Obtaining a U.S. green card (permanent resident status via Form I-551) is a major step toward lawful permanent residency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced new fees and changes to the green card application process.
This comprehensive guide outlines updated fees, required forms, payment methods, and cost-saving tips for both family-based and employment-based applicants.
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Family-Based Green Card Application Costs:
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- Online: $625 (previously $535)
- Paper: $675
Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)
- Fee: $1,440 (previously $1,225)
- Child under 14 filing with parent: $950
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Fee: $120 (required for most family-based applications)
Optional Forms (while in U.S.):
- Form I-765 (Work Permit): $260 with I-485 / $520 standalone
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): $630
Biometrics Fee: Included in Form I-485 fee
Employment-Based GC Application Costs:
Form I-140 (Employer Petition)
- Fee: $715
Form I-485 (if filing from within U.S.): $1,440
Optional Fast Processing:
- Form I-907 (Premium Processing): $1,685–$2,805 (varies by case type)
Form I-765 / I-131: Same fees as above
Green Card via Consular Processing:
- Form I-130 (filed by sponsor): $675
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): $325
- Affidavit of Support Processing: $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee (post-approval): $235
Note: These fees must be paid using a U.S.-based bank account via the CEAC portal.
Other Forms and Fees:
| Form | Purpose | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| I-751 | Remove conditions (marriage) | $750 |
| I-90 | Replace Green Card | $415 (online) / $465 (paper) |
| I-131 (Advance Parole) | Travel permit while awaiting GC | $630 |
Additional Costs:
- Medical Exam: $150–$600 (varies by provider)
- Vaccinations (if required): Varies
- Certified Translations: $20–$50 per page
- Document Retrieval (e.g., birth/marriage certs): Government fees may apply
- Passport-Style Photos: $10–$30
- Travel Expenses (for biometrics/interviews): Not reimbursed
- Shipping/Postage: Nominal
How to Pay Your Fees?
USCIS Payments:
- Online (credit/debit card, ACH)
- Mailed check/money order (separate payments per form recommended)
Consular Fees:
- Paid via the CEAC portal using a U.S. bank account
Important: Foreign bank accounts and credit cards are not accepted for CEAC payments.
Fee Waivers and Discounts:
- Online Filing Discount: $50 off for eligible online submissions
- USCIS Fee Waivers: Available for low-income applicants and humanitarian categories (e.g., refugees, VAWA, asylum seekers)
Cost for Applicants:
| Fee Type | U.S. Applicant | Abroad Applicant |
| I-130 | $675 | $675 |
| I-485 | $1,440 | Not applicable |
| DS-260 | Not required | $325 |
| I-864 | $120 | $120 |
| Biometrics | Included | Included |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 | $235 |
| Work Permit (Optional) | $260 | Not applicable |
| Travel Permit (Optional) | $630 | Not applicable |
| Medical Exam | Varies | Varies |
| Estimated Total | ~$3,005+ | ~$1,340+ |
How to Save on Green Card Costs?
- File Online: Save $50 per eligible form
- Use Fee Waivers (if eligible)
- Compare Application Routes: Some categories are more cost-effective
- Avoid Premium Processing Unless Necessary
- Bundle Forms: File Forms I-485, I-765, and I-131 together to reduce total costs
- Track Expenses: Use budgeting apps to manage application-related costs
Conclusion:
Applying for a green card is more structured but also more expensive due to revised USCIS rules. Understanding which fees apply to your case is critical to budgeting properly and avoiding delays. Consider all optional and required costs and explore support tools like fee waivers or platforms that assist with your application.
For more guidance, visit uscis.gov/green-card or consult an immigration attorney
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Are green card application fees refundable?
No, USCIS does not refund filing fees, even if your application is denied or withdrawn.
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Did USCIS fees increase?
USCIS fee update, most form fees have increased. For example, Form I-485 now costs $1,440, and Form I-130 (paper filing) is $675. Fee waivers and online discounts may still be available for eligible applicants.
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How much does it cost to apply for a green card?
The total cost can range from $2,000 to $3,500 or more, depending on whether you apply through family-based or employment-based sponsorship, and whether you are applying from inside or outside the U.S. This includes USCIS fees, medical exam costs, translation services, and optional forms like work/travel permits.
