Filing fees are the floor, not the ceiling. Real all-in costs include attorney fees, medical exams, translations, document procurement, and (for EB-5) significant project administration costs. Below: complete cost frameworks by pathway.
Family-based green card (USC spouse, AOS)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| I-130 filing fee | $675 |
| I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
| I-765 (EAD) filed with I-485 | $0 (waived) |
| I-131 (AP) filed with I-485 | $0 (waived) |
| I-693 medical exam (civil surgeon) | $300-500 |
| Document translations (avg) | $100-300 |
| Passport photos, copies, postage | ~$50 |
| Attorney fees (full representation) | $3,000-7,000 |
| Total estimated | $5,565-9,965 |
EB-2 NIW (self-petition, AOS)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| I-140 filing fee | $715 |
| Asylum Program Fee (with I-140) | $600 ($300 small employer) |
| I-140 premium processing (optional) | $2,805 |
| I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
| I-693 medical exam | $300-500 |
| Expert opinion letters (5-8 letters) | $0-2,000 |
| Document procurement, translations | $200-600 |
| Attorney fees (NIW preparation) | $5,000-12,000 |
| Total estimated | $10,260-20,660 |
EB-5 Rural
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| EB-5 investment (rural/HUA TEA) | $800,000 |
| Regional Center administration fee | $60,000-90,000 |
| I-526E filing fee | $11,160 |
| I-485 filing fee (per applicant) | $1,440 |
| DS-260 fee (consular path, per applicant) | $325 |
| I-829 filing fee | $9,525 |
| Source of funds documentation, translations | $2,000-5,000 |
| Medical exams (per applicant) | $300-500 |
| Immigration attorney fees | $15,000-35,000 |
| Securities/business attorney (optional, recommended) | $5,000-15,000 |
| Total non-investment costs | ~$105,000-160,000+ |
| Total all-in (incl. $800K investment) | ~$905,000-960,000+ |
DV Lottery (selectee, consular processing)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| DV entry registration | $0 (free) |
| DV processing fee (per selectee) | $330 |
| Medical exam (panel physician abroad) | $200-600 (varies by country) |
| Police certificates (varies) | $50-300 per country |
| Document translations | $100-400 |
| Travel for interview | $200-2,000+ |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee (paid after visa, before travel) | $235 |
| Attorney fees (optional, recommended) | $1,500-4,000 |
| Total estimated (per applicant) | $2,615-7,865 |
Naturalization (after green card)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| N-400 filing fee | $760 |
| English/civics study materials | $0-100 |
| Passport photos, copies | ~$30 |
| Attorney fees (optional) | $0-2,000 |
| Total estimated | $790-2,890 |
Hidden costs to budget for
- RFE responses — $500-3,000+ in additional attorney time
- Re-filing fees if rejected — full filing fees again
- Additional medical exam if I-693 expires — ~$400
- EAD/AP renewals — $520 + $630 per renewal cycle
- Travel for biometrics/interview — varies
- Lost wages from interview/biometrics days — overlooked but real
Fee waivers
Form I-912 fee waiver is available for applicants whose household income is at or below 150% of poverty guidelines, who receive means-tested benefits, or who can show financial hardship. Most family-based and naturalization fees are waivable; most employment-based fees are not.