💵 Cost of EB2 NIW green card application in 2024

Summary

In this video, Oscar, a scientist with experience navigating U.S. immigration processes, provides an in-depth breakdown of the costs involved in obtaining an E2W or E1A Green Card. He details the updated fees as of April 2024, including the mandatory I-140 petition, Asylum program fee, adjustment of status, consular processing, medical exams, and optional expenses like premium processing and legal fees. Oscar also weighs the pros and cons of hiring a lawyer, offering viewers a comprehensive guide to making informed financial decisions throughout the green card application process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The new Asylum Program Fee of $300 is mandatory for all E2W/E1A applicants starting in April 2024.
• 😀 The I-140 government fee has increased to $715, up $15 from previous rates, and is a key part of the green card application process.
• 😀 Premium processing is optional but costs $285 and can speed up the I-140 decision, although it doesn't affect the second stage of the process.
• 😀 If you're applying for Adjustment of Status (I-485) inside the U.S., the main fee is $1,440 for each adult applicant, with additional fees for optional work and travel permits.
• 😀 Consular processing fees (for applicants abroad) include a $345 Department of State fee and a $220 USCIS immigrant fee, totaling $565.
• 😀 Medical exams are required for both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing and cost between $300-$500 depending on location.
• 😀 Lawyer fees are optional, but they can range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the services provided, such as help with petition letters and documentation.
• 😀 Adjustment of Status is more expensive for applicants inside the U.S. due to additional fees like work and travel permits, while consular processing is generally cheaper.
• 😀 While you can hire a lawyer for support, a DIY approach is viable and can save significant money, with lawyers often charging substantial fees for the services they offer.
• 😀 The total cost for a green card application can vary widely—without optional costs, it ranges from $2,285 to $22,000, depending on whether you're in the U.S. or abroad and if you hire a lawyer.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Asylum Program Fee in the green card process?

The Asylum Program Fee is a new mandatory fee that applies to all applicants for the E2W and E1A Green Cards. It is a government fee that must be paid during the I-140 petition process, regardless of whether the applicant is applying under an asylum status.

What is the cost of the I-140 petition for an E2W or E1A Green Card applicant?

The I-140 fee is $715. However, the Asylum Program Fee, which is mandatory for all applicants, is an additional $300. If premium processing is chosen, the total fee for the I-140 step can range from $1,015 to $3,820.

Is premium processing necessary for E2W or E1A applicants?

Premium processing is optional and costs $2,850 for E1A applicants and $2,500 for E2W applicants. For E2W applicants, the speaker suggests that premium processing may not be worth it given the current visa bulletin, but it may be beneficial for E1A applicants.

What are the fees for Adjustment of Status (I-485) if the applicant is in the US?

For applicants in the US, the I-485 Adjustment of Status fee is $1,440 for adults and $950 for children under 14. There are also optional fees: $260 for the I-765 (work permit) and $630 for the I-131 (travel document), which can increase the total cost to $2,330.

How do the fees for Adjustment of Status differ from Consular Processing?

The main difference is that Consular Processing is generally cheaper. The total cost for Consular Processing, including the Department of State Consular Fee ($345) and the USCIS Immigrant Fee ($220), is $565. In contrast, the total cost for Adjustment of Status can reach up to $2,330 with optional fees.

What is the cost of the medical examination for both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?

The cost for the medical examination required for both Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing can vary between $300 and $500 per person, depending on the location and doctor.

What are the optional costs in the green card process for an E2W or E1A applicant?

Optional costs include premium processing, temporary work and travel permits (I-765 and I-131), credential evaluations for foreign degrees, translations, office supplies, and professional/business plans. Lawyer fees are also an optional cost, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

How does the process of paying fees differ between the I-140 step and Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing?

During the I-140 step, only the principal applicant pays the fees, which are relatively simple to pay. However, in the Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing stages, each family member must pay their own separate fees, which can add up quickly.

What should applicants consider when deciding whether to hire a lawyer for the green card process?

Applicants should consider the cost of legal services (which range from $5,000 to $20,000), the services included, and their personal comfort level with managing the process themselves. Some applicants prefer hiring lawyers for petition preparation, recommendation letters, and other legal guidance.

How much does hiring a lawyer increase the overall cost of the green card process?

Hiring a lawyer can significantly increase the cost of the green card process. Without optional fees, legal services can add anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000. With all optional costs and lawyer fees, the total can rise to $22,000 or even more for applicants in the US. For applicants abroad, costs can range from $7,000 to $20,000.