Obtaining a Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a significant step for many immigrants in the United States. This article provides a detailed overview of the costs involved in the Green Card application process. Understanding these costs is essential for prospective applicants to plan accordingly.
Introduction to Green Card
A Green Card grants an individual the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is a coveted status that opens doors to numerous opportunities and benefits, including the ability to sponsor relatives for their own Green Cards. The process of obtaining a Green Card can be lengthy and complex, involving several steps and significant costs.
Types of Green Cards
There are various types of Green Cards, each with its own application process and requirements. The most common categories include:
- Family-Based Green Cards: For relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Green Cards: For workers with job offers in the U.S.
- Diversity Lottery Green Cards: For winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery.
- Humanitarian Green Cards: For refugees, asylees, and other special categories.
Family-Based Green Cards
Family-Based Green Cards are available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Immediate relatives include spouses, children under 21, and parents. Other family members, such as siblings, fall under the family preference categories, which have different wait times and availability.
Costs for Family-Based Green Cards
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor must file this form. The filing fee is $535.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This form is for those already in the U.S. The filing fee is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee for applicants aged 14 to 78.
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): For those applying from outside the U.S. The fee is $325.
- Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. Costs vary by provider but typically range from $200 to $500.
- Additional Costs: Include translation of documents, travel expenses, and potential legal fees if using an attorney.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Employment-Based Green Cards are for individuals with job offers in the U.S. There are five preference categories, each with specific eligibility criteria.
Costs for Employment-Based Green Cards
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): The employer files this form. The filing fee is $700.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): For those already in the U.S. The filing fee is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee for applicants aged 14 to 78.
- PERM Labor Certification: Required for most EB-2 and EB-3 categories. There is no fee to the Department of Labor, but employers may incur costs for recruitment and legal services.
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): For those applying from outside the U.S. The fee is $325.
- Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. Costs vary by provider but typically range from $200 to $500.
- Additional Costs: Include translation of documents, travel expenses, and potential legal fees if using an attorney.
Diversity Lottery Green Cards
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
Costs for Diversity Lottery Green Cards
- Entry Fee: There is no fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery.
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): For those selected in the lottery. The fee is $325.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): For those already in the U.S. The filing fee is $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee for applicants aged 14 to 78.
- Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. Costs vary by provider but typically range from $200 to $500.
- Additional Costs: Include translation of documents, travel expenses, and potential legal fees if using an attorney.
Humanitarian Green Cards
Humanitarian Green Cards are available for refugees, asylees, and other special categories, such as victims of trafficking or crime.
Costs for Humanitarian Green Cards
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): For refugees and asylees, the filing fee is $0, but they may need to pay an $85 biometrics fee.
- Medical Examination: Required for all applicants. Costs vary by provider but typically range from $200 to $500.
- Additional Costs: Include translation of documents, travel expenses, and potential legal fees if using an attorney.
SEE ALSO: What to Do When You Lose Your Green Card?
Cost Breakdown
To better understand the financial commitment required for a Green Card application, here is a detailed breakdown of the costs:
Filing Fees
- Form I-130: $535
- Form I-140: $700
- Form I-485: $1,140
- Biometrics Fee: $85
- Form DS-260: $325
Medical Examination
- Typical Cost Range: $200 to $500
Legal Fees
While it is possible to complete the Green Card application process without legal assistance, many applicants choose to hire an immigration attorney to help navigate the complex process. Legal fees can vary widely based on the attorney’s experience and the case’s complexity.
- Typical Legal Fees: $1,500 to $5,000 or more
Other Costs
- Document Translation: $20 to $50 per page
- Travel Expenses: Varies based on location and frequency of required travel
- Miscellaneous Fees: Such as passport photos, postage, and notary services
Total Estimated Costs: The total cost of obtaining a Green Card can vary significantly based on the application type and individual circumstances. Here is a rough estimate of the total costs for each Green Card category:
Family-Based Green Cards
- Filing Fees: $2,085 (for applicants in the U.S.), $1,195 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
- Medical Examination: $200 to $500
- Legal Fees: $1,500 to $5,000 or more
- Other Costs: $200 to $500
Total Estimated Cost: $3,985 to $8,585 (for applicants in the U.S.), $3,095 to $7,695 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
Employment-Based Green Cards
- Filing Fees: $2,270 (for applicants in the U.S.), $1,325 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
- Medical Examination: $200 to $500
- Legal Fees: $3,000 to $10,000 or more (includes PERM process)
- Other Costs: $200 to $500
Total Estimated Cost: $5,670 to $13,270 (for applicants in the U.S.), $4,725 to $12,325 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
Diversity Lottery Green Cards
- Filing Fees: $1,650 (for applicants in the U.S.), $650 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
- Medical Examination: $200 to $500
- Legal Fees: $1,500 to $5,000 or more
- Other Costs: $200 to $500
Total Estimated Cost: $3,550 to $7,650 (for applicants in the U.S.), $2,550 to $6,650 (for applicants outside the U.S.)
Humanitarian Green Cards
- Filing Fees: $85
- Medical Examination: $200 to $500
- Legal Fees: $1,500 to $5,000 or more
- Other Costs: $200 to $500
Total Estimated Cost: $1,985 to $6,085
Conclusion
Applying for a Green Card involves several steps and significant costs. These costs can vary widely based on the type of Green Card, the applicant’s location, and whether legal assistance is used. It is essential for applicants to understand the financial commitment required and plan accordingly.
Careful planning and understanding of the Green Card application process can help applicants navigate this complex journey more effectively. Whether applying through family, employment, the Diversity Visa Lottery, or humanitarian grounds, knowing the costs involved is a crucial first step toward achieving the dream of becoming a U.S. permanent resident.