Green Card Acquisition Costs: Fees for Applicants Inside and Outside the U.S.
The government filing fees for securing a family-based green card total $3,005 for applicants within the United States and $1,340 for those residing outside the country. These amounts do not include the costs associated with the required medical examination, which can differ based on the healthcare provider. Additionally, applicants should consider potential legal expenses if they choose to hire an attorney.
Green Card Fee Increase Scheduled for April 2024
The USCIS announced on January 31, 2024, that filing fees for numerous immigration forms, including green cards, will see an increase starting April 1, 2024. The fee for a standalone green card application via Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) will rise from $1,225 to $1,440. This hike is part of broader adjustments to the fees for various visa categories.
Breakdown of Green Card Costs: Government and Medical Exam Fees
This chart details the fees associated with obtaining a green card, including payments to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and costs for the mandatory medical examination conducted by a physician. For further details about green cards, please see additional resources.
Mandatory Government Fees for Green Cards:
- Family Sponsorship Form (I-130): $675 for both applicants in the U.S. and abroad.
- Green Card Application Form (I-485): $1,440 for applicants in the U.S.; not required for applicants abroad.
- Financial Support Form (I-864): Free for applicants in the U.S.; $120 for applicants abroad.
- Optional Work Permit Application Form (I-765): $260 for applicants in the U.S.; not required for applicants abroad.
- Optional Travel Permit Application Form (I-131): $630 for applicants in the U.S.; not required for applicants abroad.
- Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo): $85 for applicants in the U.S.; no charge for applicants abroad.
- State Department Processing: Not required for applicants in the U.S.; $325 for applicants abroad.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: Not required for applicants in the U.S.; $235 for applicants abroad.
- Medical Examination: Costs vary depending on the healthcare provider.
The total costs amount to $3,005 for applicants residing within the U.S. and $1,340 for those living outside the U.S., not including the variable costs of medical examinations.
The typical cost for a medical exam is approximately $200, although this fee can differ widely depending on the provider. It's important to note that the government fees mentioned are usually paid all at once only if you are the spouse or immediate relative of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States. In other cases, these fees are paid at various intervals, spread out over several months during different phases of the green card application process.
Additional Costs Associated with Green Card Applications
When applying for a green card, consider several costs beyond the standard government fees and medical examination fee.
Vaccination Expenses: You might need to update your vaccinations as part of your medical examination. Costs for these vaccinations vary by provider, much like the medical exam fees.
Costs for Translation Services: If your green card application includes documents in a language other than English, you'll need certified translations. Costs can range from $20 to $40 for a certified translation of a one-page document like a birth certificate.
Fees for Required Documents: The green card application process requires digital or physical copies of supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports. Originals must also be presented at your green card interview. Fees for obtaining these official documents vary by issuing agency.
Fees for Professional Photography: For identity verification and background checks, you must submit two recent 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs. While you can take these photos yourself, professional services, often available at drug stores, provide these passport-style photos for a modest fee.
Costs of Travel: You are responsible for any travel costs incurred attending your biometrics appointment, green card interview, and medical exam, as well as traveling to obtain official documents.
Mailing and Shipping Fees: Throughout the green card application process, you will encounter nominal charges for postage and mailing of your application and supporting documents. These costs cover different stages of the application.
Options for Paying Green Card Fees
When preparing to pay your green card fees, several payment methods are available.
USCIS Immigrant Fee: You can pay this fee online via the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
The following payment options are accepted:
- Credit card
- Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
- Prepaid debit card (ensure the card has enough funds to cover the fee for both yourself and any accompanying family members)
Other Application Fees: Fees associated with the green card application process are generally payable through the mail or in person. To streamline processing, ensure that each fee is paid separately.
Available payment methods include:
- Credit card
- Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
- Prepaid debit card (make sure sufficient funds are available)
- ACH payment from a US bank account (requires a US checking account number and routing number)
For more detailed information on how to handle fee payments, visit the USCIS website.
Strategies to Reduce Green Card Application Costs
In addition to the fees detailed earlier, embarking on a new life in another country brings additional financial burdens such as travel expenses, shipping fees, and more. Below are some strategies to help minimize the overall costs of the green card process.
Opt for Online Filing
Filing your green card application online can lead to significant savings. The USCIS provides a $50 discount for applications submitted electronically versus those sent by mail, reducing the cost of processing fees.
Develop a Comprehensive Budget
Plan ahead by listing all expected expenses tied to your green card application. Create a detailed budget that includes potential costs like legal fees (if you're using an attorney), application and processing fees, medical and translation services, charges for professional photos, and travel expenses to consulates or embassies for overseas applicants. Tools such as Google Sheets or budgeting apps like Mint can be invaluable for monitoring expenses and finding ways to save money.
Seek Fee Waivers or Reductions
Explore options for fee waivers or reductions provided by USCIS for certain forms and circumstances. Qualifying for these can substantially lower the costs associated with your green card application.
By effectively managing these strategies, you can ease the financial strain associated with obtaining a green card.
Cost-Efficient Strategies for Green Card Applications
The filing fees for green card applications can vary greatly depending on the type of application and your specific circumstances. It is crucial to compare the fees for different application types to identify where you can minimize costs. For instance, applying for a green card through the K-1 Fiancé Visa typically costs more than through the CR-1 Spousal Visa.
Leverage Personal Networks for Translation
For documents not in English, USCIS requires certified translations. While professional services are available, they can be costly. An economical alternative is to enlist the help of a competent friend or family member who is fluent in both languages. They can provide a written statement verifying their proficiency and the accuracy of the translation, along with their name, address, signature, and the date, which can significantly cut down on translation costs.
Avoid Extraneous Expenses
Carefully consider whether services like premium processing or expedited shipping are necessary for your situation. While these options can speed up the process, they also tend to significantly increase the overall cost of your application. Opting out of these services when they are not essential can help maintain a more reasonable budget.
Research Fee Waivers and Exemptions
Explore whether you qualify for any fee waivers or exemptions offered by USCIS. These can apply to certain forms or parts of the process, providing significant financial relief. Being aware of these opportunities and applying them appropriately can further reduce the financial burden of your green card application.
Understanding Fee Waivers and Discounts for Green Card Applications
The USCIS provides fee waivers and exemptions for certain immigrants who face financial hardships or have humanitarian needs. These concessions are available to low-income individuals, refugees, asylum-seekers, and victims of domestic violence. Specifically, immigrants whose household income is below 150% of the federal poverty line may qualify for discounted rates on their applications for immigration benefits.