It may be very confusing when searching for a marriage green card, especially when it comes to the issue of the expenses. No matter whether you are applying on the basis of the marriage to the US citizen or a green card holder, it involves many a fees for the forms, medical examination and all other connected expenses. In this article, I will explain step by step and in simple words so that it will be quite easier for you to plan with budgets to go through the whole process.
Marriage green card cost
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs you will face when applying for a marriage green card:
● Filing Fee for Form I-130: The first procedure is to complete form I-130, which costs $625. This form is the first green card application that starts with the petition for an alien relative.
● Form I-485 Filing Fee: If the spouse is already in the U.S., he or she can apply for an adjustment of the immigration status by filing I-485 form. This cost an estimated $1,440 + medical examination fee.
● Consular Processing Fees: If the foreign spouse is outside the U.S. he or she has to go through the consular processing. This consists of Form DS-260 ($325) which is accompanied by an I-864 Affidavit of Support ($120).
● Medical Examination Fees: Applicants for a green card must have a medical examination and the charges vary between $200 and $500 based on the country and the doctor.
● Additional Costs: Other expenses may be passport photos, translation costs, and if necessary, the attorney’s fees.
Marriage green card immigration forms
Two forms are required when applying for a marriage green card. They all have a distinct part to play in demonstrating your relationship status and, therefore, suitability for permanent residency.
● Form I-130: This form is also applied for by the spouses who are a U.S citizen or green card holder so as to prove the connection between them and the foreign spouse.
● Form I-130A: This form is called “Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary” and must be completed by the foreign spouse applying for a green card.
● Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): If the foreign spouse is already in the U.S., this form has to be used in order to get the green card without having to travel back to the home country.
● Form DS-260: For the spouses applying for immigrant visas outside the U.S., Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Form, or Form DS-260, is used when going through consular processing at the embassy or consulate office of the United States.
● Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): This form is to ensure the spouse meets the requirement of the American law that the U.S citizen or green card holder must support.
● Form I-693 (Medical Examination): This form ensures that a particular applicant is fit for work hence finishes this form.
How to apply for a marriage green card
Here’s an overview of the process to apply for a marriage green card:
● File Form I-130: The first one is the filing of the Form I-130 by the U.S. citizen or green card holder spouse together with their marriage certificate and their financial documents.
● Submit Form I-485 or DS-260: In the latter case, if the directing spouse is a foreigner and he or she is now in the U.S., you will need to complete Form I-485, if the directing spouse is in the foreign country, the required document is Form DS-260.
● Attend Biometrics Appointment: The foreign spouse will have to come for the biometrics meeting where USCIS captures fingerprints and photographs.
● Attend the Green Card Interview: The foreign spouse, hence the green card applicant, also has to undergo an interview. This interview assists to confirm the authenticity of the marriage. If there is no problem found the green card shall be approved.
● Receive Approval: After the interview is finished and if both forms are properly filled and submitted, the foreign spouse will immediately be issued a green card that will let them work and live in the U.S indefinitely.
Sidebar 3 above shows the general and specific forms, steps, and costs associated with the marriage green card. Distinctions of these costs and by what means the right form should be filled can assist in easing the process rather than being exceedingly annoying. You can strive for getting the green card and improving your future with your spouse in the United States by being well prepared.
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