The Green Card (permanent resident status) is an essential document for immigrants and foreign nationals who want to live and work permanently in the United States. It serves as proof of lawful permanent resident status. The cost of a green card can vary based on the type of application—whether it’s family-based, employment-based, or through special categories like refugees or asylees. The process can also be complex and costly.
Green card fees depend on how you apply—through Adjustment of Status (from inside the U.S.) or Consular Processing (from outside the U.S.). Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets various fees that must be paid during the application process.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in 2025 and how recent changes to USCIS fees could affect your total costs.
Green Card Costs in 2025
Green card costs in 2025 can be significant. For family-based applications, the total expenses generally range from $2,000 to $3,000, while employment-based applications may cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more, especially if premium processing is used. These estimates include USCIS filing fees as well as additional expenses such as medical exams, legal assistance, translations, and other supporting costs.
What Affects the Total Cost?
The actual amount you pay for a Green Card depends on several factors:
- Application Type: Whether you apply through family sponsorship, employment, asylum/refugee status, or other categories.
- Application Method: Adjustment of Status (from within the U.S.) vs. Consular Processing (from abroad).
- Age and Dependents: Filing fees may differ depending on your age or if you’re applying with children or other dependents.
- Other Services: Medical exams, immigration attorney fees, translations, and travel documents can raise overall costs.
Green Card Fee Changes and Impacts (Effective April 2024)
As of April 1, 2024, USCIS updated its fee schedule, introducing new costs for several immigration forms. These changes significantly affect Green Card applicants, particularly those filing Form I-485 or related applications.
Key updates you should know:
- Higher Filing Fees Across the Board
USCIS increased fees for many immigration forms, especially those tied to Green Card applications. Both family-based and employment-based applicants now face higher base fees due to rising administrative costs. - Updated Fee Structure for Form I-485
The Adjustment of Status form (I-485) now follows a tiered pricing model based on the applicant’s age and whether they are filing related forms (such as work or travel authorization). As a result, costs vary more depending on your specific situation. - Discount for Online Filings
A $50 discount is available for certain forms if submitted online. This small incentive promotes digital filing and can help reduce your overall Green Card costs slightly. - Separate Fees for EAD and Travel Permits
Previously included for free with the I-485, the Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765) and Advance Parole (Form I-131) now each carry their own separate fees. This increases the total cost if you plan to work or travel while your application is pending. - Biometric Fee Now Included
USCIS has eliminated the standalone biometric fee by folding it into the I-485 fee. While the fee structure is simpler now, the total cost remains the same or may be slightly higher depending on your category. - More Fee Waivers Available
USCIS has broadened eligibility for fee waivers, especially for humanitarian categories such as asylum seekers and applicants facing financial hardship. This could reduce costs for qualifying individuals applying through special programs.
Green Card Cost Breakdown by Category
Here’s an overview of common green card types and typical costs associated with each:
| Green Card Type | Estimated Total Cost (2025) | Included in Estimate |
| Family-Based (Marriage/Relative) | $2,000–$3,000 | USCIS fees, I-130, I-485, biometrics, medical exam |
| Employment-Based | $2,000–$5,000+ | USCIS fees, labor cert (if required), premium processing |
| Refugee or Asylee Adjustment | $0 (no I-485 fee for first year) | May include cost of medical exam, I-693, travel documents |
| Diversity Visa (Lottery) | $330 (visa fee) + I-485 or CP fees | Plus travel, medical exam, etc. |
| Investor (EB-5) | $4,000+ USCIS fees + $800,000+ capital | Does not include legal and consulting fees |
Let’s now explore the detailed cost breakdown, starting with family-sponsored applications.
Family-Based Green Card Costs by Application
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative):
Filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on behalf of a family member.
- Online filing fee: $625
- Paper filing fee: $675
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status):
Used by individuals already in the U.S. to apply for a green card (adjustment of status).
- Standalone application fee: $1,440
- For a child under 14 filing with a parent: $950
Note: This form cannot be filed online.
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA):
A required contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government for most family-based and certain employment-based immigrants.
- Filing fee: $120
Employment-Based Green Card Costs by Application
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):
Usually filed by the sponsoring employer.
- Filing fee: $715
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status):
Filed by the employee if they are already in the U.S.
- Filing fee: $1,440 (same as for family-based applicants)
Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) – Optional:
Used to expedite the processing of Form I-140.
- Fee: Ranges from $1,685 to $2,805, depending on the case type
Additional Forms and Fees (For Both Family- and Employment-Based)
Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence):
For conditional permanent residents (typically through marriage) seeking to remove the conditions on their green card.
- Filing fee: $750
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):
Allows applicants to work legally in the U.S. while their green card application is being processed.
- Standalone filing fee: $520
- With Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): $260
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document):
Permits travel outside the U.S. while a green card application is pending.
- Filing fee: $630
What are Other Costs Associated with Green Cards?
The following are the other cost for a green card you need to pay:
Vaccination Fees
If your medical examination requires you to update your vaccinations, you may have to do so before receiving the completed medical examination report. The cost of vaccinations will depend on the provider and is separate from the medical exam fees.
Translation Services Fees
If you use any documents in other language (except English) in your green card application package, you must translate that particular document to English. To do this you must pay a range between $20 and $40 for translator.
Document Fees
To apply for a Green Card, you must provide digital copies of your passport, marriage, and birth certificates. If you are applying for a Green Card for Same-sex Marriage, the process is similar to that of opposite-sex marriages. The same fees apply, and applicants must provide proof of the marriage.
It is also required to bring the original copies of these documents with you when attending the Green Card interview, regardless of whether you submitted your application in the United States or abroad. You need to pay for these documents as a charge for the government agencies.
Professional Photography Fees
You need submit two recent 2-inch-by-2-inch photographs, if the government ask to submit to verify your identity. If you use professional photography you need to pay for their service.
Travel Expenses
You may need to travel to different locations to attend the biometrics appointment, taking medical examination, to attend the green card interview. For these kind of travel you need to spend your money. This will not reimburse from government side.
Shipping Costs
You need to mail your green card application packages, supporting documents if required by USCIS. For this postage and mailing you have to pay the fee by your own.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney you choose. Contact us today if you need help our lawyer consultation support for your green card.
How to Reduce the Green Card Cost?
It is important to note that there are various ways to reduce the cost of obtaining a Green Card.
- One way is to carefully review and complete all the required forms and documents accurately. Any mistakes or omissions can result in additional fees and delays in the process. It is also recommended to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process and ensure that all requirements are met.
- Another way to reduce the cost of obtaining a Green Card is to explore alternative options. For example, individuals may consider applying for a temporary work visa, such as an H-1B visa, which can lead to a Green Card in the future.
- Other types of visas that may be more affordable, such as the F-1 student visa or the J-1 exchange visitor visa. These visas allow individuals to study or work in the US for a limited period and may also lead to a Green Card in the future.
- Applicants who simply can’t afford the green card application fee can also receive assistance to remove the financial burden through a fee waiver process. These fee waiver forms, which include Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Applicants can request a fee waiver under certain conditions, which includes means testing’s of income relative to requested benefits, or household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing or financial hardship.
How to Pay the Green Card Fees?
You can pay your immigrant fee online to USCIS, but most of the payments are made through the mail or in person. By using the following methods you can pay your application fee to the USCIS:
- Credit card
- Debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
- Prepaid debit card
- US bank account.
Conclusion
Applying for a green card is a critical step toward gaining lawful permanent residence in the United States—but it can come with high costs. With USCIS filing fees increasing across many immigration forms, delays could mean paying more later. To avoid unexpected expenses and stay on track, explore our complete USCIS Filing Fees Guide. Need help? Our immigration service connects you with licensed attorneys who can guide you through the green card process—accurately and affordably. Don’t wait—start your application today.
