What makes up the cost of a green card
A green card's price is the sum of several separate charges, not one fee. The big ones are USCIS filing fees for the petition and the application, the immigration medical examination performed by an approved doctor, and — for most people — attorney fees if you hire a lawyer. Smaller line items include translations of foreign documents, passport photos, and travel to appointments. Biometrics is now bundled into most application fees rather than billed separately.
Because USCIS updated its fee schedule in 2024, the numbers below are 2026 planning ranges. Always verify the current figure for your exact forms on the official USCIS fee page before you pay, since filing the wrong amount can get a case rejected.
Family-based green card fees (including marriage)
For a marriage or other immediate-relative case filed inside the US, the two main government charges are Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence). Together these typically total roughly $1,500–$3,000 in USCIS fees. Filing the I-130 online is slightly cheaper than on paper.
If you also request a work permit (Form I-765) and travel permission (Form I-131) at the same time as the I-485, those are generally included at no extra cost for adjustment-of-status applicants. Consular cases instead pay a Department of State immigrant-visa processing fee, the Affidavit of Support review fee, and a separate USCIS immigrant fee after visa approval — a different mix that often lands in a similar overall range.
Employment-based and other green card costs
Employment-based green cards cost more because they involve extra steps. A typical EB-2 or EB-3 case includes the PERM labor certification (no USCIS fee, but employer advertising costs), Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), and the I-485 or consular stage. All-in government and process costs commonly reach $3,000–$8,000 or more, and by law the employer must pay certain parts.
Investor green cards (EB-5) are in a different league, with statutory investment amounts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars plus large filing fees — see our dedicated EB-5 cost guide. Diversity Visa (green card lottery) winners pay a fixed immigrant-visa fee at the consular stage.
Beyond filing fees: medical exam, attorney, and hidden costs
Every green-card applicant needs an immigration medical exam (Form I-693) from a USCIS-designated civil surgeon or a panel physician abroad. This is not a government fee and is not covered by the filing fee — expect roughly $200–$500 depending on the clinic and which vaccines you still need.
Attorney fees are the largest variable. A straightforward marriage case handled flat-fee usually runs $1,500–$3,500; complex cases billed hourly cost more. You are allowed to file without a lawyer, which saves that entire amount, but professional help reduces the risk of costly mistakes. Budget a little extra for certified translations, photos, and mailing.
How to keep green card costs down
File online where possible (it can be cheaper and reduces rejections), prepare a complete package the first time to avoid Requests for Evidence and re-filing, and check whether you qualify for a fee waiver (Form I-912) if your income is low. For simple cases, a reputable document-preparation service or a one-time attorney consultation can be a middle ground between full representation and going it alone.
Use our free Visa Cost Calculator to estimate your specific total, and read our immigration-lawyer cost guide before deciding whether to hire representation.
Green Card Cost by Pathway (2026)
| Green Card Type | USCIS Gov't Fees | Attorney Fees (Typical) | Other Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage AOS — I-130 + I-485 (in US) | ~$1,440 | $1,500–$3,500 | Medical $200–$500 |
| Marriage consular — I-130 + DS-260 (abroad) | ~$625 | $1,200–$3,000 | Medical $200–$400 |
| Employment-based EB-2/EB-3 (employer) | ~$700 (I-140) | $5,000–$10,000 | PERM recruitment ~$3,000 |
| EB-1A / EB-1B (extraordinary ability) | ~$700 (I-140) | $5,000–$15,000 | Supporting docs |
| EB-5 investor (TEA regional center) | $11,160 (I-526E) + $9,525 (I-829) | $15,000–$25,000 | +$800,000 investment |
| Family preference F2A–F4 | ~$1,440 (I-130 + I-485) | $1,500–$3,500 | Plus wait for visa number |
| Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) | $330 + $220 (AOS) | $0–$1,500 | No petition fee |
Related Questions
Is the green card medical exam included in the filing fee?
No. The Form I-693 medical exam is paid directly to the civil surgeon or panel physician and typically costs $200–$500. It is separate from any USCIS fee.
Does the employer have to pay for an employment green card?
For PERM-based cases the employer must pay the labor-certification and advertising costs and generally the I-140 fee. The employee may pay later-stage costs such as the I-485 in some situations.
Can I get a fee waiver for a green card?
Some applicants with low income or receiving means-tested benefits can request a fee waiver with Form I-912, though it is not available for every category. Check eligibility on the USCIS site.
Is biometrics a separate fee in 2026?
For most applications the biometrics services cost is now folded into the main application fee rather than billed separately, following the 2024 USCIS fee changes.
How much does a marriage green card cost in total?
Filed inside the US, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 in USCIS fees plus the $200–$500 medical exam, and optionally $1,500–$3,500 in attorney fees if you hire a lawyer.
Official Sources
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055)
- USCIS – Forms and Filing Fees
- USCIS – Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; always confirm with the official government source before acting.