The total cost for each type of green card application can vary. Government fees for marriage-based green cards are $1,760 if the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States and $1,200 if the spouse lives abroad, in addition to other costs, such as a fee for a required medical examination. All government fees are subject to change and are likely to increase in 2020.The total cost for each type of green card application can vary. Government fees for marriage-based green cards are $1,760 if the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States and $1,200 if the spouse lives abroad, in addition to other costs, such as a fee for a required medical examination. All government fees are subject to change and are likely to increase in 2020.