What is the Application Fee of Green Card?

The governmental filing fees for acquiring a family-based Green Card Filing Fee amount to $3005 for an applicant residing in the United States or $1340 for an applicant residing outside the United States. This figure does not encompass the standard expense of the obligatory medical examination, which varies depending on the provider.

Note: Green Card Filing Fee Will Increase April 1, 2024

On January 31, 2024, USCIS announced that filing fees for various immigration forms would undergo an increase on April 1, 2024. This adjustment will affect nearly every visa category, including green cards. Specifically, the filing fee for a standalone green card application, Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), will rise from $1,225 to $1440.

The subsequent chart outlines both the fees payable directly to the government — typically U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unless specified otherwise — and those to the physician conducting the mandatory medical examination.

Green Card Filing Fee Calculation

Mandatory Government Green Card Filing Fee
Fee Type	Cost (to Applicant Living in the U.S.)	Cost (to Applicant Living Abroad)
Family Sponsorship Form (I-130)	$675	$675
Green Card Application Form (I-485)	$1440	Not required
Financial Support Form (I-864)	$0	$120
Work Permit Application Form (I-765) (optional)	$260	Not required
Travel Permit Application Form (I-131) (optional)	$630	Not required
Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo)	$85	$0
State Department Processing	Not required	$325
USCIS Immigrant Fee	Not required	$235
Medical Examination	*Varies	*Varies
Total	$3005	$1340

The typical expense for a medical examination is approximately $200, although this figure can vary considerably depending on the provider.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize that these government fees are only remitted simultaneously if you are the spouse or immediate relative of a U.S. citizen and reside in the United States. In other situations, these fees will be paid at different intervals, spanning several months, throughout various stages of the green card application process.

Additional Possible Cost

In addition to direct government fees and the medical examination fee, there are other expenses associated with the Green Card Filing Fee to consider:

• Vaccination fees: If your medical examination necessitates it, you may need to update your vaccinations before receiving your completed medical examination report. Similar to medical exam fees, vaccination costs will vary depending on the provider.
• Translation services fees: If any documents in your green card application package are in a language other than English, you must include a translation of each document certified as accurate by the translator. The cost of these services will vary; for instance, a certified translation of a one-page birth certificate may range between $20 and $40.
• Document fees: As part of the green card application process, you will be required to submit digital or physical copies of supporting documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. Additionally, you and your spouse will need to present the original copies during your final green card interview, whether in the United States or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Government agencies typically impose fees for issuing certain official documents.
• Professional photography fees: To confirm your identity and conduct background checks, the U.S. government will request two recent 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs, the cost of which will vary depending on the service provider. While you are permitted to take your own photos, it is generally advisable to utilize professional photography services, with many drug stores offering passport-style photos at a relatively low cost.
• Travel expenses: The U.S. government will not reimburse you for the expenses incurred when traveling to your biometrics appointment, green card interview, or medical examination. Similarly, if you need to travel to various government agencies to obtain official documents, these expenses will not be reimbursed.
• Shipping costs: Throughout various stages of the green card application process, you will incur nominal charges for postage and mailing of your application and supporting documents.

Accepted Payment Options for Green Card Filing Fee

When it comes to paying your Green Card Filing Fee, here are the available methods:

USCIS Immigrant Fee: This fee is paid online through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Accepted payment methods include:

• Credit card
• Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
• Prepaid debit card (only one card can be used, and sufficient funds must be available for both yourself and any accompanying family members)

Other Fees: Most fees for the green card application process are typically paid through the mail or in person. It’s important to note that each fee should be submitted as a separate payment to avoid complications. Accepted payment methods may include:

• Credit card
• Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
• Prepaid debit card (with appropriate funds)
• US bank account using Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment (requires a US checking account number or routing number)

Tips for Reducing Green Card Filing Fee

In addition to the fees outlined in this article, there are supplementary expenses associated with commencing a new life in a different country, including travel costs, shipping fees, and more. The following list presents several methods to economize on the overall green card process:

Online Filing Savings:

USCIS provides a $50 discount for online filing. This translates to a $50 reduction in the standard filing fee if you submit your green card application forms online rather than via mail.

Budgeting:

Plan ahead by itemizing all anticipated expenses linked to your green card application. Develop a budget encompassing these expenditures to mitigate uncertainty throughout the process. Consider incorporating items such as legal assistance fees (if applicable), filing fees, process-related expenses (e.g., medical examinations), translation fees (if necessary), photo charges, and travel costs to and from the embassy (for applications submitted from abroad). Utilize budgeting tools like Google Sheets or automated applications such as Mint to monitor your financial objectives and receive money-saving recommendations.

Application Selection:

The filing fees for green card applications fluctuate depending on the application type and your individual circumstances. To minimize expenses, it’s crucial to compare fees across various application types and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. For instance, obtaining a green card through the K-1 Fiancé Visa process is typically more costly than acquiring one through the CR-1 Spousal visa process.

Utilize Translation Assistance from Acquaintances:

Certified translations are necessary for documents not in English; however, employing professional translation services can be costly. An economical alternative is to enlist the help of a proficient friend or family member who is fluent in both languages. They can furnish a statement affirming their language proficiency, accurate translation, and include their name, address, signature, and date. This approach can significantly reduce translation expenses.

Avoid Extraneous Expenditures:

Exercise prudence in steering clear of unnecessary outlays, such as premium processing fees or expedited shipping charges. While these services may be advantageous in certain circumstances, they can also inflate your overall application costs.

Familiarize Yourself with Fee Waivers:

USCIS extends fee waivers to certain low-income immigrants and exemptions based on humanitarian grounds, including refugees, asylum-seekers, and victims of domestic violence. Reduced-cost applications for immigration benefits are accessible to households earning below 150% of the federal poverty line.