How much does a green card cost in the United States: full analysis of fees, procedures and popular questions
In recent years, the U.S. green card (permanent resident card) has been a hot topic of global immigration concern. Whether through employment immigration, family reunification or investment immigration, applying for a green card requires paying a certain fee. This article will combine the popular search data in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the fee structure, application process and frequently asked questions for the US green card.
1. U.S. green card application fee details
According to the latest regulations from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), green card application fees vary depending on the category and application method. The following is a list of fees for the main green card application types in 2023:
| Application type | Application fee | Biometrics fee | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Immigration (EB Category) | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
| Family Reunification (I-130) | $535 | $85 | $620 |
| Investment Immigration (EB-5) | $3,675 | $85 | $3,760 |
| Adjust Status (I-485) | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
2. Additional possible costs
In addition to the official application fee, applicants typically pay the following fees:
| project | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Immigration attorney fees | $2,000-$10,000 |
| Physical examination fee | $200-$500 |
| Translation and notarization fees | $100-$300 |
| Express postage fee | $50-$200 |
3. Answers to recent hot questions
According to the analysis of search data in the past 10 days, the following are frequently asked questions about the cost of green cards in the United States:
1. Will the green card application fee increase?
USCIS plans to adjust some immigration application fees in 2024. It is expected that the application fee for EB-5 investment immigrants may increase by 30%, and the increase for other categories will be around 10-15%.
2. What is the cheapest way to obtain a green card?
By marrying a U.S. citizen (CR1/IR1 visa) is the least expensive route, with total official fees of approximately $1,200 (excluding attorney fees).
3. How much does it cost to apply for a Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery)?
The lottery itself is free, but if you win the lottery, you still need to pay a visa processing fee of approximately $330 and a green card production fee of $220.
4. Can I pay the green card fee in installments?
USCIS does not accept installment payments, and all fees must be paid in one lump sum. However, some lawyers may offer installment plans.
4. Application process and timeline
The typical green card application process includes:
1. Submit application form and supporting documents
2. Pay the application fee
3. Take a biometric appointment
4. Receive an immigration interview
5. Receive decision notification
| Application Category | average processing time |
|---|---|
| Employment-based immigration (EB-2/EB-3) | 1-3 years |
| Spouse immigration | 1.5-2 years |
| Investment Immigration (EB-5) | 5-7 years |
| Green card lottery | 1.5-2 years (after winning the lottery) |
5. Tips for saving money
1. Prepare application materials by yourself to reduce attorney fees
2. Use the USCIS online application system to save $30-$50 in postage fees.
3. Do a physical examination in advance to avoid repeated examinations
4. Check the application form carefully to avoid re-application fees due to errors
Conclusion
Obtaining a U.S. green card is a complex and expensive process, with fees ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Applicants should choose the appropriate immigration path based on their own circumstances and make financial plans in advance. It is worth noting that in addition to official fees, time and opportunity costs are also important considerations. It is recommended to consult a professional immigration attorney before applying to ensure you understand all relevant fees and procedures.
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