Marriage Green Card – How Much Does it Cost
The cost of obtaining a Marriage Green Card (officially known as a Marriage-Based Permanent Resident Card or Form I-130 and Form I-485) in the United States can vary based on several factors, including your specific situation and any changes in immigration fees that may have occurred since then. Immigration fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the most current fee schedule on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information.
Here are some of the fees associated with the Marriage Green Card application process:
- Filing Fee for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This fee is typically paid by the U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse who is sponsoring the immigrant spouse. It was approximately $535.
- Filing Fee for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): this fee was approximately $1,140 for applicants aged 14-78. Applicants under 14 or over 78 may have lower fees.
- Biometrics Fee: This fee of $85 per applicant covers the cost of fingerprinting and background checks.
- Medical Examination: Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by an authorized USCIS physician. The cost of this examination can vary but typically ranges from $100 to $500 or more.
- Translation and Documentation Costs: If any of your documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police clearance certificates) are not in English, you may need to pay for translation services. Additionally, there may be costs associated with obtaining certified copies of required documents.
- Attorney Fees: If you choose to work with an immigration attorney to assist you with the application process, their fees will vary depending on the complexity of your case and the services they provide.
- Travel Costs: If you need to attend interviews, USCIS appointments, or biometrics appointments, you should consider travel costs, such as transportation and accommodation.
Please note that USCIS fees are subject to change, and they can change periodically. Therefore, it is crucial to check the USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the cost of obtaining a Marriage Green Card. Additionally, the process may involve other fees or expenses not listed here, so it’s essential to be well-informed and financially prepared when pursuing a Marriage Green Card.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage Based Green Card?
The processing time for obtaining a Marriage-Based Green Card (officially known as a Marriage-Based Permanent Resident Card or Form I-130 and Form I-485) in the United States can vary widely depending on several factors.The processing time generally depended on factors such as your location, the workload at the USCIS office or service center handling your case, your immigration status, and whether any issues or delays arise during the process.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Current USCIS Processing Times: USCIS publishes estimated processing times for various types of applications on their website. You can check the USCIS website for the most up-to-date processing time estimates for Form I-130 and Form I-485. Keep in mind that these times can change, so it’s essential to monitor them regularly.
- Your Location: The processing time can vary depending on where you live and which USCIS office or service center is handling your case. Some areas may have higher caseloads and longer processing times than others.
- Completeness and Accuracy of Your Application: Ensure that your application is complete and accurate when you submit it. Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or requests for additional documentation.
- Interviews and Biometrics: You may be required to attend interviews and biometrics appointments as part of the application process. The scheduling of these appointments can also affect the overall processing time.
- Background Checks and Security Clearances: USCIS conducts background checks and security clearances as part of the application process. If there are any issues or delays with these checks, it can prolong the processing time.
- Potential Delays: There can be various factors that may cause delays, such as requests for evidence (RFEs) or the need for additional documentation. Responding to such requests promptly is essential to avoid further delays.
- Visa Bulletin: For applicants from countries with high demand for Green Cards, there may be visa bulletin backlogs that can significantly impact the waiting time. You can check the Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State website to see the current priority dates for visa processing.
