The Form I-130 is a crucial document used by United States citizens or lawful permanent residents to petition for their immediate relatives to join them in the country. It serves as the first step towards obtaining a family-based green card. Understanding the fees associated with Form I-130 is essential to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process. The primary fee associated with Form I-130 is the filing fee. As of the latest update in 2021, the filing fee for Form I-130 is $560. This fee covers the cost of processing the petition and is subject to change without prior notice. However, it should be noted that any additional fees not mentioned here may apply, depending on various circumstances. Alongside the filing fee, there might be other fees involved depending on the specific situation. Some different types of fees that applicants or petitioners may encounter when filing Form I-130 include: 1. Biometric services fee: In some situations, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) may require the petitioner and/or the beneficiary to provide their biometrics. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and signature collection. Currently, the biometric services fee for most individuals is $85, but certain individuals, like those under 14 years old or over 79 years old, are exempt from this fee. 2. Consular processing fee: If the beneficiary of the Form I-130 petition resides outside the United States and must go through consular processing, they might have to pay a fee to the U.S. Department of State. This fee covers the costs associated with the immigrant visa application and interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The amount of this fee varies and should be referred to the Department of State's website. 3. Legal representation fee: While not officially categorized as a form fee, it's worth considering the cost of hiring an immigration attorney or representative to ensure the accuracy and completeness of your Form I-130 petition. Their fees may vary depending on their experience, location, and the complexity of your case, but it is crucial to have reliable representation throughout the process. Being aware of the fees associated with Form I-130 is vital so that you can budget accordingly before beginning the immigration process. It's essential to note that these fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to verify the latest fee information by visiting the official USCIS website or consulting an immigration attorney.