Immigration Cost Breakdown 2026: Every Fee Explained
Understand the true cost of immigration. Complete breakdown of USCIS fees, attorney costs, medical exams, and all expenses for different immigration categories.
Important: Immigration fees change annually. This guide reflects 2026 fees. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov before filing.
USCIS Form Filing Fees
| Form | Name | Online | Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $535 | $625 |
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status | $1440 | $1,540 |
| I-765 | Employment Authorization | $470 | $520 |
| I-864 | Affidavit of Support | $0 | $0 |
| N-400 | Application for Naturalization | $710 | $760 |
| I-90 | Green Card Renewal | $465 | $565 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprinting Service | $85 | |
Total Cost by Scenario
Spouse of U.S. Citizen (Marriage Green Card)
USCIS Fees Only:
With Attorney:
Total with All Costs:
Employment-Based EB-1 or EB-2 (with Attorney)
Additional Expenses to Budget
Medical Examination:
$300-$500 (required for I-485)
Document Translation:
$200-$400 (per form/document set)
Police Clearance:
$50-$200 (varies by country)
Notarization & Certification:
$25-$100 (per document)
Photos:
$20-$50 (2x2 inch passport style)
Copies & Shipping:
$50-$150 (FedEx/certified mail)
Ways to Reduce Immigration Costs
Without Sacrificing Quality:
- •DIY Preparation: Organize your own documents before meeting with an attorney
- •Translation Alternatives: Use certified online translation services instead of in-person translators
- •Online Filing: File forms online ($90-$100 cheaper than paper filing)
- •Limited Scope Representation: Hire attorney for specific tasks only, not full representation
- •Non-profit Organizations: Some nonprofits offer free/low-cost immigration assistance
- •Payment Plans: Ask attorneys about payment plans or discounts for upfront payment
Fee Waivers and Reductions
Who Qualifies for Reductions:
USCIS offers fee reductions and waivers for applicants with low income. You can apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912.
- •Income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- •Receiving government assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
- •Significant financial hardship
Tip: Filing Form I-912 with your application can waive USCIS fees (except biometrics for employment-based cases).
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS fees change annually and may vary based on filing method and individual circumstances. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov. The information provided is current as of April 2026 and subject to change.