Cost and Fees

Unfortunately, USCIS does not allow you to pay the green card application fees in installments—you must pay the required fees in full when you submit your forms. This includes the filing fee for Form I-130 and, if applying from within the U.S., Form I-485 and the biometrics fee. If these fees are difficult to manage upfront, consider saving gradually or exploring options like personal loans to cover the costs.

If hiring an attorney, many law firms offer flexible payment plans for their services, allowing you to spread out the cost of legal assistance while ensuring your application is completed properly. It’s important to plan ahead to cover these expenses since incomplete payment will result in delays.

The cost to apply for a marriage-based green card includes several fees. For most applicants in the U.S., the main costs are the USCIS filing fees: Form I-130 ($625 online filing; $675 paper filing) and Form I-485 ($1,440), totaling $2,115. If applying from outside the U.S., you’ll pay the I-130 fee and a consular processing fee of around $325, plus a $120 fee for the Affidavit of Support, which brings the total to about $1,070.

Additional costs can include medical exam fees, translation services, passport photos, and potential attorney fees if you hire a lawyer to help with your case. These costs can vary, but it’s important to budget for the entire process to avoid surprises.