Green Card Sponsorship Costs Rise

Green card sponsorship costs are rising due to increased government fees and changes in fee structures, according to immigration experts. The cost of premium processing for Form I-140, a key step in the employment-based green card process, has risen to $2,965.

The unbundling of work and travel permit fees has also contributed to higher overall costs for applicants. Previously, these permits were often included in the application fee, but now they are charged separately.

The fee increases affect both employers sponsoring foreign workers and the workers themselves, who may bear some of the costs. The changes come as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services adjusts fees to cover processing expenses.

Immigration attorneys advise applicants to budget for the higher costs and to plan accordingly. The fee hikes apply to new applications and may also affect pending cases depending on the stage of processing.