What are the costs for the I-485 Adjustment of Status for K visa entrants?
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The cost for Adjustment of Status (I-485, “Green Card”) for fiance visa holders ranges from $1,200 to $1,900 per person on average, which includes filing fees and other expenses. However, the two biggest variables that can raise costs exponentially are:
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(1) Children on a K-2 visa also Adjusting Status ($750 or $1,100+ each)
(2) Hiring legal help ($2,000+)
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If you’re concerned about having enough for the Green Card process, especially after a wedding and the entire K visa process, figuring out the exact costs is important. So let’s look at a detailed breakdown of expenses associated with getting the Adjustment of Status for a Green Card (specifically for K visa holders).
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Download to see the Full Cost Breakdown
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Fixed, Direct costs for a Green Card
(all figures are in US dollars)
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I-485, Adjustment of Status, application fee depends on your age and if you’re filing as a dependent. For K-1 visa holders, the fee is $1,225 for ages 14-28. For ages 79 or older, the total fee is $1,140. For K-2 visa holders, the fee is $740 if under 14 years old and filing with a parent. If filing separately, the cost is $1,140. For K-2 visa ages 14+, the cost is $1,225 per person. The fees comprise of filing fee and biometrics. Methods of payment are personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or credit card. All fees are non-refundable and final, regardless of the outcome of your case. You must pay separately for each applicant; do not combine payments for different applicants.
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I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (DISCONTINUED FORM) No longer required for the AOS, filing fee is $0.
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I-864, Affidavit of Support, costs $0 to file, but you may need to spend money to get supporting documents. See below for an average rate.
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I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, carries a $0 filing fee. However, you may need to get a new medical exam or the remainder of your vaccinations, the costs of which vary based on which clinic you choose and what you’re missing. If your previous test results have expired or if you didn’t take vaccinations, it may be an additional $150 – $300 per applicant for the exam. Remember, this includes any K-2 visa children. Rates vary based on the civil surgeon and the treatment.
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I-131, Application for Travel Document, filing fee is $0 (waived) if filed concurrently with I-485. If filed before (not recommended), it’s $590.
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I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, filing fee is $0 (waived) if filed concurrently with I-485. If filed before (not recommended), it’s $580.
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K-2 Visa children Adjusting Status – Like I mentioned earlier, children cost nearly as much as adults during the Adjustment of Status, I-485. Each child costs $750 to $1,225 depending on age and whether you file with a parent, not to mention expenses such as getting a fresh medical exam, if needed. This is a huge cost item and you will need to prepare.
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Hidden or Indirect Costs
Preparing documents – Believe it or not, a huge indirect expense is preparing and gathering documents. You may need to get copies of your marriage certificate, get new passport style photos, translations, copies of documents, and much more. It’s difficult to give an exact figure, but the range is anywhere from $50 to $150. If you need documents for the I-864 Affidavit of Support, additional costs add up.
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Mailing paperwork – To courier your I-485 packet to the USCIS costs postal fees. Since this is normally a heavy packet, you can expect costs to be over $50 for express or priority mail. If you choose extra features, like signature or tracking, it’s slightly more expensive. Also, if you ever have an RFE to send back, you’ll pay for mailing paperwork back and forth.
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Travel Expenses – You may pay a bit to travel while your I-485 is processing. For example, you will need to appear in person to undergo the Biometrics exam. You may need to travel to/from a clinic to get a fresh I-693 for medical or vaccinations. You also must incur expenses to get to/from the Green Card interview, not to mention parking expenses, tolls, etc. From experience, travel expenses range from $25-$50.
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Legal Help (if you hire one) – The biggest expense will be legal help (if you choose to hire one). On average, you’ll pay $2,000+ for someone to prepare your case, adding a tremendous amount to the total. Most people normally don’t hire attorneys unless there is a need to get a specialist’s advice or consultation.
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Other non Green-Card-Related expenses – Other expenses, which are not necessarily related to immigration, can be realized at the same time. For example, if you choose to get a Social Security card, driver’s license, etc. they may all carry different rates. You will need to research these independently.
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Summary of costs
Below, download the table of the costs to help you understand each line item.
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Cost for I-485 Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | ||
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Direct Filing Costs | ||
Exact Cost | Range of costs (average) |
Description |
$750 to $1,225 accordingly | Form I-485, Adjustment of Status fee depends on your age and if filing with parent | |
$0 Filing Fee *actual exam costs vary based on clinic |
$150-$300 depending on if you need a fresh or complete medical exam or vaccination and which clinic / civil surgeon you choose. | I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination record |
$0 Filing Fee | Discontinued form. No longer required | The I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency (discontinued form. No longer required) |
$0 (waived) if filed concurrently with I-485. If filed before, it’s $590 | Form I-131, Application for Advance Parole | |
$0 (waived) if filed concurrently with I-485. If filed before, it’s $580 | Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | |
$0 Filing Fee | Extra costs for supporting documents (see below) | Form I-864, Affidavit of Support |
Indirect Filing Costs | ||
Exact Cost | Range of costs (average) |
Description |
$50 – $150 | Prepare Supporting documents (e.g. marriage certificate, passport style photos, translations, copies of documents, etc.) | |
$25 – $75 per packet |
Mailing, postal service to deliver I-485 packet to USCIS | |
$25 – $100 | Travel Expenses to and from: Biometrics appointment, preparing documents, Green Card Interview, parking, tolls, etc. | |
$2,000+ per applicant |
Legal Help (lawyer), if you choose to hire one | |
Total Cost | ||
$1,200 – $1,900 per applicant (not including the cost of legal help, if any) |
← How much does it cost per applicant? |
Download this Cost table in a PDF
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Prepare a budget before you begin
To summarize: the average cost per person for Adjustment of Status is $1,200 to $1,900 after entry with a K visa. Considering how much you already spent on the K visa process and the recent wedding, it’s important to think about setting up a budget.
Secondly, understand two main variables in the cost of a Green Card: K-2 visa children, and if you’re using legal help. Both can add an exponential amount per family. Children may need extra documentation or medical exams, for example. The cost of legal fees depend on who you hire and how much time he or she spends on it.
Finally, I’d like to know if you think there are other costs during the Adjustment of Status which weren’t mentioned above. Please comment below and let us know what we should add to this list.
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Visa Tutor, LLC provides information for entertainment and education only. It cannot be taken as legal advice nor guarantee results. Seek professionals for more information. See the full terms and Conditions. Read full disclaimer ->
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