US Green Card Application Cost & Timeline Calculator – I-130, I-485 & USCIS Fees (2026)

Estimate total financial costs and adjudication timelines for family and employment-based US green cards under 2026 USCIS fee rule. Includes I-130, I-485, medical exam, and legal fees.

Green Card Filing Category

Filing Procedure & Location

Immigration Attorney / Legal Representation

Include EAD Work & Advance Parole Travel ($890)

Petition Filing Fee:$675

Adjustment / Consular Fee:$1,440

Form I-693 Certified Civil Surgeon Medical Exam:$450

Total Estimated Outlay

$6,955

USCIS fees + medical + legal

Adjudication Timeline

10 - 16 months

USCIS field office average

Cost Component Breakdown:

Mandatory USCIS / NVC Government Fees:$3,005

I-693 Medical Exam & Vaccinations:$450

Attorney & Legal Preparation:$3,500

USCIS 2026 Unbundled Fee Notice: Under updated USCIS fee schedules, Form I-765 (Work Authorization, $260) and Form I-131 (Advance Parole, $630) are unbundled when concurrently filed with Form I-485.

Immigration and consular fee estimate based on official 2026 USCIS and Department of State fee schedules. This tool is for informational planning only and does not constitute formal legal representation or immigration attorney advice.

2026 USCIS Fee Rule Changes for Permanent Residence

Applying for a United States Lawful Permanent Resident card (Green Card) involves both federal agency filing tariffs and mandatory third-party clinical and legal outlays. Under the comprehensive USCIS Fee Schedule, government tariffs reflect modernized agency operations:

Core Government Fee Schedule Breakdown

Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: Set at $675 USD for paper submissions ($625 if filed online via myUSCIS portal).
Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence: Set at $1,440 USD for adults, bundling biometric fingerprint processing.
Unbundled Interim Benefits (EAD & AP): Previously included free of charge, concurrent Form I-765 Employment Authorization requires an additional $260 discounted fee, while Form I-131 Travel Document requires $630.
Consular Immigrant Visa Fees: Applicants abroad pay the National Visa Center $325 for DS-260 processing, $120 for I-864 Affidavit of Support review, and the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee for green card card-production.

Medical Exam & Vaccination Mandate (Form I-693)

Every applicant must complete a physical evaluation by a designated USCIS Civil Surgeon. Testing covers tuberculosis (IGRA blood test), syphilis, gonorrhea, and required vaccinations (including MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Tdap). Civil surgeon fees range between $350 and $600 nationwide.

Frequently asked questions

Can my spouse work while our green card application is pending?

Yes, once Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) is approved. EAD processing typically takes 3 to 7 months after filing Form I-485.

Can I leave the United States while my I-485 is pending?

No, unless you obtain an approved Form I-131 Advance Parole document or hold a valid dual-intent visa (such as H-1B or L-1). Departing without Advance Parole constitutes abandonment of Form I-485.

Is an immigration attorney required to file for a green card?

No. Legal representation is voluntary. However, applicants with prior visa overstays, arrests, or complex immigration histories strongly benefit from attorney representation.

Pay US government fees & international expenses with Wise

Transfer USD for consular fees, SEVIS payments, and overseas logistics at the mid-market exchange rate with minimal markup.

Open Wise Account