By Ali Latif, Esq. | Latif Law, LLC | Columbus, Ohio
One of the first things people want to know when considering a green card application is: what will this actually cost? The answer has several components. This guide breaks down the full cost picture for a marriage-based green card (the most common type) for Columbus-area couples in 2026.
USCIS Government Filing Fees (Adjustment of Status)
These are mandatory fees paid directly to USCIS. They are generally non-refundable regardless of outcome:
| Form | Purpose | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | $675 |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence | $1,440 |
| I-765 | Work Permit (EAD) — combo card | $260 |
| I-131 | Advance Parole (travel document) — combo card | $630 |
| I-864 | Affidavit of Support | No fee |
| Total USCIS fees | | ~$3,005 |
USCIS fees are non-refundable. Confirm current amounts at uscis.gov before filing.
Medical Examination
USCIS requires a medical examination by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. In Columbus, several civil surgeons accept appointments. The exam includes a physical, vaccinations as required, blood tests, and tuberculosis screening. The typical cost in Columbus is $250 to $450 depending on the provider and required vaccinations.
Document Preparation Costs
Attorney Fees
Attorney fees vary by firm, complexity, and location. In Columbus, fees for a straightforward marriage-based adjustment of status typically range from $2,500 to $4,500. More complex cases — involving prior visa violations, prior denials, criminal history, or the need for waivers — cost more.
At Latif Law, we discuss fees transparently during the consultation, give you a fixed fee quote for your case, and do not charge hourly surprises. We offer payment plans.
Total Estimated Costs — Adjustment of Status
| Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| USCIS filing fees | ~$2,375 |
| Medical exam | $250–$450 |
| Translations and documents | $100–$400 |
| Attorney fees | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Total | $5,225–$7,725 |
What About Consular Processing?
If your spouse is abroad and you are processing through a U.S. consulate rather than adjusting status in the U.S., the fee structure is different:
I-751 — Removing Conditions on a Conditional Green Card
If your marriage was less than two years old when you were approved, you received a two-year conditional green card. You must file Form I-751 within the 90-day window before it expires to receive a permanent 10-year green card. The I-751 fee is currently $750.
Naturalization — Becoming a U.S. Citizen
After holding your green card for three years (if married to a U.S. citizen) or five years, you may apply for citizenship on Form N-400. The 2026 fee is $760.
Payment Plans
Many immigration attorneys, including Latif Law, offer payment plans. Government USCIS fees must be paid at filing, but attorney fees can often be structured across multiple payments.
View our immigration fees page for current government fee schedule →
Call: (614) 285-5254
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fee amounts are estimates for early 2026 and may have changed. USCIS adjusts fees periodically. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Latif Law, LLC. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for a case-specific cost assessment.