The short answer
The cost depends on your route. There are government fees for the petition, for the green card application or visa, a medical exam and sometimes an affidavit review, plus optional lawyer and translation costs. Fees change, so read the current amount on the official fee pages.
What to know
- USCIS fees for forms such as I-130, I-140, I-485 and optional work and travel permits.
- State Department fees if you apply abroad.
- A medical exam by an approved doctor.
- Translations, photos and copies of documents.
- A lawyer is optional but common for complex cases. Never pay anyone to “guarantee” a result.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see USCIS.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.