How Much Does Permanent Residency Cost in the United States?

Knowing how much permanent residency costs in the United States is one of the first questions many people ask before beginning an immigration process. It is an important question because obtaining a Green Card may include government fees, medical exam costs, translations, documents, additional permits, immigration waivers, and, in many cases, attorney fees.

The answer is not the same for everyone. The cost may change depending on whether you apply for residency inside the United States through adjustment of status, complete consular processing from another country, apply through family, employment, asylum, VAWA, U Visa, T Visa, or another category. It may also depend on your age, immigration history, criminal history, whether you need a work permit, travel permit, or immigration waiver.

USCIS fees can also change. That is why, before filing any application, you should always verify current fees on the official USCIS website or use the USCIS Fee Calculator. Sending the wrong fee can cause your application to be rejected.

At Virguez Law, our team serves clients in English and Spanish and helps individuals and families with immigration matters, permanent residency, adjustment of status, deportation defense, citizenship, and other immigration processes.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Permanent Residency?

There is no single price for permanent residency because not everyone uses the same process. Some people need to file a family petition and an adjustment of status application. Others must complete consular processing. Some need immigration waivers. Others may qualify for fee waivers or special processes.

In general, costs may include:

USCIS or Department of State fees.
Family, employment, or humanitarian petition.
Permanent residency application.
Immigration medical exam.
Passport-style photos.
Certified translations.
Civil documents.
Background certificates or court documents.
Work permit.
Travel permit.
Immigration waivers.
Attorney fees.
Mailing, copying, or notarization expenses.
Travel for interviews, biometrics, or consular appointments.

Before starting, it is important to know which process applies to your case. A person who can adjust status inside the United States may have different costs than someone who must leave for a consular interview.

Permanent Residency Costs Through Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain people to request permanent residency from inside the United States without leaving for a consular interview.

In many cases, this process may include:

Form I-130 if a family petition applies.
Form I-485 to request permanent residency.
Immigration medical exam.
Affidavit of support.
Work permit application, if applicable.
Travel permit application, if applicable.
Biometrics, if USCIS requires them as part of the process.
Documents and translations.
Attorney fees, if you decide to hire representation.

The total cost can vary significantly. For example, a marriage-based case involving a U.S. citizen may have a different structure than an employment-based or humanitarian case.

It is also important to remember that filing Form I-485 does not guarantee approval. USCIS may review eligibility, immigration history, manner of entry, criminal history, financial documents, family evidence, and possible grounds of inadmissibility.

Permanent Residency Costs Through Consular Processing

Consular processing is different. Generally, the person completes part of the process through a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

This process may include costs such as:

Family or employment petition.
National Visa Center fees, if applicable.
Immigrant visa application.
Affidavit of support.
Medical exam with authorized physician.
Police certificates.
Translations.
Passport.
Travel to the consulate.
Lodging or transportation expenses.
USCIS immigrant fee after approval, if applicable.
Attorney fees.

For some people, consular processing may also involve risks if they accumulated unlawful presence in the United States or need an immigration waiver before returning. In those cases, they should not leave the country without legal guidance.

What Fees Does USCIS Charge?

USCIS charges filing fees for many immigration forms. These fees may change over time, and sending the wrong payment can cause the application to be rejected.

Some common forms related to permanent residency may include:

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
Form I-601 or I-601A for certain immigration waivers.
Form I-90 to renew or replace a Green Card.
Form I-751 to remove conditions on residence.
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, when applicable.

Not all these forms apply to every case. Before paying, review which forms you need, whether they are filed together or separately, and whether any fee waiver exists.

Why You Should Not Rely on Old Prices

Many websites show outdated fees. This can be dangerous because USCIS may reject a package if the payment is incorrect.

Before sending any application, review:

The official USCIS Fee Calculator.
The specific form page.
The current edition of the form.
The correct mailing address.
Whether the fee changes for online or paper filing.
Whether the applicant’s age affects the fee.
Whether a waiver or reduced fee applies.
Whether separate fees are required for each family member.

This is especially important if you are filing multiple applications for an entire family.

Immigration Medical Exam Cost

Many permanent residency applications require an immigration medical exam performed by an authorized physician. The cost of the medical exam is not paid directly to USCIS when filing the form; it is usually paid to the authorized physician or clinic.

The cost may vary depending on:

City or state.
Authorized physician.
Required vaccines.
Required tests.
Applicant’s age.
Medical history.
Whether additional copies or appointments are needed.

Before scheduling the exam, confirm that the physician is authorized to complete immigration medical exams. You should also ask what is included in the price and whether vaccines cost extra.

Translation and Document Costs

If your documents are in another language, you will usually need certified English translations. This may include:

Birth certificates.
Marriage certificates.
Divorce decrees.
Adoption documents.
Court records.
Police certificates.
Medical documents.
Financial documents.
Other civil documents.

Translation cost may vary depending on number of pages, language, urgency, and provider. Not every document must be translated in every case, but any required document that is not in English generally must come with a proper translation.

Immigration Waiver Costs

Some people need an immigration waiver before they can obtain permanent residency. This can happen because of unlawful presence, certain inadmissibility issues, fraud, prior entries, some criminal history, or other reasons.

Waivers may increase the total cost because they can require:

Additional forms.
USCIS fees.
Extensive evidence.
Medical or psychological documents.
Proof of extreme hardship.
Translations.
Detailed legal preparation.
More processing time.

If you believe you need a waiver, do not file without understanding the risks. A poorly prepared waiver can result in denial and complicate your immigration future.

Immigration Attorney Fees

Attorney fees vary depending on the type of case, complexity, number of applicants, forms required, evidence, whether there is criminal history, whether a deportation order exists, whether a waiver is needed, or whether the case requires immigration court appearances.

A straightforward adjustment of status case may have a different legal fee than a case involving criminal history, multiple entries, a deportation order, or an immigration waiver.

Although hiring an attorney is an additional cost, it may help you:

Identify risks before applying.
Avoid filing the wrong forms.
Review whether entries, departures, or unlawful presence create problems.
Prepare evidence correctly.
Respond to requests for evidence.
Avoid delays caused by mistakes.
Understand whether adjustment of status or consular processing is safer.
Review options before spending money on a weak case.

Not every case requires an attorney, but many cases benefit from legal review before filing.

Are Fee Waivers Available?

Some people may qualify for fee waivers on certain forms, depending on the type of application and their financial situation. However, not all forms allow fee waivers, and not everyone qualifies.

To request a fee waiver, you generally need to submit evidence of income, public benefits, financial hardship, or other documents. If the fee waiver is denied or poorly prepared, the main application may be rejected or delayed.

Before assuming you can apply for free, review current USCIS rules or consult an attorney.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Permanent Residency?

Renewing an existing Green Card is usually different from applying for permanent residency for the first time. Many people use Form I-90 to renew or replace a permanent resident card.

The renewal cost may be different from the cost of initially obtaining residency. It can also vary if the card was lost, stolen, damaged, contains errors, or if the person has conditional residence.

If you have a 2-year conditional Green Card, do not assume you can simply renew it with I-90. You may need to remove conditions through another process.

What If I Cannot Pay Everything at Once?

If you are worried about the cost, do not file incomplete forms or pay incorrect fees. Instead, review:

Which forms are necessary.
Whether any fee can be waived.
Whether you should wait to gather documents.
Whether there is a safer strategy.
Whether legal preparation costs can be split, if the attorney allows it.
Whether you truly qualify before spending money.

It is better to review the case first than to spend money on a process that does not have a strong legal basis.

Common Cost-Related Mistakes

Sending the Wrong Fee

USCIS may reject the application if the payment is not correct.

Using Prices Found on Old Websites

Fees change. Always review official sources before sending.

Failing to Calculate Costs for the Whole Family

Each person may need separate forms and fees.

Forgetting the Medical Exam

The medical exam can be a significant cost outside USCIS fees.

Not Considering Immigration Waivers

If you need a waiver, the cost and strategy can change significantly.

Paying Unauthorized People

Be careful with notarios or people who promise guaranteed results. In immigration, one mistake can be costly and dangerous.

Filing Without Reviewing Eligibility

The worst expense is paying fees and documents for an application that had no real chance or created immigration risks.

How Virguez Law Can Help

At Virguez Law, we understand that the cost of permanent residency can be an important concern for your family. Our bilingual team can help you understand which process may apply to your case and what costs you should consider before starting.

We can help you review:

Whether you qualify for adjustment of status.
Whether you need consular processing.
Which forms may apply.
Whether you need work or travel permits.
Whether you may need an immigration waiver.
Whether there are risks because of criminal history or prior entries.
Whether you have a deportation order.
Which documents you should gather.
Which steps may be necessary before spending money.

If you are in Georgia or need guidance in Spanish, you can call (678) 300-0000 or request a consultation with Virguez Law.

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Residency Costs

How much does permanent residency cost in the United States?

The cost depends on the type of case, forms, immigration category, medical exam, translations, permits, waivers, and attorney fees. You should always verify current USCIS fees before filing.

Where can I verify current USCIS fees?

You can use the official USCIS Fee Calculator or review the specific form page on USCIS. Fees can change, and incorrect payment can cause rejection.

Is the medical exam included in the USCIS fee?

Usually not. The immigration medical exam is paid to the authorized physician or clinic, and the cost can vary.

Does adjustment of status cost the same as consular processing?

Not necessarily. Adjustment of status and consular processing have different costs, different forms, and possible additional expenses.

Do I have to pay for a work permit?

It depends on the type of case, forms, and current rules. You should verify current fees before filing a work permit application.

Can I request a fee waiver?

Some forms allow fee waivers for people who qualify, but not all. You should review current rules and prepare proper financial evidence.

Do I need to pay an attorney to request residency?

It is not always required, but it may be recommended if you have criminal history, multiple entries, unlawful presence, a deportation order, need a waiver, have eligibility questions, or have a complex case.

What happens if I send the wrong payment?

USCIS may reject your application if it does not include the correct fee. This can cause delays and wasted time.

Speak With an Immigration Attorney in Spanish

If you want to know how much permanent residency costs in the United States, the best answer depends on your specific case. Before spending money on forms, medical exams, or translations, review whether you truly qualify and which process applies.

Virguez Law serves clients in English and Spanish and helps people with immigration matters, permanent residency, adjustment of status, consular processing, and immigration defense in Georgia and nearby communities.

Call (678) 300-0000 or complete our form to request a consultation.

Legal Notice

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS fees, forms, and policies may change. Reading this page, calling, submitting a form, or leaving a message does not create an attorney-client relationship with Virguez Law LLC. Consult official sources and speak with an attorney to receive guidance based on your specific situation.