Petitioning for a spouse to obtain lawful permanent residence or a visa in the United States is a significant step in uniting families. However, one of the most common questions that arise is: how much does it cost to petition a spouse? Understanding the total costs involved is essential to prepare financially and avoid surprises during the immigration process. The expenses are not limited to filing fees alone—they often include legal fees, medical exams, travel costs, and other related expenses.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with petitioning a spouse for U.S. immigration in 2025. Whether you are petitioning from inside the U.S. through adjustment of status or from abroad through consular processing, we cover everything you need to know.
What Is a Spousal Petition?
A spousal petition refers to the process by which a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) files a petition on behalf of their foreign-born spouse. This petition initiates the legal procedure for the spouse to obtain a visa or green card to live and work legally in the United States.
The main form used to begin this process is Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Filing this form establishes the legitimacy of the marital relationship and requests that the government recognizes the spouse’s eligibility for immigration benefits.
Key Steps in the Spousal Petition Process
- Filing Form I-130 with USCIS
- Approval of the petition
- Consular processing (if spouse is outside the U.S.) or adjustment of status (if spouse is inside the U.S.)
- Interview and final approval
Each step carries its own costs, which we will break down below.
Primary Costs of Petitioning a Spouse
1. USCIS Filing Fees
The core filing fee to petition for a spouse is the fee for Form I-130. As of 2025, the fee for Form I-130 is $535. This fee must be paid at the time of submission and is non-refundable, even if the petition is denied.
If the spouse is already in the U.S. and adjusting status to permanent resident, you will also file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The filing fee for Form I-485 varies based on the applicant’s age:
- $1,140 for applicants aged 14 to 78
- $750 for applicants under 14 applying with a parent
- $1,140 plus $85 biometric fee (total $1,225) for applicants aged 14 to 78 who must submit biometrics
Biometric fees cover fingerprinting and background checks. Sometimes the biometric fee is included, depending on the application.
2. USCIS Biometrics Fee
For many applicants, USCIS charges a biometric services fee of $85. This fee applies mostly to adjustment of status applicants but is generally waived for the initial I-130 petition.
3. Medical Examination Fees
A critical part of the process, especially for adjustment of status or immigrant visa applicants, is the medical examination performed by an authorized civil surgeon or panel physician. The cost of the medical exam varies widely depending on the provider and location but typically ranges from $200 to $500.
This examination includes vaccinations, a physical exam, and various tests as required by U.S. immigration law.
4. Consular Processing Fees
If the spouse is abroad, after USCIS approves the I-130, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate for immigrant visa processing. The main fees at this stage include:
- Immigrant visa application processing fee: $325
- Affidavit of Support fee: $120
These fees are payable to the Department of State and cover the visa interview and related administrative costs.
5. Travel Costs
Petitioning a spouse living abroad almost always requires travel to attend the visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel expenses, which include airfare, lodging, and transportation, vary significantly based on the country and distance. It is important to budget for this in advance.
Additional Costs to Consider
1. Attorney Fees
Many couples choose to hire an immigration attorney to assist with the petition and application process. Legal fees vary greatly depending on the attorney’s experience, location, and case complexity. Typical fees range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
While not required, an attorney can help avoid mistakes that might delay or jeopardize the case.
2. Document Preparation and Translation
Obtaining certified translations of foreign documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police records, and other supporting evidence may add several hundred dollars to the cost.
3. Miscellaneous Fees
- Postal or courier charges for sending documents securely
- Fees for obtaining civil documents from foreign governments
- Possible costs of obtaining police clearance certificates
Summary of Estimated Costs
| Item | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Form I-130 Filing Fee | $535 |
| Form I-485 Filing Fee (if applicable) | $1,140 – $1,225 |
| Biometric Fee (if applicable) | $85 |
| Medical Exam | $200 – $500 |
| Consular Visa Fee | $325 |
| Affidavit of Support Fee | $120 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,500 – $5,000+ |
| Translations and Document Fees | $100 – $500 |
| Travel Costs (for consular interview) | Varies |
Factors That Can Affect Costs
1. Location of the Spouse
Costs can vary depending on whether the spouse is in the U.S. or abroad. Adjustment of status generally involves fewer travel expenses but can have higher USCIS fees. Consular processing requires paying Department of State fees and travel costs.
2. Need for Expedited Processing
Some petitions may qualify for premium processing, which speeds up the I-130 adjudication for an additional fee of $1,500. This is optional but can be worthwhile for urgent cases.
3. Complexity of the Case
Complicated cases, such as those involving previous immigration violations, criminal records, or questions about the validity of the marriage, may require more legal assistance and thus higher attorney fees.
4. Multiple Applications
If the petitioning spouse has multiple petitions or if the beneficiary spouse has children who will also immigrate, filing fees multiply accordingly.
How to Save Money on Spousal Petition Costs
- Prepare and submit accurate, complete applications to avoid delays or re-submissions
- Shop around and compare prices for medical exams and translations
- Consider using legal aid services or nonprofit immigration clinics if eligible
- Handle parts of the process yourself if confident to reduce attorney fees
Conclusion
Petitioning a spouse to immigrate to the United States involves several steps, each with its own fees and costs. In total, petitioners should be prepared to spend anywhere from $1,000 to over $7,000 depending on whether they use legal help, the petitioning method, and related expenses like medical exams and travel.
Planning ahead and understanding the breakdown of costs will make the process smoother and help avoid unexpected financial burdens. If you are beginning the process or planning to do so, keep this guide as a reference and regularly check official sources for fee updates.
For personalized guidance, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the complexities and maximize your chances of success while managing costs effectively.
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