Marriage Green Card – How Much Does it Cost

Last updated: August 12, 2025.

By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney

For an applicant living in the U.S. the cost of marriage green card can vary between $2,265  and $3,605.

For an applicant living abroad, the cost is $1,305 – $1,355 + medical examination fee.

Watch Our Client’s Success Story – From Parole to Green Card in 9 Months:

Introduction
Securing a marriage-based green card can feel overwhelming, but our client’s story proves it’s possible to navigate the U.S. immigration system efficiently with the right guidance.

The Starting Line: CBP One Entry
In September 2023, the client entered the U.S. via the CBP One mobile app—setting the wheels in motion for the green card process.

Building the Case: Marriage-Based Petition
Once married to a U.S. citizen, the client filed Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) simultaneously—streamlining the process under the “AOS” procedure.

Efficient Timeline
Over nine months, the couple:

1. Filed the complete application packet

2. Attended biometrics and the in-person marriage interview

3. Received the green card approval

This marks a notably swift approval for a marriage-based case.

Why It Mattered

• Professional Support: The immigration attorney’s preparation—organizing evidence, preparing clients for the interview—was key to success.

What You Can Learn

1. File I-130 and I-485 together if eligible—it can reduce wait times.

2. Document your relationship thoroughly: joint finances, photos, affidavits, and shared residence.

3. Prep for the interview early—knowing each other’s history, daily routine, and relationship narrative makes a difference.

Final Word

This nine-month green card approval showcases how strategy, preparation, and timely filings can lead to success. If you’re navigating a similar route, consider legal guidance—and don’t underestimate the impact of a well-documented, organized application.

Marriage Green Card Cost for Spouses Living in the U.S.

If you are currently living in the U.S. and you entered the country lawfully, you will need to file the following forms:

• Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: to establish the legality and legitimacy of your marriage to the USCIS
• Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary: to provide additional information about beneficiary (spouse being sponsored)
• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust status: to establish the green card eligibility of the immigrant spouse
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: to establish that sponsor has enough financial resources to sponsor an immigrant
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional): to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Form I-131, Application for Travel Document: to request a request a permission to travel outside the U.S. (Advance Parole)
• Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and you entered the U.S. lawfully, you may file the Form I-485 together (“concurrently”) with the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative filed on your behalf.

Prior to filing Form I-485 with USCIS, make sure that you comply with the “90-Day Rule“.

You can also file Form I-485 while Form I-130 is pending, or after the Form I-130 is approved (and remains valid).

The process of filing Form I-485 (green card) without leaving the country is called “Adjustment of Status.”

 “Adjustment of Status” fees (if foreign spouse is in the U.S.):

Note: The fee break-out and the different sections mentioned in the table above, are only the mandatory fees required by USCIS. 

You should also consider any translation, travel, copying, postal expenses as well as attorney fees when evaluating the total cost of your green card. 

Marriage Green Card Cost for Spouses Living Abroad

There are two different methods of applying for a marriage green card:

• ‘Adjustment of Status’ discussed above, and
• ‘Consular processing‘

Consular processing is the only method available to applicants who are located outside the U.S.

After Form I-130 is approved, the National Visa Center will notify the Petitioner that the visa number is available.

Once your immigrant petition is approved and an immigrant visa number is immediately available to you, you may apply at a U.S. Department of State consulate abroad for an immigrant visa in order to come to the United States and be admitted as a permanent resident.

Such application method is known as consular processing.

For the procedure of consular processing, the applicant doesn’t need to submit Form I-485. 

After Form I-130 is approved, the applicant submits Form DS-260, Immigration Visa Application online.

The sponsoring spouse will also have to submit the Form I-864, or Affidavit of Support, ensuring that he/she will be able to financially support his/her spouse in the U.S. 

Consular processing fees (if foreign spouse is abroad):

Other Marriage Green Card Expenses to Keep in Mind

You might expect to have the following additional expenses when applying for a marriage green card:

• Vaccination Fees: If your medical exam requires you to have vaccinations, update it before filing your complete medical report
• Documents Translation Fee: Each document in a foreign language must be accompanied by English translation. For example, a one-page birth-certificate translation cost varies between $20-$40.
• Document Fee: Government agencies generally charge fees for issuing certain official documents.
• Travel Expenses: You might be required to travel for different purposes like a green card interview, or medical exam, or biometrics
• Shipping Costs: You’ll have to send the document packages and supporting documents to USCIS 
• Passport-style photographs: Both spouses are required to submit U.S. passport-style photographs. Fees vary between $9.99 – $19.99.

Marriage Green Card Cost FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How much does it cost to get a green card by marriage in 2024?

If you are located in the U.S., it will cost you anywhere between $2,265 to $3,605 to get a green card by marriage.

If you are located outside the U.S., it will cost you $1,305 + medical examination fee to get a green card by marriage.

How long does it take to get a green card for marriage?

If sponsor is a US citizen:

• 12-13 months (if foreign spouse is in the U.S.)
• 16-18 months (if foreign spouse is outside the U.S.)

If sponsor is a green card holder:

• 24 months (if foreign spouse is in the US)
• 28-32 months (if foreign spouse is outside the U.S.)

How much income do I need to sponsor my spouse?

The minimum income to sponsor your spouse in 2024 is $25,500. Learn more.

Marriage Green Card (Checklist, Forms and Processing Time)

Marriage Green Card Checklist – Both Spouses in the U.S.

Marriage Green Card Checklist – Foreign Spouse is Abroad

New Parole-In Place Program for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Form I-131F, Application for Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens

U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage