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ProcessUpdated March 2026

How Much Does a Marriage Green Card Cost?

Complete 2026 cost breakdown — filing fees, medical exam, biometrics, translations — typically $1,500 to $3,500+.

Last updated: March 2026
Based on official USCIS guidelines

The cost of a marriage-based green card depends on your situation, including whether you are applying from inside or outside the United States. Government filing fees, medical exams, and other related costs all contribute to the total.

In most cases, the total cost ranges from $1,500 to $3,500+.

Quick Overview

Typical total cost: $1,500 – $3,500+
Main costs:

  • USCIS filing fees
  • Medical exam
  • Supporting documents
  • Optional services

Cost Breakdown (Adjustment of Status – Inside the U.S.)

If you are applying from inside the United States, you will typically pay:

Form I-130:

  • $675 (paper) or $625 (online)

Form I-485:

  • $1,440 (includes biometrics for most applicants)

Medical exam (Form I-693):

  • $200 – $500 (varies by provider)

Passport photos:

  • $10 – $30

Total estimated cost:

  • $2,300 – $2,700+

Cost Breakdown (Consular Processing – Outside the U.S.)

If you are applying from outside the United States:

Form I-130:

  • $675 (paper) or $625 (online)

NVC processing fees:

  • $445 total
    • $325 (Immigrant Visa Application)
    • $120 (Affidavit of Support)

USCIS Immigrant Fee:

  • $220

Medical exam:

  • $200 – $500

Total estimated cost:

  • $1,500 – $2,200+

Additional Possible Costs

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

  • Translation services
  • Document replacement fees (birth certificates, etc.)
  • Travel expenses (for consular interviews)
  • Mailing or printing costs

Are Work and Travel Permits Included?

If you apply through Adjustment of Status:

  • Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (travel permit) are often included with Form I-485
  • No additional fee in most cases

Do You Need to Pay a Lawyer?

Hiring an immigration attorney is optional.

Typical legal fees:

  • $2,000 – $6,000+

Some applicants choose to use software or guided services to reduce costs.

Can Fees Change?

Yes. USCIS fees can change over time.

Always check the official USCIS website before filing to confirm current fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Paying incorrect filing fees
  • Forgetting required fees
  • Not including payment with your application
  • Using outdated fee amounts
  • Filing forms separately and paying extra unnecessarily

Real Experiences & Tips

Based on real applicant experiences from public immigration communities:

  • Many applicants underestimate the total cost by not including medical exams and additional documents
  • Medical exam prices can vary significantly depending on location
  • Filing everything together (concurrent filing) can reduce extra costs
  • Some applicants save money by preparing documents themselves instead of hiring a lawyer
  • Double-checking fees before submission helps avoid rejection or delays

These experiences may vary depending on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay USCIS fees online?
Some forms can be filed and paid online, while others require mailing payments.

Are USCIS fees refundable?
No, filing fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Can I get a fee waiver?
Fee waivers are generally not available for marriage-based green card applications.

Summary

The cost of a marriage-based green card typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500+, depending on your situation and application type. Understanding the full breakdown can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses.

Not Sure How Much Your Case Will Cost?

Every situation is different, and costs can vary based on your specific case.

Answer a few quick questions and we’ll estimate your total cost and guide you step-by-step.

  • Takes about 2 minutes
  • Personalized to your case
  • Helps you avoid unnecessary expenses

Traditional immigration lawyers often charge $2,000–$6,000+ in legal fees alone.

Dokumen helps you significantly reduce that cost by combining smart software with attorney-reviewed guidance—so you still get professional oversight without paying full-service law firm prices.

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