Understanding the Costs and Requirements for Green Card and U.S. Citizenship Applications
When applying for U.S. immigration benefits such as a marriage-based green card, a K-1 fiancé visa, or U.S. citizenship, you need to complete specific forms with corresponding fees. The cost of filing and the processing time for your application can vary significantly depending on the type of visa or immigration benefit you’re seeking.
In 2024, the average processing time for a K-1 fiancé visa is approximately 4-7 months, assuming all required documentation is submitted. The spousal visa (CR-1) process can take anywhere from 10.8 months to 25 months, depending on the sponsor’s U.S. citizenship status. It’s important to understand the fees and timelines involved in these immigration processes so you can make the best decision for your unique situation.
Law and Visas Can Help You Manage Your Immigration Costs
At Law and Visas, we offer flexible payment options for government fees, allowing you to start your application today and pay over time. This can help reduce the financial burden, making the immigration process more manageable for you.
Recent Changes to USCIS Filing Fees: How It Affects Your Immigration Application
In 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented an increase in filing fees across most immigration applications. This includes fees for marriage-based green cards (Forms I-130, I-485), K-1 fiancé visas (Form I-129F), and other family-based and employment-based immigration processes.
Key Update: Biometrics Fee Merged Into Filing Fee
A notable change in 2024 is the merging of the biometrics services fee with the main application fee for most cases. Applicants no longer need to pay an additional biometrics fee separately, simplifying the overall process for most immigration applications.
Popular Immigration Forms and Their Costs in 2024
Here’s a breakdown of common immigration forms you’ll likely encounter, along with their associated fees:
- Marriage Green Card (Forms I-130/I-485)
- Purpose: Secure lawful permanent residence in the U.S. based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Who Must File: The spouse seeking the green card.
- Associated Fees: Up to $3005
- Forms Required:
- Form I-130 (Family Sponsorship Petition)
- Form I-485 (Green Card Application)
- K-1 Fiancé Visa (Form I-129F)
- Purpose: Bring a fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage within 90 days of arrival.
- Who Must File: The U.S. citizen fiancé(e).
- Associated Fees: $675
- Forms Required:
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
- Spousal Visa (CR-1 Visa – Consular Processing)
- Purpose: Bring a spouse to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
- Who Must File: The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse.
- Associated Fees: $1540
- Forms Required:
- Form I-130 (Family Sponsorship Petition)
- Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application)
- U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)
- Purpose: Obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
- Who Must File: Eligible permanent residents who meet residency and other criteria.
- Associated Fees: $760
- Forms Required:
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Breakdown of Key Immigration Forms and Their Fees (2024)
Here is an overview of key forms and their filing fees for different immigration benefits:
| Immigration Benefit | Form(s) | Filing Fee (2024) |
| Naturalization (Citizenship) | Form N-400 | $760 |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | Form I-129F | $675 |
| CR-1 / IR-1 Spousal Visa | Form I-130 | $675 |
| Removal of Conditions | Form I-751 | $750 |
| Employment Authorization (EAD) | Form I-765 | $520 |
| Advance Parole (AP) | Form I-131 | $630 |
| Adjustment of Status (standalone) | Form I-485 | $1440 |
| Marriage Green Card (with relative petition, EAD, AP) | Forms I-485, I-130, I-765, I-131 | $3005 |
Detailed Breakdown of Green Card Forms and Fees
For those seeking a green card, here is a breakdown of the current costs for filing important forms:
| Government Form | Purpose | Who Must File It | Filing Fee |
| Form DS-260 | Apply for a green card through consular processing outside the U.S. | Relative seeking a green card | $325 |
| Form DS-261 | Inform the State Department of your contact details when applying from outside the U.S. | Relative seeking a green card | $0 |
| Form I-129F | Apply for a K-1 fiancé visa to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage | U.S. citizen sponsoring fiancé(e) | $675 |
| Form I-130 | Establish a valid family relationship for green card eligibility | U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring relative | $675 |
| Form I-485 | Apply for a green card from within the U.S. through Adjustment of Status | Relative seeking a green card | $1440 ($950 if under 14) |
| Form I-751 | Petition to remove conditions on a 2-year green card | Green card holder and sponsor | $750 |
| Form I-765 | Request employment authorization while waiting for your green card | Relative seeking a green card | $520 |
U.S. Citizenship Forms and Their Fees
For those applying for U.S. citizenship, these are the main forms and their costs:
| Government Form | Purpose | Who Must File It | Filing Fee |
| Form N-400 | Apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization | Green card holder seeking citizenship | $760 |
| Form N-426 | Request military service records for citizenship applicants | Green card holders with military service | $0 |
| Form N-565 | Request replacement naturalization or citizenship certificate | U.S. citizen | $555 |
Other Immigration Forms and Their Fees
Other essential forms and their filing fees include:
| Government Form | Purpose | Who Must File It | Filing Fee |
| Form AR-11 | Change of address | Anyone filing with USCIS | $0 |
| Form I-912 | Request fee waiver due to low income | Applicants with financial hardship | $0 |
| Form I-9 | Employment eligibility verification | Employers in the U.S. | $0 |
Need Help with Your Immigration Journey?
Law and Visas is here to assist you throughout your immigration journey. Whether you need help understanding which forms to file, managing your fees, or simply need guidance on the immigration process, our team is ready to support you. Start your application today and take control of your immigration future with confidence.
If you’re unsure about which forms to file or how much they cost, feel free to reach out to us for personalized guidance. We’ll ensure that you are well-informed and prepared every step of the way.
This guide includes the most important and commonly used forms and fees for U.S. immigration applications in 2024, and will help you navigate the complex and often overwhelming process.
