Family-Based Immigration Costs: What to Expect and How to Prepare

When immigrating to the U.S. through relative, applicants generally follow one of two paths. Consular processing is for individuals who are located abroad and will interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. On other hand, certain individuals who are already in the U.S. through a lawful entry may be able to adjust status to green card holder. Each route involves unique steps and associated immigration costs.

Consular processing is the primary route for applicants who are outside the United States. This process generally includes an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. At the time of writing this article, here’s a general breakdown of the immigration costs:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

  To start the process, the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor files Form I-130 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition establishes a qualifying family relationship and is essential to all family-based immigration cases.
  USCIS Filing Fee: $675

• National Visa Center (NVC) Processing Fees

  Once USCIS approves the petition, the case goes to the National Visa Center. At this stage, additional fees are necessary to move forward.
  • DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application): This form is submitted online by the applicant and officially begins the visa process.
    DOS Filing Fee: $325
  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): The sponsor must demonstrate their financial ability to support the applicant. This ensures the applicant won’t rely on the government for public assistance.
    USCIS Filing Fee: $120

• Medical Examination and Vaccinations

  Before the consular interview, all applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by a physician approved by the embassy. Depending on the country, these costs vary. It’s a crucial requirement, and vaccinations may also add to this expense.
  Medical Expenses: $100-$500

If the family member seeking permanent residence is already in the United States, the adjustment of status pathway may be an option. This process allows them to transition from a temporary status to a permanent resident without leaving the U.S. Here’s an outline of costs involved in this path:

• Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

  Like in consular processing, Form I-130 is filed by the sponsor to establish the qualifying family relationship.
  USCIS Filing Fee: $675

• Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status)

  To apply for a green card from within the U.S., the applicant submits Form I-485. This form is central to the adjustment process and carries a higher filing fee than most forms.
  USCIS Fee: $1,440

• Medical Examination and Vaccinations

  Just as in consular processing, the applicant must undergo a medical exam from a USCIS-certified civil surgeon (doctor) in the U.S. This exam cost varies based on location and provider.
  Medical Expenses: $200-$500

• Additional Forms for Employment and Travel (Optional)

  Many applicants in the adjustment process apply for temporary work and travel authorization, which can be useful while waiting for their green card approval.
  • Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): Allows the applicant to work legally in the U.S. during the wait.
    USCIS Filing Fee: $260
  • Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document): Permits travel outside the U.S. without abandoning the adjustment application.
    USCIS Filing Fee: $630

If costs are a concern, consular processing is less expensive than adjustment of status. But there are other tradeoffs. No everyone has a choice. If you want to compare the two, see our comparision of adjustment of status and consular processing.