Green Card by Marriage Fees: Complete Cost Guide
Understanding green card by marriage fees is one of the most important steps for couples planning to apply for permanent residency in the United States. While marriage-based immigration is one of the most common paths to obtaining a green card, many applicants are surprised by the total cost involved.
In this detailed guide, we break down all the green card by marriage fees, explain additional expenses you should prepare for, and show how Alo Legal can help you avoid costly mistakes.
What Are the Green Card by Marriage Fees?
The total green card by marriage fee depends on whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside the United States. The process generally involves filing forms with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and sometimes attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Below is a breakdown of the standard government filing fees.
1. Form I-130 Filing Fee
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
- Filing Fee: $535
This is the first mandatory cost in the green card by marriage fees process. It establishes the qualifying marital relationship.
2. Adjustment of Status Fees (Inside the U.S.)
If the foreign spouse is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, additional green card by marriage fee applies:
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,140
- Biometrics Fee: $85
Total for Adjustment of Status: $1,225
This is one of the largest portions of the green card by marriage fees when applying from within the U.S.
Applicants may also file:
- Form I-765 (Work Authorization)
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole Travel Document)
Often, these forms are included without additional fees when filed with Form I-485.
3. Consular Processing Fees (Outside the U.S.)
If the spouse is applying from abroad, the green card by marriage fees are slightly different.
After USCIS approves the I-130 petition, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). The fees include:
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee (DS-260): $325
- Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
Total NVC Fees: $445
These green card by marriage fees are paid before the visa interview is scheduled.
4. USCIS Immigrant Fee
After visa approval (for applicants outside the U.S.), there is an additional $220 USCIS immigrant fee. This covers the cost of producing and mailing the green card.
This amount is part of the total green card by marriage fees that applicants must plan for.
Total Green Card by Marriage Fees
Here’s a simplified estimate of total government fees:
If Applying Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status):
- I-130: $535
- I-485 & Biometrics: $1,225 Total: Approximately $1,760
If Applying Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing):
- I-130: $535
- NVC Fees: $445
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220 Total: Approximately $1,200
Keep in mind that these green card by marriage fees do not include additional costs such as medical exams or attorney fees.
Additional Costs Beyond Green Card by Marriage Fees
Besides government filing fees, couples should budget for other expenses.
1. Medical Examination
All applicants must complete a medical examination by an approved physician.
- Average Cost: $200–$500
This is not included in the official green card by marriage fees, but is mandatory.
2. Translation Services
If documents are not in English, certified translations are required.
3. Passport and Travel Costs
For consular processing, travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate may add extra expenses.
4. Attorney Fees
While hiring an immigration attorney is optional, professional guidance can prevent delays and denials that may cost more in the long run.
Understanding the full picture of green card by marriage fees helps couples avoid financial surprises.
Why Accurate Filing Matters for Green Card by Marriage Fees?
Mistakes in your application can lead to:
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Processing delays
- Application denial
- Loss of filing fees
Since USCIS generally does not refund the green card by marriage fee, errors can become expensive. Filing the first time correctly protects both your time and your money.
Conditional Green Card and Removal of Conditions Fees
If your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, the foreign spouse will receive a conditional green card valid for two years.
To remove conditions, you must file Form I-751.
- Filing Fee: $595
- Biometrics Fee: $85
Total: $680
This future cost is another part of the long-term green card by marriage fees that couples should plan for.
Can Green Card by Marriage Fees Change?
Yes. USCIS periodically updates its filing fees. It is important to check the most recent fee schedule before filing. Submitting the wrong amount can delay your case and increase your overall green card by marriage fee due to resubmission.
How Alo Legal Helps With Green Card by Marriage Fees?
Navigating the green card by marriage fee process can feel confusing, especially with multiple forms and payment stages. Alo Legal provides professional assistance to ensure everything is filed correctly and efficiently.
1. Clear Fee Breakdown
Alo Legal provides a transparent explanation of all green card by marriage fees, including government costs and any additional expenses. This helps couples budget accurately.
2. Accurate Document Preparation
Our legal team ensures that:
- All forms are properly completed
- Supporting documents are organized
- Evidence of bona fide marriage is strong
This reduces the risk of losing a green card by marriage fee due to application errors.
3. Avoiding Costly Delays
Mistakes can lead to re-filing, which means paying the green card by marriage fee again. Alo Legal carefully reviews every detail to minimize risks.
4. Interview Preparation
We prepare clients for USCIS or consular interviews, ensuring they are confident and fully prepared. A smooth interview process protects your investment in a green card by marriage fee.
5. Support for Complex Cases
If there are issues such as prior visa overstays, criminal records, or previous denials, Alo Legal provides strategic guidance to handle complications effectively.
Tips to Manage Green Card by Marriage Fees
Here are practical tips to manage the financial aspect of your case:
- Plan and budget for all filing and medical costs.
- Double-check all forms before submission.
- Keep copies of receipts and payment confirmations.
- Stay updated on USCIS fee changes.
Proper planning ensures that the green card by marriage fee does not become a financial burden.
Final Thoughts on Green Card by Marriage Fees
The green card by marriage fee vary depending on your application path, but most couples spend between $1,200 and $1,800 in government filing fees alone. When you add medical exams, translations, and legal assistance, the total cost may be higher.
Understanding the green card by marriage fee in advance allows you to plan financially and avoid unnecessary stress. Filing accurately and completely is essential because mistakes can result in delays, denials, and additional expenses.
If you want professional guidance to navigate the green card by marriage fee process smoothly, Alo Legal is here to help. Our experienced immigration team ensures your forms are prepared correctly, your documents are complete, and your case stays on track.
With Alo Legal’s support, you can move forward confidently, knowing your investment in green card by marriage fees is protected and your path toward permanent residency is handled with care and expertise.
