Family-Based Green Card Costs: What You Need to Know
Key Points You Should Know
- The total cost of a green card application depends on your specific case and generally ranges between $1,340 and $3,090 or more.
- Your relationship to the U.S. citizen petitioner determines both your waiting time and the associated filing fees.
- Working with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help maximize your approval chances and minimize costly mistakes.
- This guide covers family-based green card fees, sponsorship costs, and all expenses involved in filing for lawful permanent residency.
Filing Forms and Required Fees
Every family-based green card application begins with mandatory USCIS forms—typically the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and, if applying from within the U.S., the I-485 Adjustment of Status. Each form comes with filing fees. On top of this, applicants must budget for costs like the immigration medical exam, supporting documentation, and optional work/travel permits.
If you are sponsoring a spouse, fiancé, parent, or child, the following fees and expenses make up the total cost of a family-based green card case. At Green Card Link, immigration attorneys guide families through each stage of the process to help avoid costly errors and delays.
Breakdown of Green Card Application Fees
The typical cost for family-based green card applications falls between $1,340 (outside the U.S.) and $3,090 (inside the U.S.), assuming there are no rejections or procedural complications.
Form / Fee Type | Applying from Outside the U.S. | Applying from Inside the U.S. |
I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | $675 (paper) / $625 (online) | $675 (paper) / $625 (online) |
I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | N/A | $1,440 |
I-864 (Affidavit of Support) | $120 | $0 |
State Department Processing Fee | $325 | N/A |
USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 | N/A |
I-131 (Travel Permit – Optional) | N/A | $630 |
I-765 (Work Permit – Optional) | N/A | $260 |
Medical Exam & Vaccines | Varies | Varies |
Breakdown of Green Card Application Fees
The typical cost for family-based green card applications falls between $1,340 (outside the U.S.) and $3,090 (inside the U.S.), assuming there are no rejections or procedural complications.
- Medical exams – Average $300 but may range from $100 to $500 depending on location.
- Document fees – Charges from government agencies to obtain birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official records.
- Translation fees – Required if supporting documents are not in English. Certified translations must be provided.
- Passport photos – Needed for identity verification; cost depends on where they are taken.
- Travel expenses – Transportation to medical exams, consular interviews, or biometrics appointments.
- Mailing costs – Some cases require shipping original forms and supporting evidence.
Sponsorship Costs for Family Members
The total cost of sponsoring a family member ranges from $0 to $3,090, depending on whether the sponsor covers all expenses. Sponsors are not legally obligated to pay every fee, but many choose to in order to support their relative’s immigration journey.
Two main categories of sponsorship exist:
- Immediate Relatives – Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. These petitions are processed without waiting for priority dates.
- Family Preference Relatives – Includes unmarried adult children, married children, spouses/children of lawful permanent residents, and siblings of U.S. citizens. These cases follow the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin priority date system.
If an application is rejected or denied due to missing documents or errors, costs can increase significantly. Immigration attorneys at Green Card Link work to ensure applications are complete and accurate, reducing the risk of costly delays.
Types of Family-Based Green Cards
Immediate Relative Green Cards (IR)
These are exclusively available to the closest family members of U.S. citizens, with no waiting period once petitions are approved. Categories include:
- IR-1: Spouses of U.S. citizens
- IR-2: Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens
- IR-3: Orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens
- IR-4: Orphans entering the U.S. for adoption
- IR-5: Parents of U.S. citizens over 21
Family Preference Green Cards (F)
These cover extended family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, but priority date backlogs apply:
- F-1: Unmarried children (21+) of U.S. citizens
- F-2A & F-2B: Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents
- F-3: Married children of U.S. citizens (and their families)
- F-4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens
Costs of Green Card Forms: Fees, Payment Options, and Waivers
Green Card Application Form Fees (2025 Update)
As of 2025, individuals applying for a family-based green card must be prepared to pay filing fees associated with specific immigration forms. Below are the current USCIS fees for the most commonly used applications:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 for paper filing or $625 if filed online. This petition must be submitted by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,440. This form is typically filed after approval of the I-130.
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): $675. Required if you are applying through a K-1 fiancé(e) visa or K-3 spousal visa.
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): $260. This allows you to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while your I-485 is pending (if filed on or after April 1, 2024).
- Form I-131A (Application for Carrier Documentation): $575. This application permits you to obtain documentation to board an airline or other transportation carrier.
For consular processing fees, costs vary by country. Applicants should check their home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate website for up-to-date fee information.
⚠️ Important: Not every case requires all of these forms. Depending on your specific circumstances, some forms may not apply, while additional forms may be necessary. To simplify the process, USCIS provides a Fee Calculator on its official website so you can estimate the exact cost for your situation.
How to Pay USCIS Filing Fees
The USCIS provides several payment methods for green card application fees:
- Accepted payment types: cashier’s checks, personal checks, money orders, and bank drafts.
- Separate payments required: Each form fee must be paid individually. Do not combine payments into one lump sum.
- Credit card payments: If filing in person at a USCIS field office, you may pay with a credit card.
- Online payments: Certain forms, like the I-131, can be filed and paid online through the USCIS portal.
Because payment methods may vary depending on your country of citizenship, always verify instructions on the USCIS website or consult an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for guidance.
Fee Waivers for Family-Based Green Cards
In some cases, applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. USCIS allows fee waivers for certain forms, including the family-based green card application, if you can show financial hardship.
You may qualify if:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, OR
- You are facing significant financial hardship, such as unemployment or high medical expenses.
Currently, only Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) is eligible for a fee waiver. To request one, you must file the appropriate request form along with supporting evidence that proves eligibility.
Refund Policy for Filing Fees
USCIS generally does not refund fees, even if your application is denied. Refunds are only issued under limited circumstances, such as:
- USCIS mistakenly requested an unnecessary form.
- You were charged more than the required fee.
- USCIS failed to process a premium processing application within the guaranteed 15 days.
In rare cases, extraordinary circumstances may justify a refund. If you believe you qualify, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can evaluate your situation and assist with the refund request.
Immigration Attorney Fees
In addition to USCIS filing fees, many applicants choose to hire a qualified immigration attorney to maximize their chances of success. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide step-by-step assistance to ensure that your application is accurate, complete, and filed on time.
Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. You may be charged a flat fee for the preparation of certain forms, such as the I-130 petition, and additional services may be required for forms like I-485, I-131, and I-765.
Remember: the lowest-priced option is not always the most effective. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and improve the likelihood of approval.
Why Choose Green Card Link?
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping families successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system. From calculating fees to ensuring your petitions are filed correctly, the team provides reliable guidance at every stage of the green card process. With extensive experience in family-based immigration, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are committed to keeping your family together in the United States.