Short answer: The cost of getting a green card through marriage has two main parts: the government’s filing fees and your attorney’s fees. At Leiva Law Firm, the legal fee for an adjustment of status (green card) case inside the U.S. ranges from $4,500 to $5,500. That fee does not include USCIS filing fees, which you pay to the government. Your exact quote depends on your case facts and the legal work needed to complete it.
Below, we break down each cost so you can plan ahead, avoid surprises and decide whether working with an attorney makes sense for you and your spouse.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Marriage Green Card?
Every couple’s path is a little different, but the total usually comes from three buckets.
Government Filing Fees
USCIS charges a fee for each form you file. In a marriage case, that usually includes the petition your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse files for you. If you are applying from inside the U.S., it also includes the green card application itself. Many applicants also ask for a work permit and a travel permit while the case is pending, and those requests may carry their own fees.
Government fees are set by USCIS and change from time to time. Always check the current fee schedule on the official USCIS website before you file, or ask us to confirm the amounts for your forms.
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees pay for the legal work. That includes reviewing your history, choosing the right path, preparing and checking every form, building evidence of your real marriage, answering any USCIS requests and getting you ready for the interview. For adjustment of status, our range is $4,500 to $5,500. Where you land in that range depends on how much work your case needs.
Medical Exam, Documents and Other Costs
Plan for a few smaller expenses too:
- Medical exam. Green card applicants need an immigration medical exam from a government-approved doctor. The doctor sets the price, so it varies.
- Documents. Certified copies of birth and marriage certificates, translations of foreign-language documents and passport-style photos all add up.
- Financial paperwork. Your sponsoring spouse must show they can support you financially. This usually means gathering tax returns and proof of income.
- Travel. You may need to travel to a fingerprint (biometrics) appointment and to your interview.
Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing
Where you live affects the cost. If you are already in the U.S. and eligible, you may apply through adjustment of status and stay here while your case is processed. If you live abroad, your case usually goes through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate. That path involves different government fees and steps, plus a medical exam abroad.
Some couples choose a fiancé(e) visa instead of marrying first. That route has its own forms and fees, which you can read about on our K-1 fiancé visa page. Our marriage and fiancé(e) visa services cover each of these paths, and we can help you compare them before you spend anything on filing fees. For a full overview of the process, visit our marriage green card page.
Costs That Can Come Later
The green card is not always the last step. Plan for these possible costs:
- Removing conditions. If you were recently married when your green card was approved, you may receive a conditional green card. Later, you will file to remove the conditions, which means another USCIS fee and more paperwork. Learn more on our I-751 removal of conditions page.
- Waivers. Some spouses need a waiver because of past immigration issues, such as time spent in the U.S. without status. A provisional waiver adds forms, fees and legal work.
- Requests for evidence. If USCIS asks for more evidence, responding takes time and may add cost. A complete, well-organized first filing helps lower that risk.
How Leiva Law Firm Keeps Fees Clear
We believe immigration help should be within reach. The majority of our immigration services are based on a flat fee legal rate or agreed-upon payment plans, so there are no hidden charges. Many clients choose a monthly payment plan to spread out the legal fee.
When you work with us, the attorney who handles your free consultation is the attorney on your case. Scarlett Leiva, our managing attorney, sets the strategy and reviews every filing. Day to day, our bilingual team, including our senior paralegal Betty, helps you gather documents and keep up with timelines. Hablamos español.
We have been practicing immigration law since 2014, and our clients have left 100+ five-star reviews. As one client, Victor C., put it: “Excellent service at a reasonable price.”
Getting ready for your interview? Our guide to marriage interview questions can help you prepare.
Ways to Plan for the Cost
- Ask for a clear quote that separates legal fees from government fees.
- Ask about payment plans before you sign.
- Start gathering documents early so you are not paying for rush copies or translations.
- File a complete case the first time. Mistakes can lead to added fees and a longer wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your legal fee include USCIS filing fees?
No. Our adjustment of status range of $4,500 to $5,500 covers legal work only. USCIS filing fees are paid separately to the government, along with costs like the medical exam.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. The majority of our immigration services are based on a flat fee or agreed-upon payment plans, and many clients choose monthly payments. We will go over your options during your consultation.
Is the consultation free?
Free evaluations are available for new marriage cases that have not been filed yet. If your case has already been filed, you received an RFE, NOID or denial, or your case involves a waiver, a paid attorney case review is required. Reviews begin at $250 to $400 depending on the case. If your case is already pending, visit our pending case page.
Is consular processing cheaper than adjusting status in the U.S.?
Not necessarily. The two paths have different government fees, steps and travel costs, and the legal work differs too. The right choice depends on where you live and your immigration history, not just price. We can compare both paths for you.
Can we file a marriage green card case without a lawyer?
Yes, you are allowed to file on your own. But immigration forms are detailed, and filing errors can lead to more fees and a longer wait. Many couples find it worth having an attorney review their case before they file.
Do I have to come to your office?
No. Our consultations are held by phone or video chat, and we work with couples across the U.S. and around the world.
Talk With Us About Your Marriage Green Card
Every case is different, and a short conversation can give you a real number for your situation. New, unfiled marriage cases qualify for a free evaluation with our attorney, and we can talk in English or Spanish. Call us at (415) 541-9290 or request a consultation online.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Leiva Law Firm: Member of the State Bar of Georgia; practicing U.S. immigration law nationwide.