Green Card Cost in 2026: Fees, Forms & Total Expenses
- By Fileright
- Last Updated:
Applying for a U.S. Green Card is a major step—and one of the first questions most people ask is: how much does a Green Card cost?
The answer depends on how you apply, which forms you file, and what additional services you may need along the way.
In this guide, we break down the costs of a Green Card in 2026, including filing fees set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), related application costs, and common additional expenses. You’ll also learn smart ways to estimate and reduce your total cost, so you can choose the best path forward with confidence.
How Much Does a Green Card Cost in 2026? (Quick Summary)
| Green Card Category | Estimated Total Cost (2026) |
| Family-based (inside the U.S.) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Employment-based | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
| Consular processing (outside U.S.) | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Refugee / Asylee adjustment | $0 – $500 |
| EB-5 Investor | $4,000+ (excluding investment) |
These estimates include USCIS filing fees and required costs such as medical exams. Attorney fees and optional services are not included unless stated.
What Determines Your Green Card Cost?
Your total Green Card cost depends on:
- Application category (family, employment, humanitarian, investor)
- Where you apply (inside vs. outside the U.S.)
- Forms required for your case
- Optional services (premium processing, attorney help)
- Dependents included in your application
What are the fees required to Obtain a Green Card?
To obtain a Green Card, most applicants must pay mandatory government filing fees. The exact fees depend on whether you apply inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) or outside the U.S. (Consular Processing).
Below are the most common required Green Card fees in 2026.
USCIS Filing Fees (Inside the U.S.)
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
- Form I-130 (Family petition): $625 (online) / $675 (paper)
- Form I-140 (Employment petition): $715
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): $120
Work & Travel While Your Green Card Is Pending
- Form I-765 (Work Permit): $260 with Form I-485 or $520 standalone
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): $630
Consular Processing Fees (Outside the U.S.)
- DS-260 Immigrant Visa Fee: $325
- Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee (after approval): $235
Medical Exam (Required for All Applicants)
- Form I-693 medical exam: Typically $200–$500 (paid to a civil surgeon). Learn more about medical examination from our comprehensive guide.
Important: Refugees and asylees are generally exempt from the Form I-485 filing fee.
All fees listed above are current for 2026 under the latest USCIS fee schedule.
Green Card Fee Changes Still Affecting Applicants in 2026
The last major USCIS fee update took effect on April 1, 2024, and those fees remain in place for 2026.
Key changes still impacting applicants:
- Higher base filing fees for most Green Card forms
- Separate fees for work permits (I-765) and travel documents (I-131)
- Biometric fee now included in the I-485 fee
- $50 discount for eligible online filings
- Expanded fee waiver eligibility for certain applicants
Green Card Cost Breakdown by Application Type
Family-Based Green Card Costs
- Form I-130
- Form I-485
- Form I-864
Typical total: $2,000–$3,000
Employment-Based Green Card Costs
- Form I-140
- Form I-485
- Optional premium processing
Typical total: $2,000–$5,000+
Refugee and Asylee Green Card Costs
- No I-485 filing fee
- Medical exam and optional travel documents
Typical total: $0–$500
Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) Costs
- DS-260 fee
- Adjustment of Status or consular fees
Typical total: $1,200–$2,000+
EB-5 Investor Green Card Costs
USCIS filing fees plus required investment. Does not include legal or consulting fees
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Adjustment of Status | Consular Processing |
| USCIS filing fees | Higher | Lower |
| Medical exam timing | During process | Before interview |
| USCIS immigrant fee | Included | Paid after approval |
| Travel costs | Minimal | Higher |
Other Costs Associated With Getting a Green Card
In addition to filing fees, you may need to pay for:
- Medical exams and vaccinations
- Certified document translations
- Passport-style photos
- Travel for biometrics or interviews
- Mailing and document replacement fees
- Attorney services (optional)
Tips to Save on Green Card Costs (DIY Smart Tips)
Want to keep your Green Card cost as low as possible? Here’s how:
- File eligible forms online to save $50
- Apply only for work or travel permits you truly need
- Use accurate, complete forms to avoid costly re-filing
- Check if you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee
- Compare Adjustment of Status vs Consular Processing carefully
Small decisions can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Payment Methods for Green Card Fees
- USCIS fees: Credit card, debit card, ACH transfer
- Department of State fees: U.S. bank account (ACH only)
- Medical exams: Paid directly to the doctor
Each fee should be paid separately to avoid processing delays.
Green Card Costs Made Simpler With FileRight
Getting a Green Card doesn’t have to be confusing or expensive. FileRight helps you:
- Complete your application step by step
- Avoid costly mistakes with smart checks
- Choose optional attorney review without high legal fees
- See clear pricing upfront
Start your Green Card application with confidence—and avoid paying more than you need to.
