Total cost of getting a U.S. green card in 2026

One of the most frequent consultation questions: "How much does a green card cost?" The honest answer: it depends on the case type. This guide breaks down the real components for 2026.

Important note

Exact USCIS and consular fees change periodically. The numbers here are 2026 estimates at the time of writing. Before filing, confirm current fees at uscis.gov and travel.state.gov.

Case 1: Marriage to a U.S. citizen (adjustment of status)

USCIS fees

• I-130 (family petition): ~$675.
• I-485 (adjustment of status): ~$1,440 (includes biometrics).
• I-765 (work permit): included if filed with I-485.
• I-131 (Advance Parole): included if filed with I-485.

USCIS subtotal: ~$2,115.

Collateral costs

• Medical exam (I-693): $200–$500 per person (varies by clinic).
• Passport photos: $20–$30.
• Certified translations (birth, marriage certificates): $25–$50 per document.
• Police record from home country (if applicable): $20–$100.
• Certified U.S. records: $20–$50.
• Certified mail to USCIS: $30.

Collateral subtotal: ~$300–$800.

Attorney fees

• Simple case (marriage, no complications): $2,500–$5,000.
• Complex case (unlawful presence, criminal record, prior divorce): $5,000–$10,000+.

Estimated total for a simple AOS marriage case: $5,000–$8,000.

Case 2: Marriage (consular processing)

USCIS + NVC + State Department

• I-130: ~$675.
• NVC fees (DS-260): ~$325.
• NVC fees (I-864): ~$120.

Government subtotal: ~$1,120.

Collateral costs

• Medical exam (at consulate): $150–$400 depending on country.
• Vaccines if missing: variable.
• Translations and certificates: $200–$500.
• Travel to consulate: depends on country.
• Flights to the U.S. once visa approved.

Collateral subtotal: $500–$2,000+.

Attorney fees

• Simple case: $3,000–$5,500.

Estimated consular total: $4,500–$8,000 + travel.

Case 3: Employment (EB-2/EB-3)

USCIS fees (employer and employee)

• PERM ads and recruitment: $2,000–$5,000 (employer).
• PERM ETA Form 9089: free (DOL).
• I-140: ~$715 (employer).
• I-485 (adjustment): ~$1,440.
• Primary applicant + dependents: each additional I-485, ~$950–$1,440.

USCIS subtotal: ~$5,000–$10,000.

Collateral costs

• Medical exam per person: $200–$500.
• Photos, translations, certificates.
• Employer paperwork (ads, due diligence).

Attorney fees

• Employer usually pays (PERM requires it).
• Typical case: $7,000–$15,000.

Estimated EB-2/EB-3 total (mostly paid by employer): $10,000–$25,000.

Case 4: Parent or child of U.S. citizen

Similar to AOS marriage.

Estimated total: $4,500–$7,500.

Case 5: Asylum → green card

After asylum granted

One year later you can apply for residency:

• I-485: ~$1,440.
• No new initial medical exam (asylum exam covers it, or done later).

USCIS subtotal: $1,440.

Attorney fees

• Asylum itself: $5,000–$12,000+ (depends on complexity).
• Later adjustment: $1,500–$3,000.

Estimated total asylum + green card: $7,000–$15,000.

Other costs to consider

Renewals during the process

If the case drags:

• EAD renewal: ~$520.
• Advance Parole renewal: ~$630.

RFE (request for evidence)

If USCIS asks for more information, additional translations and documents can add $200–$1,000.

Appeals

If denied and you appeal:

• Notice of Appeal (I-290B): ~$675.
• Attorney fees: $2,500–$5,000+.

How to save

1. Fee waiver

USCIS grants waivers (Form I-912) for people under 150% of poverty or receiving certain benefits. Does not apply to all forms (not I-130 or, in many cases, I-485), but does for EAD renewals.

2. Payment plans with attorney

Many firms, including ours, offer payment plans. Ask without hesitation.

3. Get it right the first time

A mistake → RFE → extra months → extra renewals → more money. Investing in a consultation before filing usually saves more than it costs.

What you should NOT pay

• "Acceleration" or "expedite" paid outside USCIS (scam).
• "Approval guarantee" (does not exist; scam).
• Payments to unauthorized "notarios" or "consultants."
• H-1B sponsorship costs that the employer should pay.

Next steps

Before filing anything, schedule a consultation. We give you a realistic estimate based on your specific case and explain what each step may cost. Better to plan well than to discover surprise costs mid-process.

Also read:

• Form I-485 mistakes that delay your green card
• How to verify your employer can sponsor you
• Documents for a consultation

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Legal disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every immigration case is unique and depends on specific facts that only an attorney can evaluate after reviewing your situation. The law and USCIS policy change frequently. To get guidance on your particular case, schedule a consultation with our firm.