An estimated total cost in getting a green card
Many migrant hopefuls move to the United States in sea 00004000 rch for a better life. The promises of America have lured more and more people from different countries to look for better jobs, better schooling, better opportunities, better living. The number of foreigners entering into the United States daily contributes to the growing probability of migrant workers who wish to adjust their status once they get in the country. However, most of them think about the total cost in getting a green card too. These migrant workers flee their countries for better earnings in the United States resulting to their excessive concern regarding the financial demand to obtain a permanent resident status.
Times are hard. It is no joke to earn a living, especially if you have to earn in a foreign land when your family is back in your home country. For these types of workers, every penny is accounted for that is why the total cost in getting a green card is a bitter pill most migrant workers pay in order to legalize their work in the United States. With a green card, they are ensured a long term job and will no longer live each day in fear of getting caught and sent back home. Once a migrant worker is granted a permanent resident status, he or she is then entitled to petition other members of his or her family to move into the United States as well. Although the total cost in getting a green card can be steep, it is a risk workers will take because the long term benefits outweigh their sacrifices.
There are different approximations as to how much the total cost in getting a green card can amount to. The below specifications are merely examples of a case study done by a company undergoing immigrant application for an employee. This is based on a consultation call from an immigration lawyer after going through the step by step process of application. After which, the incurred costs are broken down for the client to understand billing mechanism.
First, it is important to understand the procedure of filing an immigrant status for a worker. There are basically three major steps in the process.
- First, is by getting a labor certification by applying for permanent employment
- Second is by getting a preference petition through form I-140 or the Immigrant petition for alien worker
- Lastly, apply for permanent residence through form I-485 or adjustment of status application.
After getting a clear view of the process in which you have to undertake, the following information will now broaden your perspective regarding the total cost in getting a green card.
Getting the services of an immigrant lawyer will approximately cost you around $4000. This fee will comprise over seventy percent of your total cost in getting a green card. The standard lawyer fee can vary depending on the firm you approach. You can try asking around to compare rates so that you can scale your budget. It is advised though to not go cheap on your lawyer. More experienced lawyers can handle your processing quickly and will leave you hassle free.
You will be charged other fees that will comprise your advertising, mailing, FedEx, and even copying charges incurred for the filing of your applications. This will not be much and is usually an indefinite amount but advertising can cost around $1000.
Next on your list would have to be the green card filing fees. The government charges fees to cover the costs in processing your application. These fees may vary without prior notice.
- Labor certification is free so you wouldn't need to worry.
- The preference petition costs over $475.
- Application for Permanent Residence will cost you around $1000.
The total cost in getting a green card is basically the above mentioned specifications. That will mean $4000 for your lawyer, $1000 for advertising, $475 for petition, and $1000 for residence application. Everything else included, you will incur approximately $6,500 as total cost in getting a green card. It can be a pretty heavy price for a regular worker.
