Obtaining U.S. citizenship through marriage is a common and legally recognized path for foreign nationals who marry American citizens. While it can be a streamlined process compared to other immigration routes, it involves a series of steps that incur specific costs. These costs vary depending on whether you’re applying from within the United States or abroad, and whether you’re pursuing a green card first or applying directly for naturalization after holding permanent residency. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the financial aspects of obtaining U.S. citizenship through marriage, covering government filing fees, legal services, medical exams, translations, and additional expenses. We also touch on timelines and tips to reduce costs where possible.
Understanding the Path to Citizenship Through Marriage
Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not grant immediate citizenship. The foreign spouse must first obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, commonly known as a green card, before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization. This path generally involves three main steps:
1. Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)
The U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130 to establish a valid relationship with the foreign spouse. This is the first step to initiate the green card application process.
2. Green Card Application (Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing)
Depending on the foreign spouse’s location, they will either adjust status in the U.S. (Form I-485) or undergo consular processing abroad (DS-260).
3. Citizenship Application (Naturalization – Form N-400)
After holding a green card for at least three years (while married to and living with the U.S. citizen spouse), the foreign spouse can apply for naturalization using Form N-400.
Cost Breakdown for the Marriage-Based Citizenship Process
Filing Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative
As of 2025, the fee for Form I-130 is $675. This form is required to prove the marital relationship. This cost is non-refundable even if the petition is denied.
Filing Form I-485: Adjustment of Status
If the foreign spouse is already in the United States and eligible to adjust status, they must file Form I-485. The current filing fee for adults is $1,440, which includes the biometric services fee. Children (under age 14) applying with a parent may pay a reduced fee.
Filing DS-260 and Consular Processing Fees
For those applying from abroad, the green card process includes:
- Form DS-260 Immigrant Visa Application Fee: $325
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) Fee: $120
- Medical Exam: Varies, typically $200-$500 depending on the country
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220 (paid after visa issuance)
Form I-765 and I-131 (Work and Travel Authorization)
When applying for adjustment of status, applicants may also submit:
- Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document)
- Form I-131 (Advance Parole for travel)
These forms are usually filed at no additional cost if included in the I-485 application package.
Biometric Services Fee
Included in the I-485 fee, the biometric appointment involves fingerprinting and photo capture. A separate $85 biometric fee used to be required but is now included in the latest I-485 fee structure.
Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
After holding a green card for three years while being married to a U.S. citizen, the foreign spouse becomes eligible to apply for citizenship. The current fee for Form N-400 is $760. This includes the biometric services fee.
Additional Costs to Consider
Medical Examination
The required immigration medical examination is not covered by insurance and must be completed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Costs typically range from $200 to $500 within the U.S., and may vary widely abroad.
Translation and Document Services
All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator. Translation costs vary based on length and language, usually ranging from $20 to $50 per page.
Legal Representation
While not required, hiring an immigration attorney can be helpful, especially for complex cases. Attorney fees for the full green card process range from $2,000 to $5,000. Assistance for filing the N-400 may cost an additional $1,000 to $2,500.
Travel Expenses
If consular processing is required, applicants must travel to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview. This may involve costs for flights, hotels, and other logistics, depending on the applicant’s location.
Courier Services and Passport Photos
Some applications require passport-style photos and shipping of documents. Costs may include:
- Passport photos: $10-$25
- Courier/mail services: $10-$50
Total Estimated Costs (As of 2025)
For Applicants in the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
- I-130: $675
- I-485: $1,440
- N-400: $760
- Medical Exam: $200–$500
- Miscellaneous (photos, translations, shipping): $100–$300
- Total (excluding attorney): $3,175–$3,675
- Total (with attorney): $5,175–$8,675
For Applicants Abroad (Consular Processing)
- I-130: $675
- DS-260: $325
- Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
- Medical Exam: $200–$500
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
- N-400: $760
- Miscellaneous: $100–$300
- Total (excluding attorney): $2,400–$2,900
- Total (with attorney): $4,400–$7,900
How to Save on the Citizenship Process
There are a few strategies to help reduce costs:
- File all related forms together when allowed (e.g., I-130, I-485, I-765, and I-131)
- Use free or low-cost legal clinics and nonprofit immigration services
- Translate documents yourself if permitted and you’re fluent
- Apply for a fee waiver if you meet income eligibility requirements (Form I-912)
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You
Mistakes on forms or missing documents can delay or even derail your application. Common costly errors include:
- Incorrect filing fees
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete supporting evidence
- Sending documents to the wrong address
Using USCIS’s official website for instructions and double-checking all paperwork is essential.
Timeframe for Marriage-Based Citizenship
While the total cost is important, the timeline also impacts planning:
- Green card via marriage: 10–18 months (U.S.) or 12–24 months (abroad)
- Eligibility for citizenship: 3 years from green card issuance
- Citizenship processing time (N-400): 6–14 months
Overall, the full journey from marriage to citizenship can take around 4–5 years.
Conclusion
Gaining U.S. citizenship through marriage is a multi-step process involving numerous forms, interviews, and procedures. Although it is often seen as one of the more straightforward paths to citizenship, it comes with a substantial financial commitment. Depending on whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad, total costs (excluding legal fees) typically range from $2,400 to $3,700, with legal representation potentially doubling that amount. Understanding and budgeting for these expenses upfront will help smooth your path toward becoming a U.S. citizen.
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