Q: Received notice of extra payment for work permit renewal, need guidance.

A: Receiving a notice about an extra remitted payment for your work permit renewal linked to your Form I-485 application can be confusing. This notice typically indicates that USCIS requires additional funds to process your application, possibly due to a fee increase that occurred after your initial submission or because the original payment was insufficient for some reason. The notice should contain specific details about the amount due and deadline for payment.

Your immediate step should be to carefully review all information in the notice, including the requested amount, reason for additional payment, and payment instructions. Contact USCIS through their official helpline or your online account for clarification if the notice doesn't fully explain why additional payment is needed. Responding promptly is crucial, as failing to submit the required additional payment could delay your work permit renewal or potentially result in a denial.

For long-term protection of your immigration status, consider consulting with an immigration attorney who can review your notice and advise on appropriate actions based on your specific situation. Keep copies of the notice, any correspondence with USCIS, and proof of additional payment for your records. Remember that immigration processes can be complex, and getting professional guidance helps ensure you're taking the right steps to maintain your work authorization while your Form I-485 application continues to be processed.