Green Card Sponsorship Costs Rise

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has raised several fees, including a $2,965 charge for premium processing of Form I-140, which is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. This marks a significant increase from previous rates.

In addition, USCIS has unbundled fees for work and travel permits, which were previously included in the adjustment of status application. Now, applicants must pay separately for these documents, adding to the overall cost of the green card process.

The fee changes are part of a broader effort by USCIS to align its revenue with operational costs and reduce backlogs. The agency has stated that the new fee structure will help expedite processing for certain applications.

Employers and immigration attorneys are advising applicants to budget for these higher expenses, as the total cost of sponsoring a green card can now exceed $5,000, depending on the category and number of family members included.