How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Green Card in Kenya?
If you’re a Kenyan citizen or resident wondering how much does it cost to apply for a green card in Kenya, you’re not alone. The process of obtaining a green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, can be complex and costly. In this article, we’ll break down the costs involved in applying for a green card in Kenya, from the initial application fees to the medical examination costs.
Understanding the Green Card Application Process
The first step in understanding the costs involved is to familiarize yourself with the green card application process. The process typically involves several steps, including:
- Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Waiting for USCIS to process and approve the petition
- Filing Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, with the U.S. Department of State
- Undergoing a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon
- Attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
- Receiving a decision on your application
Each of these steps comes with its own set of costs, which we’ll outline below.
Filing Fees for Form I-130 and Form DS-260
The filing fee for Form I-130 is currently $535, which is paid to USCIS. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
The filing fee for Form DS-260 is currently $325, which is paid to the U.S. Department of State. Again, this fee is non-refundable.
So, the total filing fees for these two forms come out to $860. But that’s not all – there are additional costs involved in the process.
Medical Examination Costs
As part of the green card application process, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon. The cost of this examination varies depending on the location and the doctor, but it typically ranges from KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 (approximately $100 to $200 USD).
This cost is separate from the filing fees mentioned above and is usually paid directly to the doctor or medical facility.
Translations and Document Authentication Costs
If you need to translate documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, from Swahili or another language to English, you’ll need to factor in the cost of translation services. These costs can vary depending on the number of documents and the complexity of the translations.
You may also need to authenticate your documents, which involves obtaining an apostille or certification from the relevant authorities. This can add an additional KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 (approximately $50 to $100 USD) to your overall costs.
Travel and Accommodation Costs
If you need to travel to a U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview, you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation, accommodation, and food. These costs can vary widely depending on the location and your individual circumstances.
For example, if you need to travel from Nairobi to a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country, you may need to budget for flights, hotel stays, and meals, which can add up quickly.
Total Costs: How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a Green Card in Kenya?
So, how much does it cost to apply for a green card in Kenya? Based on the costs outlined above, here’s a rough estimate of the total costs involved:
Filing fees: $860
Medical examination: KES 10,000 to KES 20,000 (approximately $100 to $200 USD)
Translations and document authentication: KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 (approximately $50 to $100 USD)
Travel and accommodation: variable, but potentially several thousand dollars
Total estimated cost: $1,060 to $2,260 USD, plus travel and accommodation costs
As you can see, the total cost of applying for a green card in Kenya can be significant. However, for many people, the benefits of obtaining a green card – including the ability to live and work in the United States permanently – make the costs well worth it.
In our next section, we’ll outline the HTML table summarizing the costs involved in applying for a green card in Kenya.
Fees Associated with Applying for a Green Card in Kenya
As we delve deeper into the process of applying for a green card in Kenya, it’s essential to understand the various costs involved. The following table outlines the fees you can expect to pay during the application process.
| Fee Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee | 325 |
| Medical Examination Fee (varies by provider) | 50-200 |
| Required Vaccinations (varies by provider) | 50-200 |
| translations and certifications of documents (varies by provider) | 50-200 |
| DS-260 Online Immigrant Visa Application Fee | 120 |
| Administrative Processing Fee (if required) | 88 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 753-1,145 |
Understanding the Costs of Applying for a Green Card in Kenya
The table above highlights the various fees associated with applying for a green card in Kenya. As you can see, the total estimated cost can range from $753 to $1,145, depending on the specific services required. It’s essential to factor these costs into your application process to avoid any unexpected expenses.
While the costs may seem daunting, it’s crucial to remember that investing in the green card application process can lead to a lifetime of opportunities in the United States. If you’re serious about taking the next step in your immigration journey, we encourage you to learn more about the application process and the benefits of working with an experienced immigration attorney.
Take the first step towards achieving your American dream today! Visit kopacash.com to learn more about our immigration services and schedule a consultation with one of our expert attorneys.
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