The costs associated with obtaining a green card (permanent residency) in the United States can vary depending on the specific immigration category and circumstances. Here are some common costs involved:
- Filing Fees: USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) charges filing fees for various green card applications. These charges can go from two or three hundred to a few thousand bucks. Examples include the I-485 Adjustment of Status application fee.
- Immigrant Visa Petition Fee: If a family member or employer is sponsoring you, they may need to file an immigrant petition on your behalf. There are fees associated with these petitions, such as the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative fee.
- Medical Examination: As part of the green card application process, you are generally required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. The cost of the medical examination varies.
- Biometrics Fee: USCIS may require applicants to pay a biometrics fee to cover the cost of fingerprinting and background checks.
- Affidavit of Support: If you are applying for an immigrant visa based on family sponsorship, your sponsor may need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). This involves a financial commitment, but it may not be a direct out-of-pocket cost.
- Attorney Fees: Many applicants choose to hire an immigration attorney to assist with the application process. Attorney fees can vary widely.
- Translation and Documentation: If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you may need to pay for translation services. Additionally, obtaining required documents, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, may have associated costs.
It’s important to note that immigration policies and fees can change, so it’s advisable to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information specific to your situation.
Marriage Green Card Cost
The costs associated with obtaining a marriage green card (officially known as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card through marriage) can vary depending on various factors. Here are some potential costs involved:
- Filing Fees: USCIS charges filing fees for the relevant forms. These fees can change, so it’s important to check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.
- Biometrics Fee: USCIS may require applicants to pay a biometrics fee to cover the cost of fingerprinting and background checks.
- Medical Examination: A medical examination is typically required as part of the immigration process. The expense of the clinical assessment can change.
- Translation and Documentation Costs: If any documents need to be translated into English, or if additional documentation is required, there may be costs associated with these services.
- Attorney Fees: Some individuals choose to hire an immigration attorney to assist with the application process. Attorney fees are an additional cost.
- Travel Costs: If the foreign spouse is outside the United States, there may be travel costs associated with attending interviews or other required appointments.
It’s important to note that immigration policies and fees may change, so it’s advisable to check the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most current information tailored to your specific situation. Additionally, the fees and requirements may differ for adjustment of status (for those already in the U.S.) and consular processing (for those applying from outside the U.S.).
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage-Based Green Card?
The processing time for obtaining a marriage-based green card (U.S. Permanent Resident Card) can be different for different reasons. Some general estimates for the processing times are as follows:
- I-130 Petition: The first step is filing the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. The processing time for this step can vary but typically takes several months. USCIS gives assessed handling times on their site.
- I-485 Application: If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., the next step is filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The processing time for the I-485 can also vary but usually takes several months.
- Consular Processing: If the foreign spouse is outside the U.S., the processing time will depend on the U.S. embassy or consulate’s workload. Consular processing times can vary.
- Biometrics Appointment: USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints and other information. The time it takes to schedule and attend this appointment can impact the overall processing time.
- Interview: USCIS typically conducts interviews as part of the green card application process. The scheduling and completion of the interview can affect the processing time.
It’s important to note that these are general estimates, and actual processing times may vary. USCIS periodically updates processing time information on their website, and it’s advisable to check for the latest estimates. Delays can occur for various reasons, including increased application volumes, security checks, or missing documentation.
Applicants can track the status of their case on the USCIS website and may receive updates on the processing status. Additionally, seeking legal advice or assistance from an immigration attorney can provide guidance on specific cases and potential ways to expedite the process.
