Learn About Green Card Fees and Payment Options

Understanding Green Card Fees: What You Need to Know

A Green Card, officially called a Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. The process of obtaining a Green Card involves several steps, and at various points along the way, the U.S. government charges fees. These fees help cover the costs of processing applications, conducting background checks, and issuing the physical card itself.

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The fees associated with Green Card petitions and applications can range significantly depending on your specific situation and the category under which you are seeking permanent residence. As of 2024, the Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) filing fee is $640, while the biometric services fee is $85 for most applicants. However, certain individuals may qualify for a fee reduction or waiver based on their income level.

It's important to understand that these fees are separate from any costs you might incur for obtaining required documents, medical examinations, translations, or legal representation. If you work with an immigration attorney, those professional fees are in addition to government filing fees. The total cost of the Green Card process can vary widely—some people spend $2,000 to $5,000 or more when including all associated expenses, while others may spend less depending on their circumstances and whether they use legal services.

Understanding the fee structure helps you plan financially and avoid delays. Paying the correct amount at the right time is crucial because incomplete payments or missing fees can result in application delays or denial. The government provides specific instructions about where and how to submit payment for each form, and following these instructions carefully is essential for a smooth process.

Practical Takeaway: Before beginning any Green Card process, research which forms and fees apply to your specific situation. Create a checklist of all required fees, and set aside funds to cover both government filing fees and any additional costs for documents, medical exams, or professional services you may need.

Fee Categories and Amounts for Green Card Applications

The U.S. government charges different fees depending on the form you file and your circumstances. The main forms used in Green Card processes each have their own associated costs. Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) costs $640 for filing, plus an $85 biometric services fee. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), commonly used in employment-based Green Card cases, costs $715. Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), used for family-based sponsorship, costs $555.

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Additionally, Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which a sponsor must file to demonstrate they can financially support an immigrant, has no filing fee, but the sponsor must understand their financial obligations. Some applicants also need to file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) at $555, depending on their visa status when applying for permanent residence.

Certain categories of people may be exempt from paying some fees. For example, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) are exempt from the I-485 filing fee, though they must still pay the biometric services fee. Refugees and asylees may have different fee structures. Children under 14 years old are sometimes eligible for reduced biometric fees.

The government also offers fee reductions and waivers for applicants with low income. Form I-912 (Request for Fee Reduction or Waiver) allows people to request that fees be reduced or eliminated if they cannot afford them. To qualify for a fee reduction, your household income generally must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. For a complete waiver, your income must typically be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.

Practical Takeaway: Review the specific forms required for your Green Card category and note the exact fees for each. If your household income is low, gather your financial documents and learn about the fee reduction or waiver process, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Money

The U.S. government accepts several payment methods for Green Card fees, but the specific methods and payment addresses vary depending on which form you are filing. Understanding the correct payment method and where to send payment is critical—sending money to the wrong address or using an unapproved method can result in delays and processing problems.

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For most Green Card forms, the government accepts payment by check or money order made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Some forms also allow credit card or debit card payments through specific online systems. When paying by check or money order, you must include your name, date of birth, and the form number on the front or back of the check.

Certain forms can be filed online through USCIS online filing systems, which accept electronic payment. For example, some employment-based forms can be filed through the USCIS online portal using a credit or debit card. Filing online often results in faster processing than paper forms and reduces the risk of payment errors since the system processes payment electronically.

The address where you send payment depends on whether you are filing by mail or online and which specific form you are submitting. The official USCIS website provides detailed instructions for each form, including the correct mailing address for your jurisdiction. Sending payment to the wrong address can cause significant delays. Some USCIS service centers have different addresses than others, so check the form instructions carefully. If you are filing through an online system, the payment is processed directly through the secure website.

Payment processing typically takes time. The government may take several weeks to process and record a check or money order payment. During this period, your application may show as incomplete if the payment has not yet been recorded in the system. This is normal, and you should not resend payment unless specifically instructed to do so. Keep evidence of your payment—either a cancelled check, money order receipt, or online confirmation—in your records.

Practical Takeaway: Always check the official instructions for your specific form to learn the correct payment method and mailing address. If paying by check or money order, make a copy of it before sending. If paying online, print or save your confirmation receipt. Keep all payment documentation with your application records.

Fee Reductions and Waivers: How the Process Works

If you cannot afford to pay the full Green Card filing fees, the USCIS provides a process to request a fee reduction or complete waiver. This process recognizes that financial hardship should not prevent people from being able to apply for permanent residence. To request a fee reduction or waiver, you must file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Reduction or Waiver) along with your main application or petition.

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The income thresholds for fee reductions and waivers are based on the federal poverty guidelines, which are adjusted annually. As of 2024, to qualify for a fee reduction, your household income should be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline to qualify for a complete fee waiver. For a single person, the 2024 guideline for a fee waiver is approximately $15,060 annually, while a family of four would need to earn below approximately $30,900.

When submitting Form I-912, you must provide financial documentation to prove your income level. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs (typically from the last 30 days), tax returns from the previous two years, bank statements, letters from your employer showing your wage information, proof of unemployment benefits, and statements from any public benefit programs you receive. Self-employed individuals should submit business records and tax returns. The key is providing clear, official documentation that the USCIS can verify.

The USCIS will review your Form I-912 and supporting documents to determine whether you qualify. If approved, your fee will be reduced or waived, and you will be notified in writing. If denied, you will be told that you must pay the full fee to proceed. The time it takes to receive a decision on your fee reduction or waiver request varies, but you should typically expect a response within several weeks to months.

You can submit your Form I-912 at the same time you submit your main application, or in some cases, you can submit it later if you discover financial hardship after filing. However, it is generally better to submit it with your initial application to avoid delays. If you submit it after your main form, include