If you're the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen who is currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible for a valuable immigration benefit—a fee waiver for your Form I- 485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This benefit can help military families save hundreds of dollars while adjusting their immigration status, offering a
path to lawful permanent residence (green card) without the financial burden. Let's break it down.

What Is Form I-485?
Form I-485 is the application used by noncitizens already in the United States who are eligible to apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence) through a process called adjustment of status. For immediate relatives—spouses, unmarried children under 21, or parents of U.S. citizens—this is a common route to obtain lawful permanent status.

The Usual Cost of Filing I-485
As of June 2025, the standard filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,440. Unlike in the past, this fee now includes biometrics—there is no longer a separate biometric fee. While this is a streamlined fee structure, it can still pose a financial hurdle for many families. Fee Waiver for Immediate Relatives of Military Service Members In recognition of the sacrifices made by service members and their families, USCIS provides a special exemption from the Form I-485 filing fee for certain applicants. Under 8 C.F.R. § 103.7(d) and the USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 10, Part B, Chapter 4), immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
who are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces are not required to pay the Form I-485 filing fee.

Who Qualifies for the Military Fee Waiver?
To be eligible for this fee waiver, the applicant must meet all the following:
1. Be an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21);
2. Be filing Form I-485 based on that relationship;
3. The U.S. citizen petitioner must be currently serving on active duty in one of the
following:

• U.S. Army
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Space Force
• U.S. Coast Guard

This exemption does not require Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) or any income-based eligibility test.

How to Apply for the Fee Waiver
There is no need to fill out a separate fee waiver form. However, the applicant must include:

1. A copy of the service member's current military orders or proof of active duty status (e.g., a current Leave and Earnings Statement or letter from the commanding officer),
2. A cover letter requesting the military fee exemption, citing the applicant's relationship
   to the service member and referencing the applicable regulation.

Who Is Not Covered by the Exemption?

The exemption only applies to immediate relatives of active-duty U.S. citizen service members. It does not apply to:

• Applicants who are not immediate relatives (e.g., siblings, married children, or adult children over 21);
• Situations where the petitioner is a green card holder or not on active duty;
• Individuals filing, I-485 for employment-based or other non-family categories.

How We Can Help
At The Law Office of Emmanuel Asiriuwa, PLLC, we have helped hundreds of families successfully navigate the immigration process—including many military families eligible for this exemption. Whether you're filing for the first time or seeking clarification on eligibility, we will be honored to assist you and your family.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our team guide you through every step of your adjustment of status process—efficiently, compassionately, and with military precision.