If you want to come to live in the United States and intend to be a lawful permanent resident, you will need to pay fees for your visa and other parts of the immigration process.
Green cards have different costs depending on the kind of applicant. For example, the applicant who lives in the United States and who wants to get a green card through the Family Sponsorship Form (I-130) will need to pay at least $535. A basic Green Card Application Form, which is form I-485) costs $1,140. There is also an additional fee for biometric information which is $85. Together, that makes the cost for a family-based green card $1,760 if the applicant lives within the U.S.
For someone who lives outside the country, the costs are less. If you live outside the country, you will need to pay:
- $535 for the Family Sponsorship Form I-130
- $120 for the Financial Support Form I-864
- $325 for State Department Processing
- $220 for the USCIS Immigrant Fee
In total, this will be $1,200.
Are there additional costs for medical examinations?
Those who need to complete a medical examination can expect to pay another $200 in fees. However, this is an average. Some people will pay more or less depending on the provider they see for the examination.
How do immigrants pay for the immigration fees?
Unless you currently live in the United States, you will pay these fees over time during the different parts of your green card application. If you live in the United States, you will pay the fees at the same time when you are a spouse or immediate relative of a citizen.
Are there any other potential costs associated with getting a green card?
There could be. You may need to cover costs associated with translation services, legal services, vaccinations, photography and shipping. You may also have travel fees that you need to cover to get to your biometrics appointment, interview, medical exam or to the United States.
This can be a costly process, so it’s important to get it right the first time. This is why many people do take time to get legal support and to learn more about the green card application before turning it in.