Being approved for a green card is a moment of great joy for all applicants, but the process leading up to it can be overwhelming. It is not only a matter of gathering and filing all required documents but also a matter of being financially capable of covering all the costs associated with the whole process.
Most people are aware they are going to have to pay for having their application submitted, but there are other costs that may be incurred. Not to worry – we got it covered. Scroll down to find out what you can expect when it comes to the process of getting a US green card, and most importantly, how much a green card is.
How much does a green card cost?
You have researched what documents you need to file, gathered all of them , and now it is time to file your application. The fee will vary depending on the type of green card you are applying for.
The main form to submit is the I-485 or the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is an integral step in the process of obtaining your green card.
Green card filing fee
The filing fee depends on whether you are applying as an adult, or a person up to 13 years old. In general, the filing fee for adults for form I-485 is $1,140. If the applicant is 13 years old or younger and is applying with a parent’s I-485, the fee is $750. In case the applicant is 13 years old or younger and is applying without a parent’s I-485, the fee is $1,140.
USCIS green card fees
The filing fee is not the only fee when applying for a green card. Part of the application process is submitting biometric information – fingerprints, photograph, and signature. The service fee for biometrics is $85 and is required for applicants between the ages of 14 and 79.
Green card biometrics appointment exceptions
People who are 79 years of age or older, as well as applicants who are 13 years of age or younger, are not required to pay for the biometric services fee. However, they are still required to go to the biometrics appointment to provide their fingerprints, photograph and signature.
Additionally, if the applicant turns 14 while applying for a green card, they will be required to pay an $85 service fee before USCIS adjudicates the application. More information (and other exceptions) can be found on USCIS official website.
Cost of getting a green card
There is another thing to keep in mind when applying for a green card. A mandatory part of the application process is undergoing an immigration medical exam. These are performed by “civil surgeons,” and you can get help finding a physician through the USCIS website.
All civil surgeons are located in the United States, meaning that the examination also takes place there. State panel physicians perform the examinations for people applying from overseas through consular processing.
When it comes to the price of an immigration medical exam, USCIS does not regulate the fees. In other words, the price of an exam depends on the physician, which is why it is crucial to do thorough research beforehand.
An overview of the fees can be found summarized in the table below.
| Process | Fee |
| Filing the form | Adults – $1,140Children 13 years of age and younger:If applying with a parent’s I-485 – $750If applying without a parent’s I-485 – $1,140 |
| Biometrics collection | $85 (people aged 14-79) |
| Immigration medical exam | Varies by physician |
Green card application cost – recap
Overall, if you are applying for a green card, you can expect to pay over $1,500. There is the obligatory filing fee for form I-485, as well as biometric services fee (though exceptions may apply). Finally, there is also the cost of an immigration medical exam, which is an obligatory part of the application process.
The fees for medical examinations vary by physician, therefore it is recommended to check all available options through the USCIS website. Getting your documentation in order is of essential importance if you want to complete your application properly, so do your due diligence and good luck!
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FAQ
How much does it cost to get a green card?
Overall, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,300.
How much is the filing fee for a green card?
The filing fee for form I-485 is $1,140 unless the applicant is 13 years old or younger. In that case, scroll up to find the information about the fee.
Are there any other additional fees when applying for a green card?
Besides the filing fee, you will have to pay biometric services ($85) and for an immigration medical exam performed by a designated civil surgeon.