2025 Update: U.S. Immigrant Visa Fees

U.S. Immigrant Visa Fees for Diversity, Family, and Employment-Based Visas

The U.S. government has recently updated many immigration fees for 2025. Below we break down the new costs for common immigrant visa categories – including the Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery), family-sponsored visas, and employment-based visas – and compare them to previous fees. We’ll also explain why using a professional service such as US GREEN CARD OFFICE is the smartest and safest way to navigate the application process.

The Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery) Fees in 2025

Entering the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery is free. However, if you are selected as a winner, be aware that government processing fees will apply if you have chosen to apply by yourself via the free government service:

• Visa Interview/Application Fee: $330 per person (unchanged)
• Medical Examination: Costs vary by country are typically between $400 to $600 per person.
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235 (recently increased from $220)

These fees must be paid directly to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at various stages of the process and are non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.

While the entry is free, approximately 65% of applicants who submit their entries through the free government website are disqualified each year. Common mistakes include incorrect photo format, missing information, and errors in personal details. That’s why US GREEN CARD OFFICE strongly recommends using the paid Value-Added Immigartion Service, which guarantees your application will not be disqualified.

Even better, when you use our paid service:

• All government fees are included in your application package.
• A single applicant pays only $80.00.
• A family pays just $120.00.

That means no surprise expenses if your application is selected – we handle the government costs on your behalf, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars and ensuring a stress-free process.

Family-Sponsored Immigrant Visa Fees

For family-based immigration, the sponsor (usually a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) must file a petition, and the beneficiary must later complete the visa application process:

• Petition Fee (Form I-130): $675 (recently increased from $535)
• Visa Application Processing Fee: $325 per applicant (unchanged)
• Affidavit of Support Fee: $120 per case (unchanged)
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235 per applicant

For example, a U.S. citizen sponsoring a spouse would pay $675 for the petition. The spouse would then pay $325 for the visa application, $120 for the affidavit, and $235 for the USCIS immigrant fee. Total = $1,355 in government fees (not including the medical exam).

Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Fees

Employment-based immigrant visas involve two major steps: the employer files a petition, and the beneficiary applies for the visa:

• Employer Petition (Form I-140): $715 (up from $700)
• Visa Application Processing Fee: $345 per applicant (unchanged)
• USCIS Immigrant Fee: $235 per applicant

If a worker is bringing their spouse and two children, each family member must pay the $345 visa fee and $235 USCIS fee. Employers may also pay additional filing fees depending on the visa type.

Quick Comparison Table: 2025 Fees vs Previous Years

Advantages of Using a Paid Immigration Service (US Green Card Office)

Applying for a U.S. immigrant visa – especially the Diversity Visa lottery – can be done on your own for free, but the process can be confusing. Mistakes on your lottery entry or visa application can lead to disqualification or delays. This is where a professional, value-added service like US GREEN CARD OFFICE can make a big difference. Here are some advantages of using a paid immigration service versus the DIY route:

✅ Expert Guidance, Step-by-Step Support
The Immigartion Service from the US Green Card Office guide you through the entire process with clear instructions. They provide a step-by-step guide and personalized assistance to ensure your application is correctly prepared. In contrast, the free government service offers no personalized help – it’s easy to get confused or make errors when you are on your own.

✅ Help in Your Own Language
US Green Card Office offers customer support and advice in 20 different languages, so you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable with. Their immigration experts are available via online chat, phone, and email to answer questions. If you apply on the free website alone, no such support is available.

✅ Photo Verification to Avoid Disqualification
One of the most common reasons Green Card Lottery entries are disqualified is due to an improper photo. The requirements, such as background, size, and the prohibition of eyeglasses, are extremely strict. With US Green Card Office’s service, your photo is reviewed and verified by trained immigration officers before submission.

If the photo does not meet the official requirements, you will be notified and given the opportunity to correct it, ensuring you’re not disqualified over a simple mistake. In contrast, a self-submission using the free government service provides no feedback. A photo with even the slightest error will result in immediate disqualification without warning or a chance to fix it.

So imagine submitting a photo that doesn’t meet the strict photo guidelines, your application would be instantly disqualified, and you would lose your chance to participate for the entire year.

✅ Error-Checking and Guaranteed Valid Entry
The professional service from USGCO double-checks all your information for completeness and accuracy. US Green Card Office even guarantees that your application won’t be disqualified due to errors. We have been providing this service since 1998 and have assisted over 400,000 applicants, so our immigration expercts know the common pitfalls. If you were to apply on your own and made a mistake, you might never know and would simply miss out on your chance to get a Green Card for the United States of America.

✅ Convenience and Peace of Mind
Rather than worrying about the short annual entry window (usually only 50-60 days each year in Oct/Nov), you can apply with US Green Card Office at any time year-round. We will submit your entry for you at the correct time. We also offer multi-year submission options – if you’re not selected one year, we keep your application on file and re-submit in future DV Programs automatically. Additionally, we help you retrieve your confirmation number if you misplace it (a lost confirmation means you can’t check your results). All of this adds up to a hassle-free experience for a relatively small fee.

✅ Affordable Service with Government Fees Included
Submitting your Diversity Visa Program application through the government website is free, but it comes with significant risks. In contrast, our service at US Green Card Office is very affordable when you consider the benefits. Our fee is just $80.00 for a single applicant and $120.00 for a family application, and it includes all necessary government-related fees for selected winners.

Essentially, you’re paying for our professional expertise, convenience, and peace of mind. We even offer a 100% money-back guarantee in certain cases, for example, if your application is disqualified due to an error on our part.

✅ Improved Chances of Success
While no service can change the random odds of the selection process, using a professional service can increase your effective chances by ensuring your entry is valid and not disqualified. Your application has a 65% better chance of winning when using our paid service. This is likely because a significant number of free DIY entries are rejected for not following instructions. With expert help, every aspect of your entry meets the requirements, giving you the best chance of being selected and eventually getting your Green Card. Your chances of winning a Green Card have never been higher.

Risks of using the Free Government Service

• No support or guidance – you’re entirely on your own.
• No, chat, email or phone support. In fact, there’s nobody to contact.
• Strict, complex photo requirements that 65% of all applicants don’t understand.
• No feedback if you make a mistake – just instant disqualification.
• You only have one chance, if you submit incorrect information, you cannot change it.
• Must pay all visa-related government fees yourself if selected.
• Risk of losing your confirmation number, so cannot check your status.
• You must check if you are selected – No one will contact you if you are selected.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the current 2025 visa fees is essential, especially if you’re aiming for permanent residency in the U.S. While the free route exists, it carries significant risk and hidden costs. Using the professional immigration service from US GREEN CARD OFFICE not only ensures your application is done right the first time but also includes all required government fees, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars and avoiding stress.

Your American dream deserves to be protected. Choose the most trusted, secure, and affordable path: US GREEN CARD OFFICE.