A Green Card, often referred to as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that gives a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is an important step for those who wish to settle in the US. Many individuals from the UK look for ways to obtain a Green Card. If you’re considering applying for a Green Card, one of the key concerns will likely be the cost involved. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the costs associated with obtaining a Green Card for UK citizens and residents.
What is a Green Card?
Before we dive into the costs, it’s important to understand what a Green Card is and why it’s necessary. A Green Card is a permit issued by the United States government to foreign nationals that allows them to live and work in the country permanently. People with a Green Card are also entitled to some benefits, such as access to healthcare, education, and the ability to apply for US citizenship after a certain number of years.
There are various ways to obtain a Green Card, including through family sponsorship, employment, or a diversity lottery program. The costs can vary depending on the route you take to apply for it.
Types of Green Cards and Their Costs
There are several different ways to apply for a Green Card, and the associated costs vary based on the category under which you apply. Below are the most common types of Green Cards that UK citizens typically pursue:
1. Family-Based Green Card
The Family-Based Green Card is one of the most popular ways to gain permanent residency in the US. It allows US citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their family members for immigration to the United States. If you are married to a US citizen, for example, they can apply to sponsor you.
Cost Breakdown
- Form I-130 Filing Fee: £500 – £600
- Form I-485 Filing Fee: £1,000 – £1,200
- Biometrics Fee: £70 – £80
The total cost for a family-based Green Card can range between £1,570 and £1,880. However, these fees may change, so it’s important to verify the exact cost on the official USCIS website.
2. Employment-Based Green Card
An Employment-Based Green Card is for individuals who have a job offer in the US or are willing to invest in the country. To qualify, applicants must meet specific skill or investment criteria and be sponsored by a US employer.
Cost Breakdown
- Form I-140 Filing Fee: £300 – £400
- Form I-485 Filing Fee: £1,000 – £1,200
- Biometrics Fee: £70 – £80
- Medical Examination Fee: £200 – £500 (cost may vary depending on the doctor)
The total cost for an employment-based Green Card can range from £1,570 to £2,200, depending on medical examination fees and other variables.
3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Green Card
The Diversity Visa Lottery is a random selection process that gives individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the US the opportunity to apply for a Green Card. UK citizens are generally eligible to apply for this lottery, although only a limited number of applicants are selected each year.
Cost Breakdown
- DV Lottery Application Fee: £5 – £10
- Immigrant Visa Fee (if selected): £400 – £500
- Medical Examination Fee: £200 – £500
- Form DS-260 Filing Fee: £100 – £200
The total cost for a Diversity Visa Green Card can range between £705 and £1,210.
4. Investor Green Card (EB-5)
The EB-5 Investor Visa program allows foreign nationals to obtain a Green Card by investing in a US business. Applicants must invest a minimum amount of capital in the business and create jobs for US workers.
Cost Breakdown
- Investment Amount: £800,000 – £1,000,000 (depending on the location of the investment)
- Form I-526 Filing Fee: £2,200
- Form I-829 Filing Fee: £3,200
- Legal Fees: £10,000 – £25,000 (costs can vary)
The total cost of the EB-5 Green Card can range from £815,000 to £1,030,000, including the investment and all necessary fees.
Additional Costs in the Green Card Process
In addition to the filing fees associated with the Green Card application itself, there are several other expenses that applicants need to be aware of. These may include:
1. Medical Examination
Applicants for a Green Card are required to undergo a medical examination as part of the immigration process. This medical exam ensures that applicants do not have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible to the United States.
Cost of Medical Examination
The cost for a medical exam can vary widely depending on where you go for the exam, but it typically ranges from £200 to £500 in the UK. It’s best to contact a physician who is authorized by the US embassy or consulate.
2. Lawyer Fees
While it is possible to apply for a Green Card on your own, many applicants choose to hire an immigration lawyer to help navigate the complex application process. Lawyers can help ensure that all forms are filled out correctly, and they can assist with any issues that arise during the process.
Cost of Legal Assistance
Immigration lawyers in the UK typically charge anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience.
3. Translation and Document Fees
If you need to submit documents in a language other than English, you may need to pay for translations. Additionally, you may need to get certain documents notarized or provide certified copies.
Cost of Document Services
Translation fees can vary based on the length and complexity of the document, but they typically range from £20 to £60 per page.
Notarization fees are usually around £5 to £20 per document.
4. Interview Fees
Applicants may be required to attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate as part of the Green Card process. While there is generally no additional cost for the interview itself, you may need to pay for travel to the embassy and accommodations if you live far away.
Travel and Accommodation Costs
The cost of traveling to the embassy for the interview can vary depending on your location, but it’s important to factor in transportation costs, accommodation, and food expenses.
Green Card Processing Time and Delays
The processing time for a Green Card can vary significantly depending on the route you take. For instance, family-based Green Card applications may take several months to a year to process, while employment-based Green Cards can take several years.
If there are any issues with your application, such as missing documents or errors on forms, this can cause delays, resulting in additional costs to fix the issue. Therefore, it’s important to stay on top of the process and ensure that everything is submitted correctly.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Green Card in the UK can be a lengthy and costly process. The total cost depends on the type of Green Card you are applying for and the various additional expenses that may arise during the process. On average, you can expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,200 for a family-based or employment-based Green Card, and anywhere from £705 to £1,210 for a Diversity Visa Green Card. The Investor Green Card (EB-5) requires a significantly higher investment, ranging from £815,000 to £1,030,000.
Keep in mind that additional costs, such as legal fees, medical examination fees, and translation fees, can add up, so it’s important to plan your budget accordingly. Be sure to carefully follow all the instructions for your Green Card application and consider seeking legal assistance to help guide you through the process.
Although the costs can seem high, the opportunity to live and work permanently in the US can be life-changing. Make sure to research thoroughly, plan ahead, and understand all the costs involved in obtaining a Green Card before you begin your application.
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