A marriage Green Card allows foreign nationals to gain lawful permanent residence in the United States based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). This process is one of the most common ways for individuals to obtain legal status in the U.S., but one of the key questions that many applicants have is, “How much is a marriage Green Card?”
The cost of a marriage Green Card can vary depending on several factors, including the filing process, whether the applicant is already in the U.S. or applying from abroad, and whether professional legal services are involved. The total expenses associated with obtaining a marriage Green Card include various filing fees, medical exams, and other related costs. In this article, we will discuss in detail the total costs involved in the marriage Green Card process, potential additional expenses, and what to expect during the application process.
Overview of the Marriage Green Card Process
Before diving into the costs, it’s important to understand the basic process of applying for a marriage Green Card. This process can be divided into several stages, each with specific requirements and associated costs.
1. Petitioning for a Green Card
The first step in obtaining a marriage Green Card is for the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse (the petitioner) to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is used to establish the legitimacy of the marriage and to begin the process of sponsoring the foreign spouse (the beneficiary) for permanent residency. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse is responsible for submitting this petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S. on a valid visa, they may apply for a Green Card through the adjustment of status process. This involves filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. If the foreign spouse is outside the U.S., they will need to go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
3. Interview and Approval
Both spouses may be required to attend an interview with USCIS or at the U.S. consulate to prove that their marriage is genuine and not for the sole purpose of obtaining a Green Card. If everything goes smoothly, the foreign spouse will either receive a Green Card in the mail or an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
4. Conditional Green Card (if applicable)
If the marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval, the foreign spouse will receive a conditional Green Card. This temporary status must be removed by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day period before the two-year anniversary of the conditional Green Card issuance. After the conditions are removed, the spouse will receive a permanent Green Card.
Breakdown of the Costs Involved
The total cost of a marriage Green Card depends on various factors, including whether the applicant is in the U.S. or abroad and whether additional services, such as legal assistance, are required. Below is a breakdown of the main costs associated with the marriage Green Card process.
1. Form I-130 Filing Fee
The first step in the marriage Green Card process is filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is the request to establish the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility of the foreign spouse for a Green Card. The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535.
This fee is payable when the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse files the petition. This fee covers the cost of processing the petition and any necessary background checks. The I-130 filing fee does not cover any other costs involved in the overall Green Card process.
2. Form I-485 Filing Fee (Adjustment of Status)
If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., they will need to file Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, to apply for a Green Card from within the country. The filing fee for Form I-485 is $1,225, which includes a biometric fee of $85.
This fee is applicable to applicants between the ages of 14 and 78. If the applicant is under 14 or over 78, they may be exempt from the biometric fee. This fee covers the processing of the Green Card application, background checks, and the biometric screening required for the applicant.
3. Immigrant Visa Application Fee (Consular Processing)
If the foreign spouse is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing. This involves applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The immigrant visa application fee for consular processing is typically $325.
This fee is required to process the foreign spouse’s visa application and to conduct the necessary background checks. The exact fee may vary slightly depending on the specific embassy or consulate where the application is processed.
4. Form I-751 Filing Fee (Petition to Remove Conditions)
If the foreign spouse receives a conditional Green Card (because the marriage is less than two years old), they will need to file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day period before the two-year anniversary of their conditional Green Card. The filing fee for Form I-751 is $595, with an additional biometric fee of $85.
This petition is used to remove the conditions on the Green Card and to secure permanent resident status. The approval of this petition will result in the issuance of a permanent Green Card.
5. Medical Examination Fee
As part of the Green Card application process, the foreign spouse must undergo a medical examination with an approved civil surgeon. This exam is required to ensure that the applicant does not have any communicable diseases or health conditions that could make them inadmissible to the U.S.
The cost of the medical examination varies depending on the civil surgeon and the location of the exam. On average, the cost of the medical examination ranges from $200 to $500. The price may vary depending on the specific tests required and whether additional vaccinations are needed.
6. Other Potential Costs
In addition to the primary filing fees, there are several other potential costs that may arise during the marriage Green Card process:
Translations: If any documents are in a language other than English (e.g., marriage certificates, birth certificates), they must be translated into English. Translation services can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per page.
Legal Fees: Many applicants choose to hire an immigration attorney to help navigate the complex Green Card process. The cost of hiring an attorney can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience. Legal fees typically cover assistance with filing the necessary forms, preparing for the interview, and addressing any issues that may arise during the process.
Travel Costs: For applicants going through consular processing, there may be additional costs for travel to and from the U.S. embassy or consulate. These costs can vary depending on the applicant’s location.
Additional Considerations
While the costs associated with a marriage Green Card are significant, it’s important to remember that the benefits of obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. are substantial. A Green Card provides the foreign spouse with the right to live and work in the U.S., as well as the opportunity to eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
However, there are some additional factors to keep in mind during the application process:
1. Processing Times
The marriage Green Card process can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on whether the foreign spouse is applying from inside or outside the U.S. Delays in processing can increase the overall cost of the application, as applicants may need to pay for extended stays in the U.S. or additional legal services.
2. Potential Denial or Delay
In some cases, marriage Green Card applications may be delayed or denied. If the application is denied, the foreign spouse may need to file an appeal or a motion to reopen the case, which could incur additional fees. It’s essential to ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays or denials.
Conclusion
The total cost of a marriage Green Card can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and their spouse. The main costs include the filing fees for the various forms (I-130, I-485, I-751), medical exam fees, and any additional costs such as legal fees, translation services, or travel expenses. On average, the total cost for obtaining a marriage Green Card ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
While the costs can be substantial, obtaining a marriage Green Card provides the foreign spouse with the ability to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Understanding the costs and planning ahead can help applicants navigate the process more smoothly and avoid unexpected expenses.
Related topics:
- How Can I Get a Transit Visa?
- What Countries Can I Visit Without a Visa?
- How Long Is an Indian Tourist Visa Valid For?
