Immigrating to the United States can be a complex and costly process, involving various fees, expenses, and financial considerations. These expenses and fees vary widely depending on the type of visa category or permanent resident status sought, personal circumstances, and specific requirements.
In this blog, we provide an overview of the typical expenses associated with U.S. immigration, with the aim of helping prospective immigrants understand the financial commitment involved.
Immigrant Visa Application Fees
The primary cost for most individuals seeking to become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. is the visa application fee. The fee amount depends on the type of visa being applied for:
Family-Based Visas
For immigrant visas based on family relationships, such as spousal (also known as a marriage green card) or parental sponsorship, the application fee is typically around $325. Additional fees may apply for the visa application process and related services. We will talk more about them later.
Employment-Based Visas
Employment-based visas, including H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas, generally have application fees ranging from $460 to $1,500, depending on the visa type and additional processing requirements. Employers often cover these fees, but applicants should confirm this.
Diversity Visa Lottery
Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery must pay an application fee of approximately $330 per applicant during the visa application process.
Biometrics and Medical Examination Fees
Biometrics Fee
Biometric fees for prospective permanent residents generally refer to the costs associated with providing biometric information (such as fingerprints, photographs, and signatures) as part of the immigration application process. In the United States, for example, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges a biometric services fee for various applications and petitions, including certain employment-based and family-based visas. This fee is usually around $85.
Medical Examination
U.S. immigration laws require a medical examination by an approved physician. The cost of the medical exam varies but generally ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the location and the specific tests required.
Legal and Professional Fees
Many immigrants choose to hire an immigration attorney or consultant to navigate the complex green card application process. Legal fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s experience. On average, immigration attorney fees range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more for standard cases. More complex cases, such as those involving appeals or waivers, can incur higher costs.
The legal and professional fees involved in immigrating to the United States can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the type of visa or immigration status being sought, and the services required. Here’s a breakdown of common legal and professional fees associated with U.S. immigration:
Immigration Attorney Fees
Immigration attorneys often provide valuable assistance with the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Their fees can vary widely depending on the type of case and their level of expertise:
Family-Based Immigration
For straightforward family-based petitions, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), legal fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. More complex cases involving waivers or additional legal issues can cost more.
Employment-Based Immigration
For employment-based petitions, such as Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), legal fees generally range from $2,000 to $5,000. Complex cases, such as those requiring labor certifications or additional documentation, may incur higher fees.
Adjustment of Status
Assisting with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) may cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the complexity of the case and additional services required.
Naturalization
The legal fees for filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the attorney and the specifics of the application.
Immigration Consultant Fees
Immigration consultants, also known as accredited representatives or paralegals, may offer assistance with the preparation of immigration forms and documents. Their fees are generally lower than those of attorneys:
Basic Services
Fees for consulting services can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the scope of the assistance provided and the complexity of the case.
Full-Service Assistance
For more comprehensive services, including preparation of multiple forms and ongoing support, fees can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
Additional Costs for Immigrating
Filing Fees (Immigration Petition fees)
In addition to application fees, there are filing fees required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for various forms. They are also sometimes called immigration petition fee.
These petitions are typically submitted by individuals or employers seeking to sponsor someone for a visa, green card, or other immigration benefits. The fee amount varies depending on the type of petition and its specific requirements.
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative):
Fee: $535
Purpose: This petition is used by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to establish a qualifying relationship with a relative (e.g., spouse, child, parent) for the purpose of obtaining a family-based immigrant visa.
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):
Fee: $700
Purpose: This petition is filed by an employer on behalf of a foreign national seeking an employment-based immigrant visa.
Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant):
Fee: $435
Purpose: This form is used for various special immigrant categories, including religious workers, certain international broadcasters, and special immigrants under specific conditions.
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker):
Fee: $460
Purpose: This petition is used by employers to sponsor foreign nationals for nonimmigrant work visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1.
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):
Fee: $410
Purpose: This form is used to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing foreign nationals to work in the U.S. while their immigration application is being processed.
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document):
Fee: $575
Purpose: This form is used to apply for various travel documents, including advance parole for those seeking to travel outside the U.S. while their immigration status is pending.
Fee Payment and Considerations
Fee Payment: The petition fees must be paid at the time of filing the form. Payments can be made via check, money order, or other accepted methods as specified by USCIS.
Fee Waivers: In some cases, applicants may qualify for a fee waiver based on financial hardship. However, not all forms are eligible for fee waivers.
Fee Changes: USCIS periodically updates its fee structure. Applicants should check the USCIS website for the most current fee information before submitting their petition.
Translation and Document Fees
If required documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. The cost for translation services varies but is typically between $20 and $50 per page.
Travel Expenses
Depending on the applicant’s location, travel costs to attend interviews at U.S. consulates or embassies may also be a factor. Travel expenses can vary widely based on distance and travel arrangements.
Settlement Costs
Once granted a visa, immigrants may need to budget for initial settlement expenses, including housing, transportation, insurance, and other living costs as they transition to life in the U.S.
Immigration Fees for Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Green Card Fees for Form I-485
You need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, when you apply for a green card (permanent residency) while you are in the United States.
This is the form you file if your priority date is current (if applicable), and you have met the eligibility requirements for the green card category under which you are applying. The current cost for filing Form I-485 is about $1,225, including the biometrics fee.
United States Citizenship
For those seeking to become a U.S. citizen, the naturalization application fee for Form N-400 is $725, with an additional biometrics fee of $85.
The cost of immigrating to the United States involves multiple components, including visa application fees, biometrics and medical examination costs, legal fees, and additional expenses for document translation and settlement. Understanding these costs and planning accordingly can help prospective immigrants manage their financial expectations and navigate the immigration process more effectively.
Take the First Steps Towards Citizenship
While the expenses can be substantial, careful preparation and budgeting are essential steps toward achieving the goal of U.S. residency and citizenship.
Consult an Immigration Attorney - Get Help from a Professional
If you have any questions or require assistance, you should try speak to an attorney or consultant with specialized knowledge of immigration laws, procedures, and fees, They can provide a clear breakdown of filing fees, application costs, and any additional expenses, such as biometrics and legal representation.
Moreover, they can help identify potential pitfalls and ensure that all forms are completed accurately and submitted on time, reducing the risk of costly delays or rejections. Their expertise not only helps streamline the immigration process but also empowers applicants to make informed decisions, ultimately making the journey to becoming a U.S. resident more efficient and less stressful.
