Green Card Cost Calculator

Understanding the Green Card Application Process

Obtaining a green card (permanent resident card) is one of the most significant steps in the US immigration journey. The costs involved can be substantial and vary widely depending on the pathway you choose, whether you hire an attorney, how many family members are included, and whether you opt for premium processing. This guide breaks down every cost you can expect to encounter during the green card application process in 2025.

The green card process generally involves two major stages: the petition stage (where someone files on your behalf or you self-petition) and the adjustment of status or consular processing stage (where you actually receive your green card). Each stage carries its own set of fees, and understanding the full picture before you begin can help you budget appropriately and avoid surprises.

USCIS Filing Fees for 2025

USCIS updated its fee schedule effective April 1, 2024, with significant increases across many form types. The I-485 adjustment of status application now costs $1,440 for applicants aged 14-78, a figure that includes the biometrics services fee that was previously charged separately at $85. For children under 14 filing concurrently with a parent, the I-485 fee is reduced to $950.

The petition stage fees depend on your category. Family-based applicants need Form I-130, which costs $535. Employment-based applicants require Form I-140, priced at $715. Diversity visa lottery winners pay a $330 processing fee. These petition fees are in addition to the I-485 fee and apply per applicant.

One important change in the 2024 fee schedule is the elimination of the separate biometrics fee. Previously, applicants paid $85 for biometrics appointments. This cost is now rolled into the I-485 filing fee, simplifying the process but effectively increasing the base filing fee. The I-485 fee now covers fingerprinting, photographs, and signature collection at a USCIS Application Support Center.

Family-Based Green Card Costs

Family-based immigration is the most common pathway to a green card. A US citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130 to petition for their relative. The costs break down as follows: I-130 petition fee of $535, I-485 adjustment of status fee of $1,440 per adult applicant, and a civil surgeon medical examination averaging $200-$500 per person.

Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) have the shortest processing times, typically 12-24 months. Other family preference categories can wait significantly longer depending on the relationship type and the beneficiary's country of birth. During the waiting period, some applicants in the US may be able to obtain work authorization through the I-485 pending status.

If you choose to hire an immigration attorney for a family-based case, expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 in legal fees. Simple spouse petitions tend to cost less, while cases involving prior immigration violations, criminal history, or complex circumstances will cost more. Many attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements for straightforward family cases.

Employment-Based Green Card Costs

Employment-based green cards are typically more expensive and complex than family-based ones. The process often begins with a PERM labor certification (Form ETA-9089), which has no government filing fee but requires the employer to conduct recruitment activities costing $5,000-$15,000 in advertising and legal fees. After PERM approval, the employer files Form I-140 at $715.

Premium processing is available for the I-140 petition at a cost of $2,805, which guarantees USCIS will adjudicate the petition within 15 business days. While not available for the I-485, premium processing for the I-140 can significantly speed up the initial phase of the employment-based process. This fee is typically paid by the employer, though practices vary.

Attorney fees for employment-based cases are substantially higher, typically ranging from $5,000-$15,000 for the full process from PERM through I-485. Complex cases involving multiple job changes, EB-1 extraordinary ability petitions, or national interest waivers can cost even more. Some employers cover all legal fees for their sponsored employees, while others split costs.

Medical Examination Requirements and Costs

Every green card applicant must undergo a medical examination (Form I-693) performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The examination typically includes a physical exam, review of vaccination records, blood tests for syphilis and tuberculosis (or chest X-ray), and any required vaccinations. The total cost ranges from $200-$500 per person depending on your location and which vaccinations you need.

Common vaccinations required include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B, varicella, influenza, and COVID-19. If you already have documentation of these vaccinations, you may not need to receive them again, reducing your costs. Civil surgeons in major metropolitan areas tend to charge more than those in smaller cities.

The I-693 form is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. Timing is important: submit it too early and it might expire before your I-485 is adjudicated; submit it too late and you may miss an RFE (Request for Evidence) deadline. Most attorneys recommend completing the medical exam when filing the I-485 or shortly before an interview.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the main filing fees, several additional costs can add up. Passport-style photographs cost about $15-$20 per set and you may need multiple sets throughout the process. Document translation for foreign-language birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other civil documents typically costs $25-$50 per page through certified translation services.

Travel costs to USCIS offices for biometrics appointments and interviews should also be considered. If you are applying through consular processing at a US embassy abroad, you may need to factor in travel costs to the embassy city, accommodation, and the immigrant visa fee of $325 paid at the consulate.

After your green card is approved, there is no separate fee for the physical card itself. However, if you may want to renew your green card (every 10 years for permanent residents), the I-90 renewal fee is $540. Conditional residents (those who received green cards through marriage less than 2 years old at the time of approval) must file I-751 to remove conditions, which costs $750.

Fee Waivers and Financial Hardship

USCIS offers fee waivers through Form I-912 for applicants who can demonstrate they are unable to pay filing fees. Fee waivers are available for the I-485 and several other forms for applicants who receive means-tested public benefits, have household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, or are experiencing financial hardship.

Important limitations apply: fee waivers are generally available only for certain family-based and humanitarian applications. Employment-based applicants and diversity visa applicants typically cannot receive fee waivers. The fee waiver covers only the USCIS filing fee; it does not cover medical examination costs, attorney fees, or other expenses.

Cost Comparison by Category

To summarize the typical total costs by category: A self-filed family-based green card for one person costs approximately $2,325 (I-130 + I-485 + medical exam + miscellaneous). With an attorney, this rises to $4,825-$7,825. An employment-based green card for one person costs approximately $2,505 in government fees alone (I-140 + I-485 + medical exam), but with PERM costs and attorney fees, the total employer and employee combined cost can reach $15,000-$25,000. Diversity visa winners pay approximately $2,120 total (processing fee + I-485 + medical exam + miscellaneous).

Each dependent adds approximately $1,790 to the total (I-485 fee + medical exam), making the green card process significantly more expensive for families. Planning and budgeting for these costs well in advance of filing is strongly recommended.