adminLast reviewed: 25 October 2026. Fees were checked against a guide dated 10 September 2026 that cites USCIS Form G-1055. Check USCIS before filing.
A US green card gives permanent residence. There is no single “green card visa” you can buy. Most people qualify through family, an employer, the diversity lottery or a humanitarian category. This guide explains the main routes and the official fees.
Quick answer
- Main categories: family, employment, diversity visa lottery, and humanitarian routes such as refugee or asylee status.
- Backlogs are real. In the November 2026 Visa Bulletin, the EB-3 skilled worker date for most countries was 15 June 2024 and for “other workers” 1 June 2022, so many applicants wait for years.
- The government fees are modest compared with scam prices, as the table below shows.
- Nobody can guarantee approval or speed up the lottery.
Routes at a glance
| Route | Who it suits | Main step |
|---|---|---|
| Family-based | Spouses, parents, children and siblings of US citizens, and some relatives of permanent residents | The US relative files Form I-130 |
| Employment-based | Workers with an employer sponsor, and some people of extraordinary ability | Employer files Form I-140 after labour certification where required |
| Diversity visa | Natives of countries with low US immigration, with at least a high school education or qualifying work experience | Free entry during the official registration window |
| Humanitarian | Refugees, asylees and others who qualify | Apply through the relevant US process |
Official fees (September 2026 guide)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Form I-130 (family petition) | $625 online or $675 paper |
| Form I-485 (adjustment of status) | $1,390 online or $1,440 paper (child under 14 filing with a parent: $900 online or $950 paper) |
| Form I-140 (employer petition) | $665 online or $715 paper, plus an Asylum Program Fee of $600 (or $300 for small employers) |
| Work permit I-765 with pending I-485 | $260 |
| Immigrant visa fee (consular processing) | $325 family, $345 employment, $330 diversity |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 for most immigrants |
| Affidavit of Support review | $120 where required |
Medical exam costs vary by doctor. Premium processing for some employment petitions rose to $2,965 from 1 March 2026. Other statutory fees can apply as well, so use the official fee table.
Diversity visa warning
The official registration is free and run by the US State Department. Websites that charge to “increase your chances” or to enter for you are not official.
Adjustment of status or consular processing?
If you are already in the US in a lawful status that allows it, you may file Form I-485 inside the country. If you are abroad, your case is finished at a US consulate after the petition is approved. Which applies depends on your case, so ask a licensed attorney.
Red flags and scams
- Anyone asking you to pay for a job offer, a visa slot or a “guaranteed” green card.
- Job adverts with very high pay for beginners, or no interview.
- Contact only through WhatsApp, Telegram or a free email address with no company website or address.
- Fake government sites. Official US immigration sites end in .gov. USCIS never asks for payment by gift card or crypto.
If you think you have been targeted, stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and report it to the Federal Trade Commission or your local police. You can also email us at info@careerjobss.com.
Sources and references
- Immigration Direct: Green card cost 2026 (10 September 2026)
- USCIS: Green card
- US Department of State: Visa Bulletin
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. US rules, fees and court decisions change often. Always confirm the current position on USCIS.gov or with a licensed immigration attorney before making decisions. Corrections are welcome at info@careerjobss.com.
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