How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to the US? (Price Guide)

There is no single price for immigrating to the United States. The cost depends on which forms your case requires, whether you file online or on paper, and whether you apply from inside the country or through a U.S. consulate abroad. Each person on a case typically pays their own fees.

This guide lists government fees for common forms and for consular visa processing. It covers fees only. It does not say who is eligible for any benefit, and it is not legal advice. For questions about your case, talk to a licensed attorney or an accredited representative, and use official USCIS and State Department pages for current rules.

The fees below come from USCIS's 2024 fee rule. Several forms are cheaper to file online than on paper. Some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or a fee waiver, and USCIS publishes the requirements.

The I-130 is the petition a family member files to start many family-based cases. The I-485 is the application to adjust status from within the United States. The I-765 covers work authorization, the I-751 removes conditions on a marriage-based green card, the I-90 replaces a card, and the N-400 is the citizenship application.

Applicants who complete the process abroad pay fees to the State Department and then a separate fee to USCIS after the visa is issued. These figures are as reported by a published immigration guide, because the State Department page was not accessible when checked.

The visa application fee depends on the category, such as family-based or employment-based. The Affidavit of Support review applies when the review is handled domestically. The USCIS immigrant fee pays for producing the green card, and it is collected after the visa is approved and before travel.

• Path: Adjusting status inside the country and consular processing abroad use different forms and fees.
• Family size: Spouses and children usually pay their own fees.
• Filing method: Online filing is cheaper than paper for some forms.
• Add-on forms: Work authorization and travel documents are separate applications.
• Medical exams and translations: Required medical exams, document translations, and certified records are paid to providers, not to the government.
• Legal help: Attorney fees vary widely, and some nonprofit organizations offer low-cost help.

Government fees are only part of the real cost. Travel to an interview, passport-style photos, and obtaining civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates all add to the total. Fees can also change: USCIS has updated its fee schedule in the past, and a form's fee may differ from the figures here by the time you file. Always check the current fee on the USCIS fee schedule, or use its fee calculator, before sending payment. A rejected payment can delay the filing.

Read the form instructions to confirm which version and which fee applies. File only the forms your case needs. If you think you may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee, read the USCIS guidance first and apply the way it directs. Be careful with websites that charge to hand you a form that USCIS provides free; USCIS does not require a third party to file, and scams are common.