The short answer: the cost to remove conditions on a green card comes from two main places. The first is the government filing fee you send to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with Form I-751. The second is the attorney fee, if you choose to work with a lawyer. You may also have smaller costs, such as translations and copies of records.
USCIS sets its own fees and changes them from time to time. Always check the current fee on the USCIS website before you file. Below, we explain each cost, what can raise or lower your total, and how Leiva Law Firm handles fees for I-751 removal of conditions cases.
What You Pay For When You File Form I-751
If your green card came through a marriage that was still new when you were approved, you likely received a conditional green card. To keep your permanent resident status, you file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. Once USCIS approves it, you receive your permanent green card.
The USCIS filing fee
Every I-751 petition needs a fee paid to USCIS. Because the government updates its fee schedule, we do not list a fixed amount here. A fee that was correct last year may be wrong today, and a petition sent with the wrong payment can be rejected. Before you file, check the USCIS fee schedule or ask our team to confirm it with you.
Attorney fees
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file Form I-751. Many people choose to, because the petition depends on showing USCIS that your marriage was real. Attorney fees vary from firm to firm and depend on how much work your case needs.
At Leiva Law Firm, the majority of our immigration services are based on a flat fee or agreed-upon payment plans. That means no hidden charges. We also offer monthly payment plans, so you can spread the cost over time.
Other costs to plan for
- Certified translations of any documents that are not in English
- Copies of records, such as leases, bank statements, insurance papers and tax records
- Court papers if you are separated or divorced
- Travel and time off work for your biometrics appointment or an interview
What Affects the Cost to Remove Conditions
No two I-751 cases are the same. Here are common factors that can change how much work, and cost, your case involves.
Filing jointly or filing with a waiver
Many couples who are still married file together. You can learn more on our I-751 joint filing page. If you are separated or divorced, you may need to file on your own and ask USCIS to waive the joint filing requirement. Our I-751 waiver after divorce page explains this path. If your marriage involved abuse, see our I-751 abuse waiver page. Waiver cases usually need more evidence and more careful preparation, which can raise legal fees.
How much evidence you have
Strong shared records, such as a joint lease, joint accounts and photos over time, can make a case simpler to prepare. If your records are thin, more time may go into building evidence and gathering statements from people who know you as a couple.
Requests for evidence and interviews
USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) or schedule an interview. Responding well takes time and planning. If your case is already pending, or you have received an RFE, NOID or denial, visit our help with pending immigration cases page. To get ready for an interview, read our guide to marriage interview questions to expect.
Fixing an earlier mistake
Sometimes a case needs to be refiled after a previous filing error. That usually costs more than getting it right the first time, both in fees and in waiting. Careful preparation up front can help you avoid paying twice.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer for Your I-751?
That depends on your situation. A simple joint case may feel manageable on your own. Still, small mistakes can lead to delays, extra fees or a request for more evidence.
Leiva Law Firm has been practicing immigration law since 2014. Our managing attorney, Scarlett Leiva, leads every case. The attorney who handles your free consultation is the attorney on your case, setting the strategy, reviewing every filing and going with you to the interview. Day to day, you work closely with our experienced bilingual support team, including our paralegal Betty, who walks beside you through the paperwork and timelines. That continuity is behind our 100+ five-star reviews. Read more about how we guide your immigration case.
How Consultations and Fees Work at Leiva Law Firm
- Free evaluations are available for new matters that have not been filed yet.
- Paid attorney case reviews apply when your matter has already been filed, when you have received an RFE, NOID or denial, or when your case involves a waiver or other complex issue. Reviews begin at $250-$400 depending on the case and include a review of your documents before we speak.
- Flat fees and payment plans keep costs clear from the start.
- Remote consultations by phone or video, wherever you live.
- Hablamos español. Our bilingual team can help you in Spanish.
For more answers, visit our immigration FAQ page or our I-751 petition services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remove conditions on a green card?
The cost has two main parts: the USCIS filing fee for Form I-751 and attorney fees if you hire a lawyer. You may also pay for translations and copies of records. Check the current USCIS fee before you file, and call us for a quote on legal fees.
Does it cost more to file an I-751 waiver than a joint petition?
Legal fees are often higher for waiver cases because they usually need more evidence and preparation. Confirm the government filing fee on the USCIS website at the time you file.
Can I pay attorney fees over time?
Yes. Our services are based on flat fees or agreed-upon payment plans, and we offer monthly payment plans to help make legal help more affordable.
Do you offer free consultations for I-751 cases?
Free evaluations are available for new matters that have not been filed. If your case is already filed, involves an RFE, NOID or denial, or involves a waiver or other complex issue, a paid attorney case review is required, beginning at $250-$400 depending on the case.
Do I have to live in California to work with you?
No. Leiva Law Firm is an online-focused firm with offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek, California. We also work with clients who live outside California and all over the world, and consultations are handled by phone or video.
Talk With Our Team About Your I-751 Costs
Knowing the full cost up front helps you plan with confidence. Schedule a consultation with Scarlett and our bilingual team to talk through your case, your fees and your payment options. Call (415) 541-9290 or request an immigration consultation today.
Leiva Law Firm. Member of the State Bar of Georgia; practicing U.S. immigration law nationwide. This article is general information, not legal advice.