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Most applications take 7-15 months.
ImmigrationHelp.org does not charge anything to help you prepare and file your application, but you will need to pay government fees of $1,760 for the majority of applications.
If you need help with any part of the application process, you can reach us by clicking the button below.
Once your Priority Date becomes current, you will need to complete your required Medical Exam and get a signed Form I-693 from the attending physician no more than 60 days before submitting your application. You can find this form, and instructions for completing it, on the USCIS website here.
Alternatively, you can complete the exam after you file and bring the I-693 with you to your interview.
Use the USCIS “find a doctor” tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to locate a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Let the doctor’s office know that you are contacting them to set up a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
Having all of your documents ready before your appointment will help the medical exam go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you:
● Your immunization or vaccination records
● A copy of your medical history
● Copies of any previous chest X-rays, if any
● A letter from your regular doctor outlining the treatment plan for any health problems you have
● A government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit
● Payment for the medical exam fee (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment for acceptable payment options)
● Your health insurance card, if any (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment if they accept your insurance)
● A blank copy of Form I-693
During the medical exam, the doctor will review your immunization and medical history with you. They will ask both general and specific questions about your health. You’ll also get a basic checkup (or “physical”). Unless you’re instructed to come back to the doctor’s office, the doctor will provide your medical exam results in a sealed envelope at the end of your appointment. Do not break the seal or open the envelope.
In addition, the doctor will look for specific conditions that fall into the following categories:
● Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)
● Drug abuse or addiction
● Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
● Conditions that make it impossible for you to support yourself
The doctor will perform the following tests to screen for these conditions:
● Tuberculosis test
● Blood and urine tests
● Vaccination screening
● Drug and alcohol screening
You would need a copy of your most recent US credit report (if you have US credit). You can get a free credit report here.
(e-notice authorization if you want to receive an email when USCIS accepts your application)
(credit card charge authorization if you want to pay by credit card)
You will need to pay the following government fees when you file your application.
These fees change periodically, and we do our best to keep them updated. You can confirm the current filing fees for each of the forms in your packet here for USCIS and here for the State Department. You do not need to pay additional fees for Form I-131 and Form I-765 when you file them with an I-485.
Fees can be paid by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, and credit card. If you’d like to pay by credit card, you must fill out Form G-1450 and include it with your paperwork.
Checks and money orders should be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” You should include a separate check or money order per item, and reference the item you are paying for in the memo line (“Biometrics,” or “Form I-485.”)
Most applicants: $85.
Applicants under 14 years old or over 79 years old: $0
$445 (ABROAD ONLY)
Most applicants: $1,140.
Applicants under 13 years old applying with their parent(s): $750
$220 paid online (ABROAD ONLY)
$535
You would need a copy of your most recent US credit report (if you have US credit). You can get a free credit report here.
(e-notice authorization if you want to receive an email when USCIS accepts your application)
(credit card charge authorization if you want to pay by credit card)
(if this application is for a Marriage Green Card)
Proof of valid marriage (provide the following)
Proof of termination of prior marriage(s), if any (provide one of the following for each prior marriage for both spouses):
Proof of official name change, if any (provide one of the following):
Your completed packet needs to include these forms and the supporting documents listed under each. Be sure to sign all forms in the relevant places. In general, the forms and their supporting documents should be assembled in the order below.
It is a good idea to include a cover letter that lists all of the forms, supporting documents, and fee payments in your packet. This will help USCIS keep track of your documents as they process your application. You can find a sample cover letter here. Note that this sample may need to be edited to match your specific application, but the basic format will work for most applications.
You would need a copy of your most recent US credit report (if you have US credit). You can get a free credit report here.
(e-notice authorization if you want to receive an email when USCIS accepts your application)
(credit card charge authorization if you want to pay by credit card)
(if this application is for a Marriage Green Card)
Proof of valid marriage (provide the following)
Proof of termination of prior marriage(s), if any (provide one of the following for each prior marriage for both spouses):
Proof of official name change, if any (provide one of the following):
Mail your full application packet and fees to one the addresses below depending on what service you use to mail it. It is a good idea to send your packet with tracking so that you can keep tabs on it.
For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
You will receive a variety of notices throughout the application process. These will be mailed to the mailing address(es) you provided on your paperwork, and will provide you with updates on your case status, requests for more information, and notices of upcoming tasks and events. A standard application will receive the following notices:
As part of applying for a Family Green Card, you are required to attend a biometrics (photo and fingerprinting) appointment. The purpose of this appointment is to ensure you do not have a serious criminal record or any relevant prior immigration violations.
This article provides a great overview of what to expect during your biometrics appointment.
Applicants will attend their biometrics appointment at a local USCIS office fairly early in the application process, typically 5-8 weeks after filing their Green Card application.
Use the USCIS “find a doctor” tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to locate a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Let the doctor’s office know that you are contacting them to set up a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
Having all of your documents ready before your appointment will help the medical exam go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you:
● Your immunization or vaccination records
● A copy of your medical history
● Copies of any previous chest X-rays, if any
● A letter from your regular doctor outlining the treatment plan for any health problems you have
● A government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit
● Payment for the medical exam fee (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment for acceptable payment options)
● Your health insurance card, if any (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment if they accept your insurance)
● A blank copy of Form I-693
During the medical exam, the doctor will review your immunization and medical history with you. They will ask both general and specific questions about your health. You’ll also get a basic checkup (or “physical”). Unless you’re instructed to come back to the doctor’s office, the doctor will provide your medical exam results in a sealed envelope at the end of your appointment. Do not break the seal or open the envelope.
In addition, the doctor will look for specific conditions that fall into the following categories:
● Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)
● Drug abuse or addiction
● Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
● Conditions that make it impossible for you to support yourself
The doctor will perform the following tests to screen for these conditions:
● Tuberculosis test
● Blood and urine tests
● Vaccination screening
● Drug and alcohol screening
Almost everyone must attend a Green Card interview as the final step of their application process. This interview has two goals:
If the Green Card is for a spouse, both spouses will need to attend the interview. If it is for any other family member, only the Beneficiary needs to attend.
For more information about what to expect at the interview, check out out this guide.
The interview is the last step of the Green Card process. It typically occurs 7-15 months after filing. USCIS will notify you of your interview date, time, and location by mail once they have approved your application. The interview will typically take place at the closes local USCIS, which you can find here.
Most applicants: $85.
Applicants under 14 years old or over 79 years old: $0
$445 (ABROAD ONLY)
Most applicants: $1,140.
Applicants under 13 years old applying with their parent(s): $750
$220 paid online (ABROAD ONLY)
$535
The interviewing officer will usually approve your Green Card application at the interview. Once approved, you should receive your Green Card in the mail 2-3 weeks after approval.
(if this application is for a Marriage Green Card)
Proof of valid marriage (provide the following)
Proof of termination of prior marriage(s), if any (provide one of the following for each prior marriage for both spouses):
Proof of official name change, if any (provide one of the following):
Use the USCIS “find a doctor” tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to locate a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Let the doctor’s office know that you are contacting them to set up a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
Having all of your documents ready before your appointment will help the medical exam go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you:
● Your immunization or vaccination records
● A copy of your medical history
● Copies of any previous chest X-rays, if any
● A letter from your regular doctor outlining the treatment plan for any health problems you have
● A government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit
● Payment for the medical exam fee (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment for acceptable payment options)
● Your health insurance card, if any (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment if they accept your insurance)
● A blank copy of Form I-693
During the medical exam, the doctor will review your immunization and medical history with you. They will ask both general and specific questions about your health. You’ll also get a basic checkup (or “physical”). Unless you’re instructed to come back to the doctor’s office, the doctor will provide your medical exam results in a sealed envelope at the end of your appointment. Do not break the seal or open the envelope.
In addition, the doctor will look for specific conditions that fall into the following categories:
● Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)
● Drug abuse or addiction
● Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
● Conditions that make it impossible for you to support yourself
The doctor will perform the following tests to screen for these conditions:
● Tuberculosis test
● Blood and urine tests
● Vaccination screening
● Drug and alcohol screening
Use the USCIS “find a doctor” tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to locate a nearby civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Let the doctor’s office know that you are contacting them to set up a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
Having all of your documents ready before your appointment will help the medical exam go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you:
● Your immunization or vaccination records
● A copy of your medical history
● Copies of any previous chest X-rays, if any
● A letter from your regular doctor outlining the treatment plan for any health problems you have
● A government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit
● Payment for the medical exam fee (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment for acceptable payment options)
● Your health insurance card, if any (check with the doctor’s office before your appointment if they accept your insurance)
● A blank copy of Form I-693
During the medical exam, the doctor will review your immunization and medical history with you. They will ask both general and specific questions about your health. You’ll also get a basic checkup (or “physical”). Unless you’re instructed to come back to the doctor’s office, the doctor will provide your medical exam results in a sealed envelope at the end of your appointment. Do not break the seal or open the envelope.
In addition, the doctor will look for specific conditions that fall into the following categories:
● Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)
● Drug abuse or addiction
● Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
● Conditions that make it impossible for you to support yourself
The doctor will perform the following tests to screen for these conditions:
● Tuberculosis test
● Blood and urine tests
● Vaccination screening
● Drug and alcohol screening
Most applicants: $85.
Applicants under 14 years old or over 79 years old: $0
$445 (ABROAD ONLY)
Most applicants: $1,140.
Applicants under 13 years old applying with their parent(s): $750
$220 paid online (ABROAD ONLY)
(if this application is for a Marriage Green Card)
Proof of valid marriage (provide the following)
Proof of termination of prior marriage(s), if any (provide one of the following for each prior marriage for both spouses):
Proof of official name change, if any (provide one of the following):