Fees & Costs
Green Card Cost: What Goes Into the Total and How to Verify It
"How much does a green card cost?" doesn't have one tidy answer, because getting a green card usually involves more than one form and more than one fee. The total depends on your path—adjusting status from inside the U.S. versus consular processing from abroad—and on which companion benefits you request along the way.
Rather than give you a single number that would be both incomplete and quickly outdated, this guide explains the components that make up the cost so you can build a realistic budget and confirm each piece on the official source.
Let's break down where the money goes on the road to permanent residence.
Key takeaways
- ✓A green card usually involves multiple forms (e.g., I-130 and I-485), each with its own fee.
- ✓Adjustment of status and consular processing have different fee structures.
- ✓Non-government costs—medical exam, translations, civil documents, photos—add to the total.
- ✓Fee waivers (Form I-912) may apply to some filings based on income or hardship.
- ✓Verify every current fee on USCIS.gov (and travel.state.gov for consular steps) before filing.
The forms that carry fees
A family-based green card through adjustment of status commonly involves a petition (such as Form I-130) and the adjustment application (Form I-485), each with its own government fee. Applicants often also file Form I-765 for a work permit and Form I-131 for travel authorization while the case is pending; whether those carry separate fees depends on current USCIS rules.
If you immigrate through consular processing abroad rather than adjusting inside the U.S., the fee structure differs and includes Department of State charges instead of some USCIS fees. The path you take shapes the total.
Because each of these fees is revised periodically, the only dependable approach is to verify the current amount for each form on the official USCIS (or, for consular cases, Department of State) page before you file.
Costs beyond the government fees
Several real costs sit outside the form fees. Most green card paths require an immigration medical examination by an authorized physician (documented on Form I-693 for adjustment cases), and the doctor sets that exam price independently of USCIS.
You may also spend on certified translations of foreign-language documents, obtaining civil documents like birth and marriage certificates, and passport-style photos. These vary by provider and situation.
Building these into your budget early prevents surprises. They're not USCIS fees, so they won't appear on the official fee schedule.
Fee relief and verifying the numbers
Depending on the category and your circumstances, fee waivers (Form I-912) may be available for some filings. Eligibility depends on income, certain benefits, or hardship, and USCIS decides each request.
To build an accurate budget, list the specific forms your path requires, then verify each current fee on USCIS.gov (and travel.state.gov for consular steps). Add the non-government costs—medical exam, translations, documents—to get a realistic total. Always verify current figures rather than relying on a number you saw quoted somewhere.
Asal can help you map out which forms your situation requires, confirm current fees at the time of filing, and assemble a complete packet so you don't pay twice because of an avoidable rejection.
Verify the official details
Government fees, processing times, form editions, and rules change regularly. Before you rely on any figure, confirm the current information on the official government page.
See official green card fee information on USCIS.govFrequently asked questions
How much does a green card cost in total?+
There's no single figure because the path involves multiple forms and fees, plus non-government costs, and fees change periodically. List the forms your path requires and verify each current fee on the official sources.
Which forms have fees in a family-based green card?+
Commonly the petition (such as I-130) and the adjustment application (I-485), each with its own fee. Companion forms like I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (travel) may carry fees depending on current rules.
Does the medical exam cost extra?+
Yes. The immigration medical exam is performed by an authorized physician who sets the price independently of USCIS. It's a separate cost from the form fees.
Is adjustment of status cheaper than consular processing?+
They have different fee structures—consular processing includes Department of State charges instead of some USCIS fees. Which is less expensive depends on your specific situation and the current schedules.
Can any green card fees be waived?+
Some filings may qualify for a fee waiver (Form I-912) based on income, certain benefits, or hardship. USCIS decides each request, and availability depends on the category.
What costs won't show on the USCIS fee page?+
Non-government costs like the medical exam, certified translations, obtaining civil documents, and photos. Budget for these separately since they aren't USCIS fees.
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Asal Immigration Services is a document preparation service operated by Asal Multi-Services LLC. We are not attorneys and are not authorized to practice law. We do not provide legal advice, explanations, opinions, or recommendations about legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. We assist with the preparation of immigration forms based on information you provide. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration attorney.