How much does a US green card cost? ——Comprehensive analysis of fee structure and hot topics
In recent years, the U.S. green card has been a hot topic for immigrants around the world. Whether through employment immigration, family reunification or investment immigration, the cost of applying for a green card is a factor that cannot be ignored. This article will combine the popular discussions on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the fee structure of the US green card and provide the latest data reference.
1. Main fees for U.S. green card application
The cost of applying for a U.S. green card varies depending on the application category and the applicant’s circumstances. The following are common expense items:
| Expense items | Amount (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) | 1,140 | Applicable to adjustment of status within the United States |
| I-130 application form (relative-based immigration) | 535 | Applicable to family reunification immigration |
| I-140 application form (employment-based immigration) | 700 | Applicable to EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and other employment-based immigrants |
| DS-260 Application Form (Immigrant Visa) | 325 | Applicable to overseas consular processing |
| Biometrics fee | 85 | Fingerprint collection and other fees |
| medical examination fee | 200-500 | Varies by region and doctor |
| attorney fees | 2,000-10,000 | Depends on the complexity of the case |
2. Special fees for investment immigration (EB-5)
EB-5 investment immigration is one of the popular choices in recent years, but its cost is much higher than other categories:
| Expense items | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment | 800,000 (targeted employment area) or 1,050,000 (non-targeted employment area) |
| I-526 Application Form | 3,675 |
| I-829 Application Form | 3,750 |
| Regional center management fee | 50,000-100,000 |
3. Recent hot topics and trends
1.Controversy over fee increases: Recently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) proposed to increase the fees for many immigration applications, triggering widespread discussion. For example, the I-485 filing fee may increase from $1,140 to $1,540.
2.EB-5 Reform: The minimum amount for EB-5 investment immigration has been raised from US$500,000 to US$800,000 in 2023. Many investors are evaluating the impact of this change on application strategies.
3.Scheduling issues: Applicants born in mainland China face long waiting lists in the employment-based and family-based immigration categories, which indirectly increases overall costs (such as additional expenses to maintain legal status).
4.attorney fee differential: Recent data shows that attorney fees for complex cases (such as EB-1A extraordinary ability) can reach up to $15,000, while simple family reunification cases may only cost $2,000-3,000.
4. How to reduce the cost of green card application?
1.DIY simple case: For simple cases such as immediate relative immigration (such as spouses or minor children), you can consider filling out the form yourself to save attorney fees.
2.Choose the appropriate immigration category: The application fee for EB-3 employment-based immigration is usually lower than that of EB-1, but the waiting time is longer, so time and cost need to be weighed.
3.Pay attention to policy changes: Keep abreast of the latest USCIS policies to avoid repeated payment due to incomplete materials or format errors.
4.Prepare funds in installments: EB-5 investors can pay part of the fees in stages by negotiating with the regional center.
5. Summary
The total cost of a U.S. green card can range from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars, depending on the application route and individual circumstances. Recent policy changes and scheduling issues have made expense planning more complex. It is recommended that applicants consult a professional immigration lawyer before taking action to formulate a plan that best suits their financial situation and immigration goals.
It is worth noting that in addition to official fees, applicants should also consider hidden costs such as document translation, notarization, travel, etc. A thorough understanding of the fee structure can help you avoid running out of money during the immigration process.
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