If you are applying for a green card through marriage, one of the first questions is simple: what does it cost? This page breaks down the U.S. government filing fees for a marriage-based green card in 2026, for both common routes — adjusting status from inside the United States, and consular processing from abroad.
These Are Government Fees, Not Attorney Fees
The numbers below are USCIS government filing fees only. They are not Altius Law's attorney fees.
Altius does not publish attorney fees, because the right fee depends on the details of your case — where you and your spouse live, your immigration history, and how complex the filing is. If you want a quote for legal representation, the best step is to book a consultation so we can look at your specific situation.
Government filing fees are set by USCIS and can change. The figures on this page are current as of July 2026. Always confirm the amount on the official USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS fee calculator before you file.
The Two Routes (and Why the Cost Differs)
A marriage green card generally follows one of two paths, and the fees differ because different agencies are involved:
- Adjustment of status — you are already in the United States. You file the family petition (Form I-130) and the green card application (Form I-485) with USCIS.
- Consular processing — the sponsored spouse is abroad. You file the family petition (Form I-130) with USCIS, and the immigrant visa stage is handled later by the U.S. Department of State through the National Visa Center (NVC) and a U.S. embassy or consulate.
For a fuller walkthrough of each path, see our guide on how to get a marriage green card.
USCIS Filing Fees for a Marriage Green Card (2026)
USCIS charges a lower fee for forms filed online than for the same forms filed on paper, where an online option is available.
| Form | What it's for | Paper filing | Online filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative (the family petition proving the marriage) | $675 | $625 |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence (adjustment of status — green card from inside the U.S.) | $1,440 | $1,390 |
Fees as of July 2026 — fees are set by USCIS and can change; check the G-1055 fee schedule for the current amount. You can also confirm your specific total with the USCIS fee calculator.
A note on biometrics: for most applicants the biometrics (fingerprinting) service is now bundled into the form fee, so there is no separate biometrics charge shown for these forms. Confirm the current treatment on the G-1055.
Route 1: Adjustment of Status (from inside the U.S.)
If you are adjusting status inside the United States, the two core USCIS filing fees are the I-130 and the I-485:
- Paper: $675 (I-130) + $1,440 (I-485) = $2,115
- Online: $625 (I-130) + $1,390 (I-485) = $2,015
These totals cover only the two USCIS filing fees above. Depending on your situation you may choose to file related applications (for example, a work permit or travel document) alongside the I-485; whether those carry a separate fee, and how much, is listed on the G-1055 fee schedule. Confirm your exact total on the USCIS fee calculator — fees as of July 2026 and subject to change.
Route 2: Consular Processing (from abroad)
If the sponsored spouse is outside the United States, you still start with the I-130 petition filed with USCIS:
- I-130: $675 paper / $625 online (as of July 2026 — see the G-1055)
After USCIS approves the I-130, the case moves to the Department of State. The immigrant visa application fee and the Affidavit of Support review fee are billed later by the National Visa Center, not by USCIS. There is also a separate USCIS Immigrant Fee that is typically paid after the visa is issued.
We are not listing dollar amounts for those Department of State stages here, because those fees are set and collected by the State Department rather than USCIS, and they can change. Check the current amounts on the official State Department fees page: travel.state.gov — Fees for Visa Services.
What This Page Does Not Include
To keep the numbers accurate, this page lists only the government filing fees documented above. It does not include:
- Attorney fees — Altius does not publish these; book a consultation for a quote on your case.
- The Department of State immigrant visa and Affidavit of Support fees — billed later by the National Visa Center; see travel.state.gov.
- Other out-of-pocket costs — such as the required medical examination, document translations, passport photos, and any travel. These vary by provider and are not government filing fees.
Get a Total for Your Specific Case
The filing fees above are a starting point, but your real total depends on which route you take, which forms you file, and your circumstances. An immigration attorney can map out the exact fees and the paperwork for your situation.
- Learn more about our family-based immigration services
- Prepare for the next stage with our list of 30 marriage green card interview questions
- Contact Altius Law or book a consultation to get a quote
This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Government filing fees are set by USCIS and the U.S. Department of State and are subject to change; the amounts shown are current as of July 2026. Always verify current fees on the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055), the USCIS fee calculator, and travel.state.gov before filing. For advice on your specific case, book a consultation.