Marriage Green Card Cost in 2024 – Comprehensive Guide

Cost of a Marriage Green Card Introduction

Applying for a marriage-based green card can be expensive and difficult, particularly now that USCIS is charging more. The article gives a comprehensive analysis of the expenses associated with getting a green card via marriage, as well as several payment options and ways to reduce costs. Passage Law, which focuses on immigration law and can help guarantee your application is accurate and timely, offers professional advice throughout the procedure.

Marriage Green Card Costs Broken Down

The costs related to a marriage-based green card will rise rapidly beginning of April 2024. The expenses are broken out in detail here:

1. Form I-130, Alien Relative Petition:

Paper Filing: $675

Filing Online: $625

2. Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1440

The primary application to change your status to permanent residence is covered by this charge.

3. Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): $260

Optional but required if you wish to work while your green card application is being handled.

The Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document):  $630

Optional for applicants who must leave the country while their application is processing.

Total Cost: $3005 is the total (assuming all forms are used). If you don’t originally submit Form I-131, you can lower this to $2375.

Additional Costs

The following expenses can mount up during the green card application process in addition to USCIS fees:

Medical Exam: Usually costing about $200, carried out by a physician licensed by USCIS.

Biometrics Fee: The $85 is needed to take pictures, signatures, and fingerprints.

Professional Photography: These are usually between $15 and $20 for passport-style images.

 Travel Expenses: Travel expenses are the fees spent when going to medical examinations, interviews, and biometrics appointments.

Document Translation: Variable based on language and quantity of papers.

Payment Methods for Green Card Fees

Payment options for fees are as follows when made online via the USCIS website:

Credit Card 

Mastercard or Visa

Debit Card

Automated clearing house (ACH) payment from a U.S. bank account for prepaid debit cards.

To prevent problems, be sure that every fee is paid separately.

Strategies to Manage Costs

File Online: By turning in your applications online, you can save $50 on filing costs.

Budgeting: Keep track of and control your spending with programs like Mint or Google Sheets.

Waiver Fees: If you can prove financial difficulty, find out if you qualify for fee waivers.

Avoid Unnecessary Fees: First, decide whether you need the optional work or travel permits.

Seek Reasonable Legal Assistance: While engaging an attorney can be costly some services, such as Passage Law, provide more reasonably priced help than can usual immigration attorneys.

Green Card Application

Whether you are applying for a green card through marriage from inside the United States or outside of it determines the procedure.

Adjustment of Status (for Americans only):

• Submit Form I-485 together with supporting paperwork, such as a birth certificate, documentation of legal entry, and proof of financial support.
• You can submit Form I-130 jointly if your spouse is a citizen of the United States. In any other case, you could have to wait till the visa advisory shows availability.

Processing Consular (for those living abroad):

• Once USCIS authorizes Form I-130, submit Form DS-260.
• Submit the National Visa Center the supporting paperwork and the $445 government filing fee.

Make an appointment for a green card interview at your home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate.

Comprehensive Procedures for the Green Card Application

Form I-130 Filing:

• The spouse who is a citizen of the United States fills out and submits Form I-130 to USCIS together with the $675 filing fee (paper) or $625 (online) and supporting paperwork.
• Within two weeks, USCIS sends out a receipt notice and, if more information is required, may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Adjustment of Status:

• If the foreign spouse is in the United States, submit Form I-485 together with the $1440 fee and the required supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate and documentation of legal admission.
• When applying at the same time, if work or travel authorization is required, include Forms I-765 ($260) and I-131 ($630).

Processing by Consular Consultation:

• For spouses living abroad, submit Form DS-260 online and pay the $445 NVC fee once Form I-130 is authorized.
• Submit the required paperwork (Form I-864), including your birth certificate, passport, police clearance certificates, and proof of financial support.

Making an appointment for biometrics:

• Sign up for a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints, pictures, and signatures taken.

Physical Exam:

• Undergo a $200 medical checkup by a USCIS-approved physician.

Interview for a Green Card:

• For status adjustments, visit a nearby USCIS office; for consular processing, visit a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Bring all necessary paperwork, including documentation of the true marriage, proof of financial support, and the findings of the medical examination.

Green Card Issue and Approval:

• For those applying for adjustment of status, the green card will be mailed to your U.S. address in two to three weeks if accepted. Applicants for consular processing will get a visa that will allow them to enter the country; a green card will be mailed to them later.

Additional Considerations for Green Card Applicants

1.     Legal Assistance:

• Understanding the green card application process can be difficult, but professional help can make a great difference. We offer at Passage Law expert legal assistance to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

2.     Immigration Lawyer Costs:

• While some applicants choose to handle their green card applications independently, many choose the expertise of an immigration lawyer. The cost of hiring an immigration lawyer can range from $2,000 to $12,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience.

3.     Cost-Saving Tips:

• To minimize costs, consider filing applications online to take advantage of lower fees and avoid unnecessary expenses such as expedited shipping or premium processing unless necessary. Additionally, seek help from friends or family for document translations to save on professional translation fees.

4.     Payment Plans:

• Some legal services offer payment plans to help manage the financial burden of application fees. For instance, Passage Law provides flexible payment options to accommodate various financial situations.

5.     Fee Waivers and Reductions:

• USCIS offers fee waivers and reductions for certain applicants who can explain financial hardship. Check the USCIS website for eligibility criteria and application procedures.

6.     Understanding USCIS Processing Times:

• Processing times for green card applications can vary highly based on the applicant’s location and the type of application filed. It’s important to stay informed about current processing times and plan accordingly to avoid any disruptions.

7.     Preparing for the Green Card Interview:

• The green card interview is a critical step in the application process. Preparing thoroughly by reviewing potential questions and ensuring all required documents are organized can help alleviate stress and increase the likelihood of approval.

8.     Post-Approval Steps:

• After receiving your green card, there are additional steps to consider, such as applying for a Social Security number, updating your address with USCIS, and understanding the conditions of your permanent residency.

Benefits of Using Passage Law

Understanding the green card application process can be difficult, but Passage Law provides expert legal services to ensure a smooth and successful application. Our experienced attorneys offer personalized assistance, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensuring all documents are correctly filed. By choosing Passage Law, you can benefit from our comprehensive knowledge of immigration law and commitment to client satisfaction.

Conclusion

Understanding the costs and processes involved in obtaining a marriage-based green card is crucial for a smooth application experience. The fees can be high, but with proper planning and budgeting, you can manage these expenses effectively. For personalized assistance and to ensure compliance with the latest USCIS regulations, consider partnering with us at Passage Law, where experienced immigration attorneys can guide you through every step.