If you’re thinking about applying for a green card, one of the first questions that comes up is simple and honest: “How much is this really going to cost?”

That’s a wise question to ask early. The word “application” can make the process sound straightforward, but in reality, getting a green card involves government filing fees, medical exams, document preparation, and sometimes professional support.

The total cost depends on many factors, but the most important factor is:

Are you applying from inside the United States or from outside?

Those two paths are called:

• Adjustment of Status (AOS) – for applicants inside the U.S.
• Consular Processing – for applicants outside the U.S.

Understanding the difference between these two options makes the financial picture much clearer. Let’s walk through both, side by side, and then talk about the less obvious costs families often overlook.

Please note that fees are subject to change. The fee amounts listed below are current as of the date this article was published. You can verify all current fees using either this USCIS fee page or the USCIS fee calculator.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

First: What a Green Card Actually Means

A green card is the informal name for a Permanent Resident Card. It shows that you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Permanent residence generally allows you to:

• Live in the U.S. long-term
• Work legally for most employers
• Travel internationally (with certain limits)
• Apply for U.S. citizenship later if eligible

You can read more directly from USCIS here.

For many families, this is more than paperwork. It’s stability. It’s career flexibility. It’s finally feeling settled. However, this important milestone doesn’t come cheap. There are multiple fees and expenses associated with becoming a permanent resident. Additionally, prices vary depending on which path is taken. Let’s break down the costs associated with the two most common paths to a green card. 

The Two Main Paths: AOS vs. Consular Processing

The biggest cost difference comes from where the immigrant is located.

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Used when the immigrant is already inside the United States and is eligible to apply for permanent residence without leaving.

Consular Processing

Used when the immigrant is outside the United States and will attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

These paths involve different forms, different agencies, and different fee structures.

Let’s look at each one more closely.

Adjustment of Status (AOS) – Applying From Inside the U.S.

If you’re applying from inside the United States, your case is handled primarily by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Most family-based AOS cases include:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
• Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)

According to the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055), the required fees for requesting a green card are:

• Form I-130: $625 if filed online, $675 if filed on paper
• Form I-485: $1,440 for most applicants age 14+

That means many Adjustment of Status cases start around: Approximately $2,065 in government fees (if filing I-130 online), before adding the medical exam or other costs.

Work and Travel Authorization While You Wait

Many AOS applicants also file optional forms with their green card application:

• Form I-765 (Work Permit / EAD): commonly $260
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole travel document): commonly $630

If you file all four forms together (I-130, I-485, I-765, I-131), government fees alone may total approximately $2,955 for one applicant.

The benefit of AOS is that you may remain in the U.S. while waiting and, in many cases, receive work authorization during the process.

Consular Processing – Applying From Outside the U.S.

If the immigrant is living abroad, the process works differently. Instead of filing through the Adjustment of Status method, they file through Consular Processing. 

Step 1: USCIS Petition

The U.S. sponsor files:

• Form I-130: $625 online or $675 paper
  Source:
  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf

After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Step 2: Department of State Visa Stage

Consular applicants pay visa-related fees to the U.S. Department of State.

Unlike AOS, there is no I-485 fee, and no separate I-765 or I-131 filing is required at this stage.

Instead, the applicant completes:

• Form DS-260: $325
• Form I-864: $120

During this phase, they will also need to pay for:

• A certified medical exam (price varies) 
• Cost of travel to a consulate or embassy for an interview (price varies)

Step 3: Entering the US

If the applicant is approved at their consulate interview, they will then be able to move to the United States 

Upon entering the United States, they will be required to pay: 

• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $225

This fee covers the processing of the immigrant visa packet and the production of the Permanent Resident Card

Government fees for consular processing are often lower than a full AOS package that includes work and travel permits. However, the applicant must remain outside the U.S. until the immigrant visa is issued.

That trade-off is important when budgeting.

The Medical Exam – Required for Both Paths

Every green card applicant must complete a medical exam and outisde of the USCIS filing fees, is often one of the largest expenses associated with applying for a green card. Like much of the green card application process, medical exams vary for AOS applicants versus consular applicants. 

For AOS applicants:

• The exam is done by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon in the U.S.
• USCIS provides a civil surgeon lookup tool so that you can access the list of civil surgeons closest to you 

For consular applicants:

• The exam is done by a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy.
• The consulate/embassy will provide you with a list of approved physicians from which to choose. 

USCIS does not set the price. Each doctor or clinic sets its own fee. Costs vary widely depending on location and whether vaccines or additional tests are needed. Immigrants should anticipate exam costs of approximately $250-950, plus the cost of any additional treatments or vaccinations needed to pass the exam, as well as any transportation expenses. This exam is rarely covered by insurance, but it can be FSA/HSA eligible for those living in the United States. 

Be sure to plan ahead and call around to different offices to compare timelines and prices. The offices with lower prices typically have longer appointment wait times. 

The “Hidden” Costs Many Families Forget

Government fees are just one part of the real total.

Here are additional expenses that frequently surprise people:

Passport Photos

Many applications require passport-style photos. Some applicants end up needing 8–10 photos total between different forms and stages.

Professional passport photos typically cost $10–$20 per pair, which can add up to $40–$100 or more over time.

Printing and Copying

If you file by paper, you may print hundreds of pages, including:

• Forms
• Supporting evidence
• Copies of passports and civil documents

Printing, binders, dividers, and copies can easily cost $25–$75 or more.

Shipping

Secure mailing through USPS, FedEx, or UPS is strongly recommended. Trackable shipping can cost $20–$60 per packet, especially for large submissions.

Document Translations

If any documents are not in English, certified translations are required. Translation fees vary but often range from $20–$50 per page.

Travel to Interviews or Medical Exams

For both AOS and consular applicants, travel costs can include:

• Gas, airfare, or other transit
• Hotels
• Time off work
• Childcare

These are real costs, even though they do not appear on a USCIS receipt.

Document Requests 

Sometimes applicants will need to request specific documents, such as specialized birth certificates, marriage certificates, court documents, etc. Requesting original copies of these documents can involve fees, especially if the document needs to be shipped internationally. Prices for this can vary from country to country and depending on shipping needs. Applicants should anticipate budgeting $50-100 for this, just in case. 

Conditional Green Cards and the I-751 Fee

If your marriage was less than two years old at approval, you may receive a 2-year conditional green card. If this is the case, you will have an additional application to complete. 

Approximately 2 years after receiving your initial green card, you must file:

• Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)

Current filing fee: $750
Source:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/i-751

This applies whether your case started with AOS or consular processing.

Planning ahead for this second-stage filing can prevent financial stress later.

Attorney Fees: What Many Families Pay

Hiring an immigration attorney is optional, but many families choose to do so for added confidence.

Typical attorney fees for a single family-based green card case often range from:

$1,500 to $4,000 or more

Costs vary depending on location, complexity, and whether additional filings (like I-751 or waivers) are required.

Some attorneys charge flat fees. Others charge hourly rates, which can increase costs if the case becomes complicated.

For many families, this is the single largest non-government expense.

What Does the Total Often Look Like?

Because every case is different, it is more helpful to think in ranges.

Adjustment of Status with work and travel permits:

• Government fees: around $2,955
• Medical exam: $250+
• Photos, printing, shipping, misc.: $100–$300+
• Attorney (if used): $1,500–$4,000+

Consular Processing:

• I-130 filing fee: $625 online or $675 paper
• Department of State visa fees: $445
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $225
• Medical exam abroad: $250+
• International travel: variable 
• Attorney (if used): $1,500-$4000+

For many families, the total investment for a single applicant can reach several thousand dollars.

Seeing that number can feel overwhelming. But remember: these costs are often spread out over many months.

A Cost-Effective Way to Save Time and Money

If hiring a traditional attorney feels too expensive, but filing completely alone feels stressful, there is a “best of both” option.

SimpleCitizen provides a guided, do-it-yourself immigration platform that helps applicants prepare their immigration applications with structure, support, and care.

Through the SimpleCitizen platform, applicants can:

• Complete a guided questionnaire that fills out immigration forms automatically
• Upload supporting documents in one organized place
• Receive help understanding what evidence is needed
• Track their application preparation step by step

One of the biggest advantages of SimpleCitizen is that applications can also receive review by a licensed immigration attorney through SimpleCitizen’s network of independent immigration attorneys.

Green Card packages currently start at $529 and include:

• Attorney review of your application
• Document translation support
• Live chat assistance
• A complete digital application packet

Higher-tier packages can also include:

• Printing and shipping of your completed application
• Support responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Consultation calls with a licensed immigration attorney
• Interview preparation resources

You can explore the full package details here.

For many families, this approach offers a cost-effective way to receive immigration guidance while saving both time and money compared to traditional attorney services.

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Final Thoughts

The real cost of getting a green card depends largely on one key question:

Are you applying from inside the U.S. or outside?

Adjustment of Status typically involves higher USCIS filing fees, especially if you apply for work and travel permits. Consular processing may involve lower USCIS fees but includes Department of State visa fees and international travel. On top of that, there are medical exams, passport photos, printing, shipping, translations, and possibly attorney fees.

Understanding the full picture early helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises. This process is not just an expense. It’s an investment in stability, opportunity, and your family’s future.

We’re Happy You’re Here.

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