How much does it cost to obtain a marriage green card?
The cost of obtaining a marriage green card, officially known as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card through marriage, can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the individuals involved and any changes in government fees. Here is a general overview of the typical expenses associated with obtaining a marriage green card:
- USCIS Filing Fees: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges filing fees for various forms involved in the green card application process. These fees include the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and the biometrics fee. The combined filing fees can amount to several thousand dollars.
- Medical Examination: As part of the green card application process, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. The cost of the medical examination varies but generally falls within a range.
- Affidavit of Support: If the sponsoring spouse doesn’t meet certain income requirements, they may need to find a joint sponsor who can provide financial support for the intending immigrant. This could involve additional expenses.
- Translation and Document Fees: If any documents, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates, need to be translated into English, there could be costs associated with the translation.
- Travel Expenses: If the intending immigrant is outside the United States, they might need to travel to the U.S. consulate for an interview. This could involve costs related to travel, accommodation, and other related expenses.
- Attorney Fees: While hiring an attorney is not mandatory, many people choose to work with an immigration attorney to navigate the complexities of the process. Attorney fees can vary widely based on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of the case.
- Miscellaneous Costs: There may be other minor expenses related to obtaining required documents, obtaining police clearance certificates, and more.
It’s important to note that government fees can change over time, so it’s recommended to check the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date fee information. Additionally, individual circumstances can greatly impact the overall cost. Consulting with an immigration attorney or seeking advice from official government sources can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
As of my last update, the total cost for obtaining a marriage green card could range from around $1,000 to $2,000 in government fees, and additional costs (such as medical exams, translations, attorney fees, and travel expenses) could further increase the overall expenses.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage Based Green Card?
The processing time for obtaining a marriage-based green card in the United States can vary widely depending on several factors, including the USCIS service center that handles your application, the specific details of your case, and any changes in government processing times. Here’s a general timeline for the different stages of the process:
- I-130 Petition Processing: The first step is to file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, which establishes the qualifying relationship between the U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioner and the foreign spouse. Processing times for the I-130 can range from several months to over a year, depending on the USCIS service center and caseload.
- I-485 Adjustment of Status Processing: After the I-130 is approved (if you’re already in the U.S.), you can file the I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The processing time for the I-485 can also vary but generally falls within a range of several months to over a year.
- Biometrics Appointment: As part of the green card application process, you’ll likely be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. This step helps USCIS conduct background checks. The appointment is typically scheduled a few weeks after filing the I-485.
- Interview: In many cases, USCIS will require you and your spouse to attend an in-person interview. This interview is to assess the legitimacy of the marriage and the eligibility of the foreign spouse for a green card. The interview is usually scheduled several months after filing the I-485.
- Green Card Approval: After the interview (if required), USCIS will make a decision on your green card application. If approved, you will receive your green card in the mail.
- Total Timeline: Taking into account the various stages mentioned above, the overall timeline for obtaining a marriage-based green card could range from approximately 12 to 24 months or even longer in some cases.
It’s important to note that processing times can change based on various factors, including USCIS workload, policy changes, and external circumstances such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may lead to delays.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date processing time information for your specific situation, you can check the USCIS website, which provides estimated processing times for each service center and type of application. Additionally, consulting with an immigration attorney can help you understand the potential timelines based on your individual circumstances.
Tips on reducing the cost of a marriage green card
Reducing the cost of obtaining a marriage green card involves careful planning, research, and making informed decisions throughout the process. Here are some tips that might help you minimize expenses:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to understand the application process, required forms, and documentation. This can help you avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or additional costs.
- DIY vs. Attorney: While hiring an immigration attorney can be beneficial, it also comes with costs. If your case is straightforward and you’re confident in your ability to follow instructions, you might consider preparing and filing the application yourself.
- Fee Waivers: Some applicants may be eligible for fee waivers if they meet certain income requirements or receive government benefits. Check the USCIS website for information on fee waiver eligibility and application procedures.
- Avoid Unnecessary Services: Be cautious of companies or individuals offering unnecessary services that promise to expedite your application for an additional fee. Stick to the official USCIS website and government-approved resources.
- Choose the Right Forms: Make sure you’re using the correct and up-to-date forms to avoid rejections and additional fees.
- Careful Document Preparation: Accurate and complete documentation is crucial. Double-check your forms and supporting documents to avoid delays due to missing or incorrect information.
- Combine Filings: If you’re eligible to file multiple forms simultaneously, it might be more cost-effective to do so. For example, filing the I-130 and I-485 concurrently could save you on separate filing fees.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and financial evidence, before starting the application process. This can prevent delays and additional document procurement costs later on.
- Travel Wisely: If you’re required to attend an interview at a USCIS office, consider the cost of travel and accommodation. Plan your trip efficiently to save on these expenses.
- Affidavit of Support: Ensure that the sponsoring spouse meets the income requirements to avoid needing a joint sponsor, which could lead to additional costs.
- Shop Around for Services: If you decide to hire an attorney or use translation services, compare fees and services from multiple providers to find the best value.
- Be Timely: Submit your applications, required documents, and responses to USCIS requests promptly to avoid any potential delays that could result in additional costs.
- Consider Premium Processing (if available): Some applications offer the option of premium processing for an additional fee. While this doesn’t apply to all cases, it can expedite the processing time.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the USCIS website for updates on fees, forms, and processing times to stay informed and avoid surprises.
Remember that while reducing costs is important, it’s also crucial to prioritize accuracy and compliance with the immigration laws. Cutting corners or making mistakes could result in delays, denials, or even legal issues. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the process, consulting with an immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance.