When attempting to bring a family member to the United States as a permanent resident, one of the first procedures is to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form is crucial for family-based immigration since it establishes a qualifying relationship between the petitioner (a US citizen or lawful permanent resident) and the beneficiary (a relative). However, many applicants are unaware of the related expenditures and other financial issues that accompany this process. This guide will address the most important questions, such as how much does it cost to petition a relative by filing Form I-130.
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How Much is Form I-130?

According to the current fee schedule, the filing fee for Form I-130 is $625-$675. This amount is necessary for each relative you petition, thus if you are petitioning for multiple family members, you must pay a separate fee per application. If you file online, you must pay the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with a check, money order, or credit/debit card. It is critical to verify that the payment is right and sent with your application, since missing or wrong payments might result in delays or rejection.

It’s worth noting that the Form I-130 fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your petition. Before submitting your application, please carefully check it and consult with an immigration attorney if you have any questions.

Additional Expenses When Filing Form I-130

While the $625-$675 fee is the principal cost of completing Form I-130, petitioners should be aware of many other fees. This includes:

1. Translation and Certification of Documents: If any of your supporting documents are not in English, you must produce certified translations. The cost of translation services vary according to the language and amount of pages, but you can anticipate paying between $20 and $100 per page. Learn more: Form I-130 checklist.

1. Attorney Fees: While Form I-130 can be filed without legal aid, many applicants prefer to employ an immigration attorney to ensure that their application is complete and accurate. Attorney fees might range from $500 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

1. Shipping Costs: If you submit a paper application, you must account for the cost of shipping your documents. It is recommended that you use a reputable courier service, which can range in price from $10 to $30 depending on your location and delivery timeliness.

1. Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: As part of the immigration procedure, you must also submit Form I-864 to demonstrate your ability to financially support your relative. While there is no filing fee for this form, you may be charged if you need to obtain extra financial documentation, such as tax transcripts or pay stubs. Learn more: Affidavit of Support checklist.

1. Medical Examination and Vaccinations: If your relative is applying for a green card from outside the United States, they will need to get a medical examination by an approved physician. The cost of this exam varies by region, but often runs from $200 to $500. Additionally, your relative may require specific vaccines, which could increase the overall cost.

I-130 Processing Times

Understanding the processing time for Form I-130 is critical since it might drastically affect your plans and expectations. Form I-130 processing dates vary depending on the type of relationship and the service center that receives your application.
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1. Immediate Relatives: Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21 who are US citizens often have speedier processing periods. On average, USCIS might take anywhere from 6 months to over a year to approve an I-130 petition for an immediate relative. Once approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

1. Family Preference Categories: If you are petitioning for a relative under the family preference categories (e.g., F2A category, siblings of US citizens or adult offspring of US citizens and permanent residents), the processing period may be much longer. Due to annual visa limitations, some cases can take several years to process.

1. Service Center Variations: The processing time for your application may vary based on which USCIS service center is handling it. You can check the current processing timelines on the USCIS website by selecting the form and service center that corresponds to your case. It’s also a good idea to keep track of any updates from USCIS, as processing times can vary depending on workload and policy changes.

Filing Form I-130 is an important step in bringing a loved one to the United States, but it comes with a number of charges and responsibilities. The $625-$675 filing price is only the beginning; extra costs like translation services, attorney fees, and medical tests can quickly pile up. Understanding these charges and probable processing timeframes will help you plan for the path ahead. By properly planning and staying informed, you may make the I-130 procedure go more smoothly and increase the likelihood of success.
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