How does an adjustment of status applicant get the Form I-131 fee waived?

Adjustment of status applicants generally do not need to pay the Form I-131 filing fee for an Advance Parole Document or Refugee Travel Document. The Form I-131 fee is waived for adjustment of status applicants who meet certain criteria.

When filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, you do not need to include the USCIS fee if all of the following are true:

• You are filing Form I-131 for a Refugee Travel Document (Part 2, 1b) or Advance Parole Document (Part 2, 1d); AND
• You already filed (or are concurrently filing) a Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) on or after July 30, 2007, with a fee; AND
• The Form I-485 is still pending.

Get Form I-131 Fee Waived When Filing Concurrently

If you are filing Form I-131 together with the Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, you do not need to include a filing fee for Form I-131 as long as your adjustment of status package includes payment for the Form I-485. You will need to include supporting documents for Form I-131 including:

• Copy of government-issued photo identification
• Two identical passport-style color photographs

Refer to the USCIS filing instructions or your CitizenPath filing instructions for more detailed instructions on supporting documents and where to file.

File Form I-131 After Filing Form I-485

If you have already filed Form I-485 and it’s still pending with USCIS, you may file Form I-131 without a fee. But it will require some special handling. We recommend that you include a cover letter so that there’s no confusion over the missing filing fee. You’ll also need to include proof that you have a pending adjustment of status application. In addition to Form I-131, include:

• Copy of government-issued photo identification
• Two identical passport-style color photographs
• Copy of I-797, Notice of Action, receipt of filing I-485

Refer to the USCIS filing instructions or your CitizenPath filing instructions for more detailed instructions on supporting documents and where to file.

Filing a cover letter with Form I-131 that explains your situation can facilitate the process. CitizenPath provides a sample cover letter for adjustment of status applicants that can be customized to fit your needs.

Download I-131 Sample Cover Letter
for Adjustment of Status Applicants
 

Renewing an AP/EAD Combo Card

If you’ve applied for advance parole and employment authorization together, USCIS likely issued you an AP/EAD “combo card.” It’s a version of the EAD card which contains the words “SERVES AS I-512 ADVANCE PAROLE.” An example of the card is pictured below with a red box around the special notation.

If your combo card is within 6 months of expiring and your green card case continues to be pending, you may renew the card. Again, you can expect to get the Form I-765 and Form I-131 fee waived. There is no USCIS fee for the combo card renewal provided your I-485 case is pending. You’ll need to show the same evidence in your renewal package and mail it to the Chicago Service Center. A cover letter is also helpful.

Download Combo Card Renewal Sample Cover Letter
for Adjustment of Status Applicants
 

Remember, CitizenPath can help you prepare USCIS applications quickly and accurately. You’ll also get filing instructions that explain exactly which supporting documents to submit to USCIS for your specific situation.