Green Card Application Fees: What Families Should Budget For 

Government filing fees changed under a rule that took effect April 1, 2024. What your household pays depends largely on whether the relative applying is already in the United States or is applying from abroad. The two paths use different forms, agencies, and payment systems. This breakdown can help you build a practical household budget.

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The Core Fees at a Glance 

The amounts below are listed as of August 2026 and reflect the April 1, 2024 USCIS fee rule, the USCIS fee schedule, and travel.state.gov.

For these family-based forms, biometrics generally do not require a separate payment because the cost is included in the filing fee.

If You Are Applying Inside the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) 

Adjustment of status may be available to an eligible relative who is already in the country. The main costs are typically the Form I-130 petition and Form I-485 application, although some applicants already have an approved petition. As of August 2026, Form I-130 costs $625 online or $675 on paper, a $50 paper-filing difference. Form I-485 costs $1,440 for an applicant age 14 or older.

The 2024 rule also separated fees that were previously bundled with Form I-485. As of August 2026, a work permit application using Form I-765 costs $260 when filed in the applicable adjustment category, while Form I-131 advance parole costs $630. These forms are optional, but they may be important if the applicant needs to work or travel while the case is pending. Leaving the United States without the required travel authorization can affect an application, so applicants should review the rules before making travel plans.

If Your Relative Is Applying From Abroad (Consular Processing)

Consular processing begins with Form I-130 and then moves to the National Visa Center and a U.S. embassy or consulate. Some charges apply to each applicant, while others apply to each NVC case.

As of August 2026, the DS-260 immigrant visa fee is $325 for each family-based applicant. A spouse and two children completing separate DS-260 applications would therefore have three charges. The Affidavit of Support review fee is $120 for each applicable NVC case. If relatives have separate case numbers, more than one review fee may be required.

Costs Families Often Forget

Several expenses can stretch a budget even though they do not appear on the government filing-fee schedule. For a plain-English overview of fee categories and payment logistics, see green card application fees; verify every amount on USCIS and travel.state.gov before paying.

• Medical exams. Civil surgeons and panel physicians set their own prices. Call several approved offices and ask whether the quoted amount includes laboratory work, required vaccines, and paperwork. Medical-form validity rules have changed, so check current USCIS instructions before scheduling the exam.
• Vaccination records and certified translations. Applicants may need updated vaccinations. Documents written in another language generally require a complete English translation with the translator’s certification.
• Passport photos, mailing, and courier services. These smaller charges can add up when several relatives are applying.
• Travel. Budget for transportation to medical exams, biometrics appointments, and interviews. A consular interview may also require airfare, local transportation, meals, or a hotel stay.
• Document replacement. Ordering new birth, marriage, divorce, or police records may involve local government fees and international shipping.

How to Pay Without Creating Delays

USCIS payment options depend on whether a form is filed online or by mail. Online accounts generally support credit-card or ACH bank payments. For a mailed application, use only the payment methods and authorization forms listed on the current USCIS page for that form. Payment policies have changed over time, so do not rely on an old checklist.

When submitting several forms in one package, use a separate payment for each filing fee when USCIS instructions recommend it. This reduces the risk that one incorrect amount will cause the entire package to be rejected.

The National Visa Center uses a different system. CEAC fees generally must be paid from a U.S. checking or savings account. Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted through that payment portal. Families whose petitioner lives abroad should arrange access to an eligible U.S. account before the fees are due.

Two Sample Checklists

For a spouse and one child under 14 adjusting status inside the United States, start by determining whether separate Form I-130 petitions are required. Then, as of August 2026, budget for one adult Form I-485 at $1,440 and one qualifying child’s Form I-485 at $950. Add Forms I-765 and I-131 only for applicants who need them, followed by medical exams, translations, photos, and delivery costs.

For the same family applying abroad, as of August 2026, budget for the required Form I-130 petition or petitions, the $120 Affidavit of Support review fee for each applicable NVC case, the $325 DS-260 fee for each applicant, and the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee for each person. Add medical exams, document fees, translations, travel, and lodging.

Check the Numbers on the Day You Pay

Fee schedules and payment rules change, so a budget prepared several months ago may no longer be accurate. The Lightman Immigration overview can provide useful background on common fee categories and payment logistics, but it is not official guidance. Before paying, confirm each amount against the USCIS fee schedule and travel.state.gov. Save payment confirmations, bank records, and agency receipts with a complete copy of the application.