Introduction:
Obtaining a green card is a dream come true for many people, but it can also be an expensive and time-consuming process. In this article, we will explore the true cost of obtaining a green card, including the application fees, processing times, and other expenses that you need to be aware of.
Application Fees:
The application fee for a green card varies depending on your category of eligibility. For example, the fee for an employment-based green card can range from $3,000 to $5,000, while the fee for a family-based green card is usually around $1,200 per person. It’s important to note that these fees do not include additional costs such as legal fees or other expenses associated with the application process.
Processing Times:
The processing time for a green card application can also vary depending on your category of eligibility and the current workload of the U.S. Department of State. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for an employment-based green card application to be processed. Family-based green card applications typically have shorter processing times, usually taking between 12 to 24 months.
Other Expenses:
In addition to the application fee and processing time, there are other expenses that you should be aware of when applying for a green card. These include:
- Legal fees: Hiring an experienced immigration attorney can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your case.
- Background checks: Depending on your category of eligibility, you may need to undergo background checks, which can cost several hundred dollars per person.
- Medical exams: All green card applicants must undergo a medical examination, which can cost around $250 per person.
- Travel expenses: If you are applying for a green card from outside the United States, you will need to pay for your own travel expenses, including airfare and accommodations.
Case Studies:
To better understand the true cost of obtaining a green card, let’s take a look at some real-life examples:
- John is a highly skilled software engineer from India who has been offered a job in the United States. The application fee for his employment-based green card is $4,000, and he expects to wait 18 months for his application to be processed. In addition to the application fee, John will need to pay for legal fees, background checks, and medical exams, which will cost him an additional $5,000.
- Sarah is a nurse from the Philippines who has been sponsored by her employer for a green card. The application fee for her family-based green card is $1,200 per person, and she expects to wait 12 months for her application to be processed. In addition to the application fee, Sarah will need to pay for legal fees, background checks, and medical exams, which will cost her an additional $2,500.
FAQs:
- How much does it cost to obtain a green card? The cost of obtaining a green card varies depending on your category of eligibility and other factors. The application fee alone can range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more. In addition, you may need to pay for legal fees, background checks, medical exams, and other expenses associated with the application process.
- How long does it take to obtain a green card? Processing times for green card applications can vary depending on your category of eligibility and the current workload of the U.S. Department of State. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for an employment-based green card application to be processed. Family-based green card applications typically have shorter processing times, usually taking between 12 to 24 months.
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