¿How much does the green card process cost?

There is a lot of mixed information regarding the green card process, much of which pertains to cost. Though you want to save as much money as possible before you begin the immigration process, rest assured that applying for a green card is not as costly as you may have heard.

The fees and costs associated with the green card process differ based on where you live at the time of the application. The process is more expensive for individuals already residing in the United States. Boundless provides a breakdown of the costs of applying for a green card.

Green card costs

The costs of the green card process fall into two distinct categories: fixed and variable. The fixed costs of the process for applicants outside of the U.S. are as follows:

• Family Sponsorship Form: $535
• Financial Support Form: $120
• State Department Processing: $325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220

The total cost for these fees alone is $1,200. However, this amount does not account for the medical exam, the cost of which varies from provider to provider. The average cost of a medical exam is between $100 and $500.

The costs of a green card differ slightly for applicants living within the U.S. Instead of having to pay the latter three fees, in-country applicants must pay for the green card application form, which is $1,140. They must also pay a biometrics fee of $85. The cost of the process for in-country applicants, without the medical exam, is $1,760.

Variable costs of a green card

There are dozens of variable costs associated with the green card process. Some of the most common include vaccination fees, document fees, translation services fees, travel expenses, shipping costs and photographer fees.

You may decide that you want or need legal help with the application process. If this is the case, you should also account for legal fees when preparing for the green card process.