USCIS announced on January 31 2024 that most USCIS filing fees will increase on April 1, 2024 due to inflation. Most current USCIS filing fees went into effect in December 2016. This upcoming fee increases will make more expensive to apply for green card through marriage cases.
This blog will explain how much it will cost if you are about to file your marriage-based green card cases.
When Will USCIS Fees Go Up?
Announced increases in filing fees are set to go into effect on April 1, 2024. Any application or petition postmarked on or after this date must be accompanied with the new USCIS filing fee. A USCIS filing fee for a marriage-based green card case will remain $1760 if your case is postmarked on March 30, 2024 if you use USPS for delivery.
Please note that March 31, 2024 is Sunday, so no shipping agency will not postmark your application or petition.
What Will Happen to my Case If I Submit an Incorrect Filing Fee Amount?
It is very important to know the correct filing fee as the final filing fee figure is different from previously announced figures in 2020 and 2023. If you submit your application or petition with an incorrect filing fee, it will be rejected by USCIS. Unfortunately, when USCIS rejects an application or petition, it simply states that it was filed with an incorrect filing fee instead of explaining what is a correct filing fee.
You also need to be careful when you try to figure out a correct filing fee because there are different fees for online or paper filing for certain USCIS forms, such as an I-130 petition and I-765 application.
In addition, a different filing fee will be required for an I-765 application as the filing fee for an I-765 application concurrently filed with an I-485 application will be different from a stand alone I- 765 application.
What Are The Changes to I-130 Petition Fees?
One of the required USCIS forms for marriage-based green card cases is an I-130 petition for alien relatives. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may file this petition to establish the existence of a spousal relationship with foreign spouses.
Until April 1, 2024, the correct I-130 filing fee will be $535 regardless of whether you file it online or in paper. However, it will be $675 if you file the petition in paper and $625 if filing electronically.
What Are The Changes to I-485 Adjustment of Status Application Fees?
You also need to submit an I-485 application when you try to adjust your status to permanent residency. Until April 1, 2024, the correct I-485 filing fee will be $1225. However, it will be $1440 on April 1, 2024. At this time, USCIS does not offer any online filing option for the I-485 application, so you need to mail out the application and supporting documents to USCIS.
If an applicant who is under 14 years old files an I-485 application with his or her parents until April 1, 2024, the correct filing fee will be $750. However, this will go up to $950 on April 1, 2024.
What Are The Changes to I-765 and I-131 Application Fees?
Most marriage-based green card applicants apply for an I-765 application to obtain employment authorization document (EAD or work permit) and I-131 application to obtain a travel document (advance parole or travel permit) concurrently with their I-130 petition and I-485 application.
Until April 1, 2024, there is no additional cost to submit I-765 and 131 applications if filed concurrently with an I-485 application. However, after April 1, 2024, there will be $630 filing fees for an I-131 application regardless of whether it is filed concurrently with an I-485 application or not. Meanwhile, if an I-765 application is concurrently filed with an I-485 application, an additional filing fee will be $260.
How much will a green card through marriage cost?
Marriage-based green card cases will see the major filing fees increase, going up by about 59% from $1760 to $3005.
Let’s break it down where we’re getting the numbers.
Under the new fee schedule, marriage green card applicants would pay the following fees:
- $675 paper or $625 online filing for I-130
- $1440 for I-485
- $260 for I-765
- $630 for I-131
Altogether marriage-based green card cases will cost $3005. You may lower the costs to $2375 if you do not include an I-131 application. This application is currently taking about 12 months for its approval. You can also file anytime if you need it.
Navigating the Path to Permanent Residency with Francis Law Center
The upcoming USCIS fee increases for marriage-based green card cases underscore the importance of accurate and timely applications. Understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth and successful immigration process.
At Francis Law Center, led by Attorney Jae Francis Lee, we are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your marriage-based green card application. Our team, fluent in five languages and grounded in personal immigration experiences, offers comprehensive support tailored to your unique circumstances. From our offices in Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, IL, and Madison, WI, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with confidence.
For expert assistance and to ensure your application meets the new requirements, contact us today. Let us help you secure your future in the United States with professional guidance tailored to the latest USCIS fee adjustments.
