How Much Does a Marriage Green Card Cost?
- Nastarck Nastarck
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 18
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may qualify for a marriage-based green card. But how much does it actually cost?
The total price depends on two main paths you can take:
Adjustment of Status (AOS) – If you are already in the U.S.
Consular Processing – If you are applying from outside the U.S.
There are also optional costs, like work and travel permits, and variable fees, like medical exams. Below, we break down all the costs so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Adjustment of Status (AOS) Costs
This process is for spouses already in the U.S. who want to adjust their status to permanent resident.
Fee Type | Cost (as of April 2024) | Required? |
|---|---|---|
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | $625 (online) / $675 (paper) | ✅ Yes |
Form I-485 (Green Card Application) | $1,440 | ✅ Yes |
Form I-765 (Work Permit) | $260 | ❌ Optional |
Form I-131 (Travel Permit) | $630 | ❌ Optional |
Medical Exam (Form I-693) | $200 - $800+ | ✅ Yes (varies by doctor) |
Total Estimated Cost: $2,265 – $3,805+
(depends on optional forms and medical exam cost)
2. Consular Processing Costs
This process is for spouses applying from outside the U.S..
Fee Type | Cost (as of April 2024) | Required? |
|---|---|---|
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | $625 (online) / $675 (paper) | ✅ Yes |
Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) | $325 | ✅ Yes |
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) | $120 | ✅ Yes |
Medical Exam (cost varies by country) | $200 - $800+ | ✅ Yes |
USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 | ✅ Yes |
Total Estimated Cost: $1,305 – $2,155+
(depends on medical exam cost)
3. Additional Costs to Consider
While not required, these costs might apply to your case:
Additional Cost | Estimated Price | Required? |
|---|---|---|
Attorney Fees | $4,000 – $10,000 | ❌ Optional |
Translation Fees | $20 – $150 per page | ❌ Optional |
Travel Costs (for interviews or medical exams) | Varies | ❌ Optional |
Courier or Mailing Fees | $10 – $90 | ❌ Optional |
Printing Costs | Varies | ❌ Optional |
Adjustment of Status (for applicants in the U.S.) is more expensive than Consular Processing.
Some forms (work and travel permits) are optional.
Medical exams are required, but their price varies.
Hiring an attorney is optional, but it can be helpful for complicated cases.
Before filing, always check the latest fees on the official USCIS website to avoid mistakes. With careful planning, you can budget for the process and take the next step toward your future together!
