Fee for I-131 AFTER filing I-485 with a fee waiver granted?

[Karim9591 0]

My question is actually quite simple, though a few calls to USCIS and lots of research had given me completely different/opposite answers. Here's a little bit of background on my. My family is here on asylum status. In September my mother, my sister, and myself all applied for our I-485 and only the I-485 and the fee waiver. We DID NOT apply for our I-131 or work authorization. Our FEE WAIVER FOR THE I-485 was granted. My sister has since received her green-card, and my mother and I are still waiting for a decision. Biometrics have been done and the USCIS has our case processing.

So to review. Applied for I-485 with a fee waiver. Few waiver was granted, biometrics have been done, and case is pending.

Now, I sent in my I-131 application for a travel document in a few weeks ago. With the application I attached a copy of my drivers license, my 797C (notice of action) for my I-485 biometrics appointment with the stamp on it that states I have already done my biometrics for my I-485. And a cover letter stating my I-485 is pending and attached to it is my notice of action for my biometrics appointment for my I-485. It was rejected because I didn't pay the fee for my I-131. I called USCIS twice and I was told the first time that even though my I-485 is pending I still have to pay a form and biometrics few. Today when I called I was told since my I-485 is pending I didn't have to submit a fee and to re-file using the same documents. My question is since I have a I-485 pending, do I have to pay a fee? Keep in mind I didn't pay the I-485 fee as my fee waiver was granted. I was going to send it my I-131 tomorrow with the same paperwork but this time including my 797C for my fee waiver being granted for my I-485. Is this correct or do I have to pay a fee because my I-485 Through a fee waiver? If so, do I have to do another set of biometrics and do I still have to pay a biometrics fee. I booked a trip to the Bahamas for my 4 year anniversary with my fiancé In June and now I'm cutting it close :/

Please help! If you went through the same process I need your help! With all due respect, if you are not 100% of your answer please don't advise me of any incorrect information as I am on a time crunch! Thanks a lot guys!

[Hypnos 6,578]

The I-131 fee (and I-765 too) is only waived due to a pending I-485 when you have paid the I-485 fee; this is clearly stated in the instructions.

Your choices are: pay the I-131 fee, or ask for a separate fee waiver for that specific application; the fee waiver you had approved for the I-485 will not cover any other applications.

[aussie_jason 195]

Hypnos is correct, as per: http://www.sikhcoalition.org/documents/pdf/qa-for-asylees-and-refugees.pdf (appears to be a USCIS document despite the domain, I can't find that specific document on USCIS's site but it is quite clear).

[hmh33 117]

That document goes further to state that "The fee for Form I-131 may not be waived.", so it's not worth asking for a waiver - you'll just have to pay it.