How Much Does a Marriage-Based Green Card Cost in Medford, MA?
As of the date of publishing this article, Medford couples should expect the total cost for a marriage-based Green Card to typically range between $3,700 and $5,600+ (based on our experience).
This estimate includes the mandatory U.S. government filing fees, ranging from about $2,415 to over $3,000, plus required medical examinations ($200–$500), and legal representation fees. The process isn’t cheap, and recent changes by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have made financial planning more difficult.
The hard truth is that USCIS unbundled its fees, meaning that applications for work and travel permits, which were once included in the main green card application fee, now cost extra. While this upfront investment is significant, careful planning and professional guidance help you avoid the most expensive outcome of all: a denied application that forfeits thousands in non-refundable government fees.
If you are a Medford resident feeling uneasy about the financial and legal hurdles of sponsoring your spouse, our Medford, MA green card lawyer team is here to provide clarity and a path forward. Call Brooks Law Firm at (617) 245-8090 for a clear assessment of your situation.
Key Takeaways for Marriage-Based Green Card Costs
- Expect a total cost of $3,700 to $5,600+. This range includes non-negotiable government fees, required medical exams, and potential legal fees for a smooth process.
- Government filing fees are non-refundable. A denial due to a mistake means you forfeit thousands of dollars and must pay again when you re-apply, making accuracy essential.
- Costs are spread out over the entire application timeline. Fortunately, you do not pay everything at once, which allows for better financial planning as you move through the different stages of the process.
The Sticker Price vs. Reality: A Cost Overview for Medford Couples
Think of it less as a single purchase and more as a series of planned investments in your future together. To budget effectively, you need to understand that the expenses fall into three distinct buckets.
The Three Buckets of Green Card Costs:
- USCIS Government Fees: These are the mandatory, non-negotiable costs paid directly to the U.S. government. They increased significantly in a recent year and are subject to change.
- Incidental Costs: This category includes necessary third-party expenses like the immigration medical exam, certified document translations, and passport photos.
- Legal Fees: This is the cost of hiring an experienced Medford, MA immigration attorney to ensure the money you spend in the first two buckets isn’t wasted on a preventable error or denial.
For couples in Medford and the surrounding Middlesex County, some of these costs, particularly for the medical exam, fluctuate based on the provider you choose. Planning for each of these categories separately is the key to a financially sound immigration strategy.
Government Filing Fees (2025): The Non-Negotiable Costs
This is where the bulk of the expenses lie. These fees are paid directly to USCIS and are non-refundable, meaning if your application is denied for any reason, such as a simple clerical error, the government keeps your money.
The Foundation: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Every marriage-based green card case starts with Form I-130. Think of it as the ticket that gets you into the immigration system. It establishes that you have a valid marital relationship. As of this article’s publication date, the filing fee for this form is $675 when filed on paper.
From here, the costs diverge based on whether the foreign spouse is applying from within the United States or from their home country.
Scenario A: Adjustment of Status (Spouse is in the U.S./Medford)
This path is for spouses who are already in the United States, perhaps on a temporary visa, and are eligible to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country. This is generally the most expensive route in terms of government fees.
- Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status: This is the main green card application, and its fee is $1,440.
- The Unbundled Shock: Permits Now Cost Extra. Previously, applying for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD) and a travel permit (Advance Parole) was free when filed with an I-485. That is no longer the case. As of now, you must pay separately if you need these benefits while your green card is pending:
- Form I-765 (Work Permit): $260 when filed with an adjustment application.
- Form I-131 (Travel Document): $630.
A Medford couple filing for adjustment of status and needing both work and travel authorization could be writing a check to USCIS for over $3,005 ($675 + $1,440 + $260 + $630). Forgetting one of these checks or getting the amount wrong leads to an immediate rejection of the entire package.
Scenario B: Consular Processing (Spouse is outside the U.S.)
If your spouse is living abroad, they will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. While the initial USCIS fee is lower, there are additional fees paid to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC).
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: $675 (paid to USCIS).
- National Visa Center (NVC) Fees: Once the I-130 is approved, the case moves to the NVC, where you will pay two separate fees:
- Affidavit of Support Fee: $120.
- Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee: $325.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: After the visa is approved at the consular interview, there is one final fee of $235 paid to USCIS to produce the physical Green Card.
The total government fees for consular processing are significantly lower, adding up to around $1,355. However, this path involves other costs, such as international travel for the interview and moving expenses.
The Hidden Costs: Medical Exams, Translations, and Logistics
Many couples are surprised when, after paying thousands to the government, a series of other necessary expenses appear.
Medical Exam (Form I-693)
Every applicant for a green card must undergo a medical examination by a government-authorized physician, known as a Civil Surgeon. This exam is not covered by health insurance.
- Local Relevance for Medford Residents: In the Greater Boston area, Civil Surgeons set their own rates. Prices range from $200 to over $500 per person. At Brooks Law Firm, we advise clients to call providers in nearby Malden or Somerville to compare prices against potentially more expensive clinics in downtown Boston. A list of authorized doctors is available on the USCIS Civil Surgeon locator tool.
Vaccinations
If the foreign spouse cannot provide proof of required vaccinations, they will need to get them at the time of the medical exam. This is an out-of-pocket expense that could add another $100 to $300 to the bill, depending on how many shots are needed.
Additional Costs to Factor In
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- Passport Photos: You will need several sets of specific, passport-style photos. Expect to spend around $20–$30.
- Certified Translations: Any official document not in English (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree) must be accompanied by a certified English translation. This typically costs $20–$50 per page.
- Travel Costs: You will need to travel to your USCIS Field Office for your biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment and the final green card interview. For Medford residents, this is usually the Boston Field Office located in the JFK Federal Building. Budget for transportation and parking.
Lawyer Fees: Why Professional Representation is an Investment
After seeing all the government and incidental fees, it is tempting to try to save money by filing the paperwork yourself. However, a denial based on a missed deadline, an incorrectly filled-out form, or insufficient evidence means you forfeit every dollar you paid to the government. You must then restart the entire process and pay those non-refundable fees all over again.
Suddenly, the cost of hiring an experienced immigration attorney seems much more reasonable. An attorney’s fee is an insurance policy against catastrophic financial loss and devastating delays.
At Brooks Law Firm, our approach is designed to provide value and peace of mind:
- We Handle the Paperwork: Our team manages the hundreds of pages of difficult forms and compiles the necessary evidence, allowing you to focus on your relationship and your life.
- Local Knowledge: We have deep experience preparing clients for interviews with the immigration officers at the Boston and Lawrence field offices. We know what they look for and how to present your case effectively.
- Multilingual Support: With our ability to serve clients in Spanish and Portuguese, we eliminate the risk and extra cost of miscommunication, ensuring every detail of your case is understood perfectly.
Timeline & Cash Flow: You Don’t Pay Everything at Once
Seeing a total potential cost of over $5,000 is intimidating. The good news is that you do not have to pay it all on day one. The costs are spread out over the months-long (and sometimes years-long) process, making it more manageable.
Here is a typical payment timeline:
- Phase 1 (Month 1): The initial payment includes your legal retainer (if you hire an attorney) and the Form I-130 filing fee of $675.
- Phase 2 (Concurrent or a few months later): If adjusting status, this is when you would pay the $1,440 for the I-485 and any related permit fees. If consular processing, this is when the NVC fees of $445 become due.
- Phase 3 (Before the Interview): The medical exam fee ($200-$500) is typically paid just before you are scheduled for your interview.
The Two-Year Future Cost: Removing Conditions
One final cost to keep on your financial radar: If you have been married for less than two years when your green card is approved, you will receive a conditional green card valid for only two years.
To get your permanent 10-year green card, you must jointly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, within the 90-day window before your conditional card expires. The current filing fee for Form I-751 is $750.
FAQ for Marriage-Based Green Card Costs in Medford
Can I use a credit card to pay USCIS fees?
Yes. USCIS accepts credit card payments if you submit Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, with your application. However, be cautious: if your card is declined for any reason, USCIS will reject your entire application package.
Is there a fee waiver for marriage-based green cards?
Generally, no. USCIS fee waivers are typically reserved for humanitarian-based applications like asylum. For a marriage-based green card, the U.S. citizen sponsor must prove their financial ability to support the immigrant spouse through the Affidavit of Support, making a fee waiver contradictory to the petition’s requirements.
What if my application is denied? Do I get a refund?
No. All fees paid to USCIS are for the processing of your application, not for its approval. The government keeps the fees regardless of the outcome. This is the single biggest reason why ensuring your application is perfect the first time is so important.
Does the Affidavit of Support (I-864) cost money to file?
When filing for adjustment of status in the U.S., there is no separate filing fee for the I-864. However, for those going through consular processing, there is a $120 fee paid to the NVC to review it. While there may be no filing fee for some, this form represents a significant financial commitment and legal liability for the sponsor.
How much does it cost to remove conditions (I-751) later?
As of this article’s publication, the government filing fee to remove conditions on residence with Form I-751 is $750. Remember, USCIS fees change, so this amount could be different by the time you are eligible to file.
Don’t Let Cost Confusion Risk Your Future in Massachusetts
The price of a Green Card is high, but the cost of being separated from your spouse by immigration laws is incalculable. You cannot put a dollar amount on the security and peace that comes with knowing your spouse is legally and permanently safe with you in the United States.
At Brooks Law Firm, we manage the intricate details of USCIS fee structures, evidence requirements, and legal standards so you can focus on what matters most: building your life together in Medford.
Do not let the intimidating numbers stop you from moving forward. We will help you understand exactly what needs to be paid and when, taking the anxiety of surprise expenses out of the equation.
If you have a question about the costs or your eligibility for a marriage-based green card, call Brooks Law Firm today at (617) 245-8090. We will review your situation and help you map out a secure and financially manageable path forward.
