Keith Mack
Applying for a marriage-based green card can be an expensive and complicated process, with costs varying depending on whether the applicant is based in the US or abroad. The US government filing fees for a family-based green card are $1,760 for an applicant living in the US and $1,200 for an applicant living outside the US. These fees include biometrics and medical examination fees. Additional expenses include vaccination fees, translation fees, travel expenses, shipping costs, and passport photo fees. Legal fees are not mandatory but are recommended, and immigration lawyers typically charge between $2,000 and $12,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience.
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What You'll Learn
Filing fees
The cost of a common-law marriage green card varies depending on whether the applicant is living in the United States or abroad, and the complexity of their case.
The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card are $1,760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1,200 for an applicant living outside the United States. These totals include the required U.S. government filing fees and biometrics fees, which are non-refundable.
The Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) costs $260. This form is optional but required if you wish to work while your green card application is being processed.
The Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) costs $630.
The Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary) are also required.
The Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) must be filed together with supporting documents, including proof of lawful entry into the U.S. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you will usually submit your Form I-485 at the same time as your Form I-130. This is called concurrent filing. If your spouse is a green card holder, you will have to wait several months before submitting your Form I-485, which is called non-concurrent filing.
The Form DS-260 must be submitted to the National Visa Center with supporting paperwork and a $445 government filing fee.
The Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is required to establish that the sponsor has enough financial resources.
The Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) costs $595.
The Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) costs $455.
Other fees
In addition to the government filing fees, there are other costs associated with the green card application process. These include document fees, professional photography fees, translation fees, travel expenses, shipping fees, waiver fees, and legal fees.
Document fees include the cost of obtaining official documents such as birth and marriage certificates, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Professional photography services may charge a fee for the required 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs.
Translation fees may apply if documents are not in English or the language of the country where the consular interview takes place.
Travel expenses may include transportation and hotel costs for USCIS or consular interviews, medical exams, or biometrics appointments.
Shipping fees may vary depending on the chosen shipping method, with some methods offering tracking options for added peace of mind.
Waiver fees may apply if the applicant has a criminal background, immigration violations, or medical conditions that require special consideration.
Legal fees for an immigration lawyer can range from $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee for simple cases, while others may charge by the hour. It is important to compare prices and understand what is included in the quoted fee.
Overall, the cost of obtaining a common-law marriage green card can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the applicant. It is essential to create a budget and plan for these expenses to ensure a smooth application process.
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Lawyer fees
On average, legal fees for a marriage green card can range from a few thousand dollars to several thousand dollars. For 2024, entry-level lawyers typically charge a starting rate of around $2,000, while more experienced lawyers can charge up to $8,000. Top-tier law firms and lawyers can charge between $8,000 to $15,000, or even more.
Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for their services, which can range from $1,500 to $2,500 for simple and straightforward cases, while others may charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $100 to $350 per hour. It is important to ask about their fee structure and compare prices to ensure you are getting value for your money.
Additionally, there may be other expenses to consider, such as phone calls, photocopying, and mailing, and travel expenses to and from the embassy. Some attorneys may also charge extra for accompanying you to interviews or handling any unexpected issues that may arise during the case.
To minimise costs, it is recommended to compare fees across different application types, such as the K-1 Fiancé Visa process or the CR-1 Spousal visa process, as certain processes may be more cost-effective than others. It is also worth noting that USCIS offers fee waivers to some low-income immigrants and exemptions based on humanitarian grounds.
While hiring a lawyer can be expensive, it is important to consider the benefits of having legal support throughout the complex green card application process. A good lawyer can provide guidance, document preparation, representation during interviews, and ongoing support, potentially increasing your chances of a successful application.
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Document fees
Passport photos are another document fee to consider. Each spouse will need to submit U.S. passport-style photographs, which typically cost between $9.99 and $19.99 per pair. However, prices can vary, and some sources mention fees ranging from $10 to $20 per pair. It is recommended to use a professional photography service to ensure your photos meet the required standards.
Other document-related fees to consider include shipping costs and travel expenses. When submitting your document packages and supporting documents to USCIS, it is advisable to use a shipping method that tracks your package. Additionally, you may need to travel for purposes such as your green card interview, medical exam, or biometrics, incurring travel costs.
The cost of obtaining the necessary documents for your green card application can vary depending on your location and the specific documents required. It is essential to plan and budget accordingly to ensure a smooth application process.
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Medical exam fees
The medical exam fee is an important part of the green card application process. While the U.S. government does not specify the cost of the medical exam, the price varies depending on the service provider. The cost of the medical exam can range from $250 to $600, with additional costs for blood and urine tests, as well as vaccinations. Some clinics may charge around $400 for the exam and an additional $400 for vaccines, while others may offer more affordable options at around $355 with no extra fees if vaccinations are up to date.
It is worth noting that certain vaccinations are required before obtaining a green card, and applicants are responsible for ensuring their immunizations are current. Applicants can get cheaper or free vaccinations at their local state health department or places like Walgreens or CVS, which charge a minimum of $40 per vaccine.
The medical exam fee is just one of the many costs associated with the green card application process, which can include document fees, translation fees, professional photography fees, travel expenses, shipping fees, waiver fees, and legal fees. While legal fees are not mandatory, many applicants choose to seek legal assistance to navigate the complex immigration process.
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Travel expenses
The cost of travel expenses will depend on the distance travelled and the mode of transportation. It is important to consider these costs when budgeting for a green card application.
Additionally, there may be other expenses related to travel, such as the cost of obtaining official documents and passport photographs, which may be required at the green card interview.
To save on travel expenses, applicants can consider handling the application themselves, as hiring an immigration lawyer can significantly increase overall expenses.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a marriage-based green card ranges from $1,400 to $3,605 for applicants living in the US and $1,200 to $1,355 for applicants living outside the US. These costs include government filing fees, biometrics fees, and the average cost of the required medical examination.
Additional expenses include vaccination fees, translation fees, travel expenses, shipping costs, and passport photo fees. If you hire a lawyer, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $12,000 in legal fees, depending on the complexity of your case.
The forms required for a marriage-based green card include Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-130A (Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). If you wish to work while your application is pending, you will also need to submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), which costs $260.
