Marriage Green Card Costs in 2026: Full Fee Breakdown

Getting a marriage green card involves several government fees, along with additional required and optional costs. The total depends largely on whether the spouse is applying from within the United States or abroad.

For a full overview of how costs fit into the process, see our detailed marriage green card guide.

{{tip-2}}

Total Cost Scenarios: Inside vs. Outside the U.S.

Marriage green card applications follow one of two tracks, and the fees are different depending on which one you’re on. The route depends on whether your spouse is already in the U.S. and eligible to adjust status, or if they’re still living abroad and need to go through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Scenario 1: Spouse Living in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)

If your spouse is in the U.S. on a valid temporary visa (like an H-1B or F-1), they’ll usually apply for a green card through “Adjustment of Status.” This allows them to become a permanent resident without leaving the country, but it comes with steeper USCIS fees up front. For a detailed walkthrough of the forms and steps involved, see our step-by-step guide to applying for a marriage green card in 2026.

Right now, the required government fees for Adjustment of Status total $2,115 (assuming you file the I-130 by mail). That covers the petition to prove your marriage is real and the green card application itself. If you want work or travel permits while you wait, those cost extra.

Scenario 2: Spouse Living Abroad (Consular Processing)

If your spouse is living outside the U.S., you’ll go through “Consular Processing.” That means first getting USCIS approval in the U.S., then working with the National Visa Center (NVC), and finally attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. For more on how long each step takes, see our marriage green card processing time breakdown.

The total government fees for Consular Processing come to about $1,305. While the upfront USCIS costs are lower than the Adjustment of Status route, this path involves payments to both the Department of State and, after approval, to USCIS for the actual green card.

Mandatory Government Filing Fees (USCIS & Dept. of State)

Most of what you’ll pay for a marriage green card are government filing fees. These are set by federal regulation and are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. The numbers below are based on the fee schedule that went into effect in April 2024 and is still in effect for 2026. If you’re worried about mistakes that could cost you, review the most common marriage green card denial reasons before you file.

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

Form I-130 costs $675 if you file by mail, or $625 if you file online. This form is always the first step for a marriage green card, and it’s filed by the sponsoring spouse (the U.S. citizen or green card holder). The online discount is there to nudge people toward digital filing.

Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)

Form I-485 costs $1,440 for most adults. This fee only applies if your spouse is in the U.S. and adjusting status. The $1,440 covers both the application and the required biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Unlike past years, this price tag doesn’t include work permits (Form I-765) or travel documents (Form I-131) — those are now separate fees.

DS-260 and Affidavit of Support Fees

If your spouse is applying from abroad, the National Visa Center charges two fees: $325 for the DS-260 immigrant visa application, and $120 to review the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). This Affidavit is how you prove you can support your spouse financially.

USCIS Immigrant Fee

After your spouse’s visa is approved overseas, you’ll need to pay a $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee online before they travel to the U.S. This covers the cost of producing and mailing the green card once they arrive.

Required Additional Costs (Non-Government Fees)

Beyond the government’s cut, there are a few other expenses you can’t avoid. These depend a lot on where you live and which providers you use. For a full breakdown of what you’ll need to gather, see our marriage green card paperwork checklist.

Immigration Medical Examination (Form I-693)

Every green card applicant needs a medical exam from a doctor approved by the government. USCIS doesn’t set the price, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $200 and $500, or sometimes more, depending on where you are and which doctor you choose. This fee goes straight to the doctor’s office. The exam checks for health issues that could make someone inadmissible and includes a vaccination record review.

Document Translation and Acquisition

If any of your supporting documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc.) aren’t in English, you’ll need certified translations. Professional translators usually charge $20 to $40 per page. You might also have to pay to get official copies of these documents from foreign government offices.

Travel Costs (Consular Processing Only)

If your spouse is applying from abroad, they’ll need to show up in person for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If they don’t live in the same city, factor in travel, hotel, and meal costs for the trip.

Optional Costs: Legal Fees and Application Services

You don’t have to hire professional help, but many couples do, especially if their case is complicated or they just want peace of mind. Prices can vary a lot depending on what kind of help you choose.

Traditional Immigration Attorneys

Hiring a private immigration attorney usually costs between $2,500 and $7,000+ for a marriage green card, not counting government filing fees. The price depends on the lawyer’s experience, your location, and how complex your case is (for example, if there are past immigration issues or a criminal record). An attorney handles the paperwork, deals with USCIS, and represents you if things get tricky.

Online Immigration Services

Companies like Boundless offer a more affordable alternative to hiring a traditional lawyer. These online services usually charge a flat fee — typically between $600 and $1,500. That covers guided online form prep, a document review by an independent immigration attorney, and help assembling your application. This route works best for straightforward cases without major legal complications.

How to Pay Marriage Green Card Fees

USCIS is strict about how you pay. The wrong payment method will get your whole application returned.

• Checks or Money Orders: For paper forms filed with USCIS (like I-130 or I-485), pay by personal check, cashier’s check, or money order from a U.S. bank. Make it out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Don’t use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS.”
• Credit Card: If you’re filing paper forms at a USCIS Lockbox, you can pay by credit card by including Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) in your packet.
• Online Payments: If you file Form I-130 online, or pay NVC fees or the USCIS Immigrant Fee, you’ll use a secure government portal. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank account transfer.

Are Fee Waivers Available for Marriage Green Cards?

In almost all cases, you can’t get a fee waiver for a marriage-based green card. To qualify, the U.S. sponsor has to show they can support their spouse at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, using an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). If you ask for a fee waiver based on financial hardship, it contradicts the requirement that your spouse won’t become a “public charge” (someone who relies on government aid).

USCIS only grants fee waivers (using Form I-912) for certain humanitarian visas, like asylum, T visas (for trafficking victims), or U visas (for crime victims), not for family-based green cards. For more on eligibility and the rules that apply, see our marriage green card eligibility and requirements guide.

{{cta-component-horizontal-aligned}}