How Much Does a Green Card Cost?

Obtaining a green card (permanent resident status) in the United States involves various costs that differ based on your eligibility category. This guide breaks down the fees for both family-based and employment-based green card applications in 2025.

Green Card Cost

Green card costs in 2025 can be substantial, typically ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for family-based applications and $2,000 to $5,000 or more for employment-based applications, especially if premium processing is used. These figures can increase further when accounting for additional expenses beyond USCIS fees. Learn more below.

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Green Card Fee Changes: Key Updates and Cost Implications

USCIS introduced a new fee rule effective April 1, 2024, bringing substantial changes to green card application costs and processes:

1. Overall Fee Increases: Most immigration and naturalization benefit requests, including green card applications, now have higher fees.
2. New I-485 Fee Structure: The Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485) has a revised fee system, directly impacting green card costs.
3. Online Filing Discount: Many forms, including some for green card applications, offer a $50 reduction for online submission, encouraging digital applications and potentially lowering costs.
4. Employment Authorization Fee Changes: Separate fees for initial and renewal employment authorization applications have been introduced, affecting costs for green card applicants who also need work permits.
5. Biometrics Fee Integration: The biometrics fee is now incorporated into the main application fee, eliminating it as a separate charge and simplifying the overall cost structure for green card applications.
6. Advance Parole Fee: A separate fee for advance parole (travel document) applications has been established, potentially adding to the total cost for green card applicants who need to travel.
7. Expanded Fee Waivers: Certain humanitarian programs now have more extensive fee exemptions and waivers, potentially reducing costs for eligible green card applicants.

These fee changes are designed to make the immigration process more efficient and cover the costs of the U.S. Immigration system. Combining the biometrics fee into the main fee simplifies things, and having a separate advance parole fee lets applicants allocate costs more precisely.

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Detailed Fee Breakdown

Family-Based Green Card Costs

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative):

Filed by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member

• Online filing: $625(increased from $535, a 17% rise)
• Paper filing: $675 (increased from $535, a 26% rise)

Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status):

This is the main form for applying for a green card within the U.S. filed by the intending immigrant if already in the U.S.

Note: There is no online filing option for this form

• Standalone application: $1440 (increased from $1,225, an 18% rise)
• Child under 14 filing with parent: $950 (increased from $750, a 27% rise)

Form I-864 (Affidavit of support under section 213a of the ina)

This form is a contract between a sponsor and the U.S. government, required for many family-based and some employment-based immigrants

• $120

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Employment-Based Green Card Costs

Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):

Typically filed by the employer

• Fee: $715

Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status):

Filed by the employee if already in the U.S.

• Fee: $1440 (same as family-based)
  

Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) (optional):

For faster processing of the I-140 petition

• Fee: Ranges from $1,685 to $2,805, depending on the type of application

Additional Forms and Fees for Both Routes

Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence):

This form is for conditional permanent residents who obtained status through marriage and need to remove conditions on their residence

• $750 (increased from $680, a 10% rise)

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):

This form allows you to work legally in the U.S. while your green card application is pending

• Stand-alone fee: $520
• Fee with Adjustment of Status: $260

Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document):

This form allows you to work legally in the U.S. while your green card application is pending

• $630 (increased from $575, a 10% rise)

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Other Relevant Fees

USCIS Immigrant Fee:

Paid after visa approval but before traveling to the U.S.

• $235

Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)

• Online filing: $415
• Paper filing: $465

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Consular Payment Requirements for Green Card Petitions

For applicants pursuing a green card from outside the U.S. through consular processing, there are specific government fees and payment requirements that differ from those applying within the U.S. Consular payment requirements include:

• Paying the State Department Processing Fee: Applicants living abroad must pay a $325 State Department processing fee for Form DS-260 (“Immigrant Visa Electronic Application”). This fee is paid after the petition is approved and before the visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It must be paid online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using a U.S.-based bank account (checking or savings account). Credit cards and foreign bank accounts are not accepted for these payments.
• Paying the Affidavit of Support Fee: This $120 fee is typically paid per case, not per applicant. It must be paid online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using a U.S.-based bank account (checking or savings account). Credit cards and foreign bank accounts are not accepted for these payments.
• Paying the USCIS Immigrant Fee: After receiving visa approval but before traveling to the United States, applicants must pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee online through the USCIS website.

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Green Card Filing Fees At a Glance (Updated January 2025)

Mandatory Government Fees for Green Cards
Fee Type	Cost (to Applicant Living in the U.S.)	Cost (to Applicant Living Abroad)
Family Sponsorship Form (I-130)	$675	$675
Green Card Application Form (I-485)	$1440	Not required
Financial Support Form (I-864)	$0	$120
Work Permit Application Form (I-765) (optional)	$260	Not required
Travel Permit Application Form (I-131) (optional)	$630	Not required
Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo)	Included in filing fee	Included in filing fee
State Department Processing	Not required	$325
USCIS Immigrant Fee	Not required	$235
Medical Examination	*Varies	*Varies
Total	$3005	$1340

*Medical examination costs typically range from $150 to $600, depending on the provider and location.

Note that these government fees are only paid at the same time if you are the spouse or immediate relative of a U.S. citizen and living in the United States. For other scenarios, these fees will be paid several months apart, during different stages of the green card application process.

You can use this calculator from USCIS to help you determine how much you’ll need to pay. Here’s a full list of the USCIS Fees associated with each immigration form.

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Other Potential Green Card Application Costs

Beyond direct government fees and the medical exam fee, there are other green card application costs to keep in mind:

• Vaccination fees: Should your medical exam require it, you may need to update your vaccinations before receiving your completed medical examination report. Like medical exam fees, vaccination costs will vary by provider.
• Translation services fees: If your green card application package includes any documents in a language other than English, you must also include a translation of each document, certified as accurate by the translator. The cost of these services will vary — for example, a certified translation of a one-page birth certificate might range between $20 and $40.
• Document fees: As part of the green card application process, you will be asked to submit digital or physical copies of supporting documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and passport. You and your spouse will also need to bring the original copies when attending your final green card interview (either in the United States or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad). Government agencies generally charge fees for issuing certain official documents.
• Professional photography fees: To verify your identity and conduct background checks, the U.S. government will ask you to submit two recent 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs, which will vary in price by service provider. Although you are allowed to take your own photos, it’s generally a good idea to use a professional photography service, and many drug stores provide passport-style photos for a relatively low fee.
• Travel expenses: When you attend your biometrics appointment, green card interview, and medical exam, the U.S. government will not reimburse you for the expenses you incur when traveling to these locations. The same is true if you must travel to various government agencies to obtain official documents.
• Shipping costs: At different stages of the green card application process, you will pay nominal charges for postage and mailing of your application and supporting documents.

Boundless will help you pay your USCIS fees over time with our flexible payment plan options. Get started today!

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Payment Methods for Green Card Fees

When it comes to paying your green card fees, here are the available methods:

1. USCIS Immigrant Fee: This fee is paid online through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Accepted payment methods include:
   • Credit card
   • Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
   • Prepaid debit card (only one card can be used, and sufficient funds must be available for both yourself and any accompanying family members)
2. State Department and Affidavit of Support fees: These fees are paid online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using a U.S.-based bank account (checking or savings account). Credit cards and foreign bank accounts are not accepted for these payments.
3. Other Fees: Most fees for the green card application process are typically paid through the mail or in person. It’s important to note that each fee should be submitted as a separate payment to avoid complications. Accepted payment methods may include:
   • Credit card
   • Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
   • Prepaid debit card (with appropriate funds)
   • US bank account using Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment (requires a US checking account number or routing number)

Learn more about how to pay filing fees on USCIS’ website.

Boundless can help you avoid common pitfalls in paying your immigration fees when you choose to pay your USCIS fees over time. Learn more.

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How To Save on Green Card Costs

On top of the fees listed in this article, there are additional costs involved in starting a new life in a different country, such as travel expenses, shipping fees, and more. The list below offers a few ways to save on the overall green card process.

Save by Filing Online:

USCIS offers a $50 discount for online filing. This means you’ll pay $50 less than the typical filing fee if you file your green card application forms online, rather than by mail.

Budget:

Prepare in advance by cataloging all anticipated expenses related to your green card application. Create a budget that encompasses these costs to reduce uncertainty throughout the process. Consider including items such as legal help fees (if applicable), filing fees, process-related fees (e.g., medical exams), translation costs (if needed), photo fees, and travel expenses to and from the embassy (for applications filed from abroad). Utilize budgeting tools like Google Sheets or automated apps like Mint to track your financial goals and receive money-saving suggestions.

Compare:

Lawyers vs. DIY vs. Boundless

• While applying for a permanent resident card can be daunting, hiring an attorney can significantly contribute to your expenses. Traditional Immigration lawyers charge between $2,000 and $12,000, with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $300.
• You could handle the application yourself, saving a substantial amount of money. However, the rate of denial or rejection tends to be higher for those who apply on their own.
• Boundless offers the best of both worlds. Get the experience and assistance of an independent immigration lawyer with the support and convenience of our award-winning platform.

Application Type

The filing fees for green card applications vary based on the type of application and your specific circumstances. To minimize costs, it’s essential to compare fees across different application types and identify potential cost savings. For example, obtaining a green card through the K-1 Fiancé Visa process will be more expensive, than getting a green card through the CR-1 Spousal visa process.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses:

Be mindful of avoiding unnecessary expenditures, such as premium processing fees or expedited shipping costs. While these services may be beneficial in certain situations, they can also inflate your overall application expenses.

Learn About Fee Waivers:

USCIS offers fee waivers to some low-income immigrants and exemptions based on humanitarian grounds, such as refugees, asylum-seekers, and victims of domestic violence.

Discounted applications for immigration benefits are available to households earning below 150% of the federal poverty line.

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Lower Your Costs with Boundless

While the investment is significant, many find the long-term benefits of U.S. permanent residency outweigh the costs. However, navigating the complex application process and understanding all associated fees can be challenging.

That’s where Boundless comes in. Unlike traditional immigration lawyers, who can charge between $2,000 and $12,000, Boundless offers a more affordable solution without compromising quality. With Boundless, you get:

• Expert guidance through every step of your green card application
• Review of your application by an experienced immigration attorney
• Assistance with all required forms and documents
• Support in understanding and planning for all associated costs

Don’t let the complexity of green card applications or the high fees of traditional lawyers deter you from pursuing your American dream. Choose Boundless for a cost-effective, streamlined path to your green card. Get started today and take the first step towards your new life in the United States.

Start Your Green Card Journey with Boundless.

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