What are the government filing fees associated with a marriage green card?
The government filing fees associated with a marriage-based green card application (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) include several components. Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s important to check the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or other official sources for the most up-to-date fee information. Additionally, there might be other potential fees or costs associated with the process, such as medical exams and translations.
Here are some of the primary government filing fees for a marriage-based green card application:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: This fee is required when submitting Form I-130, which is the petition filed by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse on behalf of the foreign spouse. As of my last update, the fee was $560.
- Form I-485 Filing Fee: This fee is associated with the adjustment of status application (Form I-485). It covers the processing of your green card application. The fee can vary depending on the age of the applicant. As of my last update, the fee for applicants aged 14 to 78 was $1,140.
- Biometrics Fee: This fee covers the cost of processing your biometrics (fingerprinting, photograph, and signature) after you submit Form I-485. As of my last update, the fee for this service was $85.
Please keep in mind that USCIS fee amounts can change, so it’s crucial to check the USCIS website or official USCIS fee schedule for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information. Additionally, fee waivers may be available for certain individuals based on financial hardship, but eligibility criteria apply.
If you’re considering applying for a marriage-based green card, I recommend consulting the USCIS website or seeking advice from an immigration attorney to ensure that you have the most current information on filing fees and any other relevant aspects of the application process.
Marriage green card cost
The cost of obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States can include several government filing fees, as well as potential additional costs such as medical exams, translations, and other related expenses. It’s important to note that fee amounts can change, so always refer to the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the most up-to-date information. Here are some key costs associated with a marriage-based green card application:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The fee for filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is typically required when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse petitions for their foreign spouse. As of my last update, this fee was $560.
- Form I-485 Filing Fee: The fee for filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, covers the processing of your green card application. The fee varies based on the age of the applicant. For applicants aged 14 to 78, the fee was $1,140 as of my last update.
- Biometrics Fee: The fee for biometrics services, which includes fingerprinting and photographing, is required for applicants aged 14 to 78 as part of the Form I-485 process. As of my last update, this fee was $85.
- Medical Examination: As part of the green card application process, you might need to undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. The cost of the medical exam can vary, so it’s advisable to inquire about the fee with the civil surgeon.
- Translation and Documentation Costs: If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you might need to provide certified translations. This could incur additional costs.
- Other Costs: Depending on your individual circumstances, there might be other costs associated with your application, such as travel expenses to attend interviews, document procurement fees, and other related expenses.
It’s important to plan for these costs when considering a marriage-based green card application. Additionally, if you’re eligible for a fee waiver due to financial hardship, you can explore that option. Keep in mind that USCIS fee amounts can change, so be sure to check the most current fee information on the official USCIS website.
If you’re uncertain about the costs associated with the process or need guidance on specific aspects of your application, consider consulting with an immigration attorney. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the application process successfully. Read more “list your business in the” “free and paid submission to the” “add your site” statistics
Cost of spousal visa if applicant is abroad
Obtaining a spousal visa for a foreign spouse to enter the United States involves a few different steps and associated fees. Here are the key costs you might incur for a spousal visa application when the applicant is abroad:
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: The first step in the process is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to establish the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner and the foreign spouse. As of my last update, the filing fee for Form I-130 was $560.
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: Once Form I-130 is approved, the foreign spouse will need to apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The immigrant visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa and the specific embassy/consulate. As of my last update, the fee was around $325, but it can vary.
- Affidavit of Support Fee: The U.S. petitioner will need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate financial sponsorship for the foreign spouse. While there’s no separate fee for submitting the Affidavit of Support, there might be costs associated with gathering the necessary financial documents.
- Medical Examination: The foreign spouse will likely need to undergo a medical examination by a U.S. embassy-approved panel physician. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the country and the physician’s fees.
- Police Clearance and Document Costs: Depending on the foreign spouse’s country of residence, they might need to provide police clearance certificates and other supporting documents. These documents might involve additional costs.
- Travel Costs: The foreign spouse will need to travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa interview. This includes expenses such as travel, accommodation, and transportation.
- Visa Processing Costs: Some embassies/consulates might charge additional processing fees, such as a visa issuance fee. These fees can vary.
- Optional Costs: Depending on the circumstances, there might be additional optional costs, such as hiring an immigration attorney to assist with the process.
It’s important to note that fees can change over time, and there might be variations based on the specific embassy/consulate handling the application. Always refer to the official U.S. embassy or consulate website for the most current fee information and application procedures.
If you’re considering applying for a spousal visa for your foreign spouse, I recommend consulting the official U.S. embassy or consulate website and, if needed, seeking guidance from an immigration attorney to ensure that you have accurate information and are well-prepared for the process.
