Answer By law4u team
The fee for applying for a U.S. green card (permanent residency) depends on the specific process you are using to apply, such as through adjustment of status or consular processing. The costs may include various fees for the application form, biometric services, medical exams, and any additional services required to complete the process.
What Is the Fee for Applying for a Green Card?
Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)
Fee for Adults (14-78 years old): The standard fee for filing Form I-485 is $1,225. This includes the application fee of $1,140 and a $85 biometric fee for fingerprinting and background checks.
Fee for Children (under 14 years old): Children applying for a green card through Form I-485 typically pay a lower fee of $750 (if the child is applying with a parent) and no biometric fee.
Additional Costs
Medical Examination: Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. The cost of the medical exam can vary depending on the physician, but it generally ranges from $100 to $500. This is paid directly to the doctor, not to USCIS.
Other Associated Costs: If the applicant is required to submit additional documentation (such as translations of documents), there may be extra costs for those services.
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
If you are applying for a green card through a family member (such as a spouse, parent, or child), the family member must first file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The fee for filing this form is $535.
Consular Processing Fees
If you are outside the U.S. and applying for a green card through consular processing, the fees may differ. The immigrant visa application fee is generally around $325, and there may be additional fees associated with the National Visa Center and the medical exam.
Fee Waivers
In certain situations, applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. The Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, can be submitted to request a waiver based on financial hardship or other qualifying reasons.
Certain applicants, such as refugees, asylees, or individuals in specific circumstances, may be eligible for a fee waiver for specific forms.
Payment Methods
USCIS accepts payments via checks, money orders, and credit cards (through Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions). All payments must be made to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Legal Actions and Protections
Fee Changes: The fees mentioned above are subject to change, and it’s important to check the current fee schedule on the official USCIS website before submitting your application.
Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer: If you are unsure about the fees or if your case involves additional complexities, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer to ensure that you’re aware of all associated costs and procedures.
Example
For example, Maria is applying for a green card through adjustment of status. As she is an adult between 14 and 78 years old, her application fee for Form I-485 will be $1,225, which includes the biometric fee of $85. Additionally, she will need to pay for her medical exam, which may cost around $200 depending on the provider. If Maria's U.S. citizen spouse files the Form I-130 on her behalf, she will also need to pay the $535 fee for that form.
