Applying for a Marriage-Based Green Card involves several forms, steps, and – most importantly – government filing fees that changed under the 2025 USCIS Fee Rule (effective July 22, 2025).
Understanding these costs and timelines helps couples plan better and avoid unnecessary
delays. At Okan Law Group, we guide you through each stage to ensure accuracy, compliance,
and peace of mind.
1. USCIS Filing Fees for Marriage-Based Green Card (Effective July 2025)
Below are the updated filing fees for all key USCIS forms related to marriage-based Green
Cards as of July 2025:
• Form I-130 – Petition for Alien Relative: $675
• Form I-485 – Adjustment of Status: $1,440
• Form I-765 – Employment Authorization (EAD): $260 (init/renewal)
• Form I-131 – Advance Parole (Travel Document): $630
• Form I-693 – Medical Examination: $200-$500 (depends on clinic)
• Form I-751 Remove Conditions on Residence: $750
• Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support: No filing fee (included with I-485 page).
Note: USCIS no longer bundles fees for I-485, I-765, and I-131; each must be paid separately
as of 2025.
2. NVC & Consular Processing Fees (for Spouses Living Abroad)
If your spouse lives outside the U.S., the following fees apply through the National Visa Center
(NVC) and the U.S. embassy:
• Affidavit of Support Fee: $120 (NVC)
• Immigrant Visa Fee: $325
• USCIS Immigrant Fee (after visa approval): $235
• Medical Exam Abroad: $200-$400 (varies by embassy)
3. Average USCIS Processing Times (2025 Update)
The following are average national processing times as of 2025, based on official USCIS data:
• Form I-130 (Marriage Petition): 8-15 months
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): 12-24 months
• Consular Processing (Embassy Route): 12-24 months total
• Form I-751 (Removing Conditions): 18-24 months
• Employment Authorization (EAD): 1-4 months
• Advance Parole (Travel Permit): 6-12 months
Processing times vary by USCIS office, workload, and background checks. Always verify using
the USCIS Processing Times Tool.
4. Optional Costs (Recommended but Not Required)
While not mandatory, these additional expenses are common and often necessary for a smooth
process:
• Certified Translations: $30-$60 per page
• Passport Photos: $15-$25 (USCIS standard 2\times2 inch)
• Legal Representation: Variable depending on case complexity
• Shipping and Copying: $20-$50 for secure delivery of packages
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid (2025 Update)
Many applicants experience long delays or rejections because of small errors. Avoid these
common mistakes:
• Sending outdated forms (always download the latest version from USCIS.gov).
• Paying incorrect fees – USCIS rejects both underpayment and overpayment.
• Missing or unsigned forms.
• Submitting insufficient or inconsistent relationship evidence.
• Mailing to the wrong USCIS address or using incorrect lockbox.
• Using expired checks or incorrect card authorizations (G-1450 issues).
• Ignoring USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or missing response deadlines.
• Incorrect household size and income calculation on the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864).
Even a single missing signature can result in rejection and significant delays.
6. How to Check Current Fees and Processing Times
Stay updated by checking these official resources:
• Visit https://www.uscis.gov/feefiling for current fee schedule.
• Use the USCIS Processing Times Tool at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
• Track your individual case at https://my.uscis.gov/.
Okan Law Group verifies all fees and timelines before submission to ensure that every
application is 100% accurate and compliant.
7. Why Choose Okanlaw Group
At Okanlaw Group, every detail matters. We ensure your filings are error-free, up-to-date, and
supported by strong documentation. Our dedicated immigration team:
• Monitors USCIS fee and policy changes daily.
• Reviews every form for signatures and consistency.
• Organizes certified translations and financial evidence.
• Tracks every case directly through our secure client system.
Our clients rarely face rejections because we check everything twice before filing.
8. Final Thoughts
USCIS fees and timelines evolve frequently. Having expert legal guidance ensures that you
don’t fall behind or risk denial. At Okalaw Group, we prioritize accuracy, transparency, and
peace of mind throughout your Green Card journey. Contact Okanlaw Group today to discuss
your Marriage-Based Green Card process including full fee breakdowns and estimated timelines
for your unique case.