Smart Moves

How Much Does a Green Card Cost in 2026? Full Fee Breakdown

By USILT Editorial Team · Published June 16, 2026 · Last verified June 2026

"How much does a green card cost?" has no single answer, because the price depends on how you qualify, whether you apply from inside or outside the U.S., and whether you hire an attorney. Below is a 2026 breakdown of the major government fees by category, plus the recurring costs people forget. Always confirm exact amounts on the official USCIS and State Department fee schedules before you file — fees change, and this is a guide, not a quote.

The two main fee paths: adjustment vs. consular processing

Almost every green card runs through one of two channels. Adjustment of status (you are already in the U.S.) centers on Form I-485, which bundles the application and, in most cases, biometrics. Consular processing (you are abroad) routes through the National Visa Center and a U.S. consulate, with a State Department immigrant visa fee plus the USCIS Immigrant Fee paid after approval. The path you use largely determines your fee mix.

Family-based green card fees

A family case typically includes the petition (Form I-130) filed by the relative, plus either the I-485 (adjustment) or the consular immigrant visa fee and Affidavit of Support processing. Add the USCIS Immigrant Fee for consular cases (this is the well-known "$220 green card fee" many people search for, paid online after the visa is issued so the physical card can be produced and mailed).

Employment-based green card fees

Employment cases add steps: often a PERM labor certification (no USCIS fee, but employer costs), the Form I-140 immigrant petition, and then I-485 or consular processing. Premium processing is optional and adds a separate, substantial fee to speed up the I-140 decision. Many employment fees are paid by the employer rather than the worker.

Work permit and travel document while you wait

Adjustment applicants usually file for a work permit (Form I-765, EAD) and a travel document/advance parole (Form I-131) so they can work and travel while the green card is pending. When filed together with a pending I-485, these are frequently included without a separate fee — but rules change, so verify before assuming.

Biometrics

Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for background checks. In the current fee structure the biometrics cost is generally folded into the main application fee rather than billed separately for most categories. Budget for it as part of the I-485 rather than as an extra line item.

The medical exam (Form I-693)

Every green card applicant needs an immigration medical exam by an authorized civil surgeon (adjustment) or panel physician (consular). This is not a government filing fee — it is paid directly to the doctor and commonly runs a few hundred dollars depending on location and required vaccinations. It is one of the most overlooked costs.

Attorney fees (optional but common)

Hiring an immigration attorney is optional, but common for employment, complex family, or any case with complications. Legal fees vary widely by case complexity and region and are entirely separate from government fees. A straightforward marriage case costs far less in legal fees than a contested or RFE-heavy employment case.

Recurring and hidden costs

Beyond the headline fees, budget for passport photos, document translations, certified copies of civil documents, shipping, and travel to biometrics or interview appointments. Consular cases add the cost of traveling to the embassy. These small amounts add up, and they are the costs most applicants underestimate.

There is no single green card price. The fee you pay depends on your category, whether you are inside or outside the U.S., and what you do yourself.

The Bottom Line

A green card's cost is the sum of several fees — the petition, the I-485 or consular immigrant visa fee, the USCIS Immigrant Fee, the medical exam, and optional extras like premium processing and attorney fees — and it varies a lot by category. Build your budget from the official USCIS and State Department fee schedules for your specific forms, and remember the non-government costs (medical exam, translations, travel) that catch people by surprise. For an accurate estimate for your situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a green card cost in 2026?

There is no flat price. The total is the sum of the petition fee, the I-485 or consular immigrant visa fee, the USCIS Immigrant Fee, the medical exam, and any optional costs like premium processing or an attorney. Confirm current amounts on the USCIS and State Department fee schedules.

What is the $220 green card fee?

That is the USCIS Immigrant Fee, paid online after a consular immigrant visa is approved. It covers processing and producing the physical green card, which USCIS mails after you are admitted to the U.S. Confirm the current amount, as fees change.

Is the medical exam included in the green card fee?

No. The immigration medical exam (Form I-693) is paid directly to an authorized civil surgeon or panel physician, not to the government. It typically costs a few hundred dollars depending on location and vaccinations needed.

Do I pay for a work permit and travel document separately?

When you file Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (advance parole) together with a pending Form I-485, they are often included without a separate fee. Rules change, so verify on USCIS.gov before filing.

Who pays the fees for an employment green card?

It varies. Some employment-based fees, such as certain steps of the labor certification and petition, are typically paid by the employer, while others may be paid by the applicant. Premium processing, if used, is a separate fee that can be paid by either party.

Are green card fees refundable if I'm denied?

Generally no. USCIS filing fees pay for processing your application, not for approval, and are not refunded if your case is denied. This is why accuracy and eligibility matter so much before you file.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. Consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney for guidance on your individual case.