay the required fees when filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Unlike refugees—who are exempt from these fees—asylees are not automatically exempt and are expected to pay both the filing fee and the biometric services fee.

Fee Waiver Option

However, asylees may be eligible to request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with their I-485 application. A fee waiver may be granted based on:

• Low household income (typically below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines),
• Receipt of means-tested benefits (like Medicaid or SNAP),
• Financial hardship.

Each request is reviewed individually by USCIS, and approval is not guaranteed.

Summary

• Yes, asylees have to pay for I-485.
• Filing and biometric fees apply.
• A fee waiver is available if financial criteria are met.

For accurate fee amounts and the latest eligibility details, it’s always best to check the official USCIS I-485 page.