🇿🇦 South Africa → 🇺🇸 United States · Cost breakdown
How much it costs to emigrate from South Africa to United States (2026)
The honest line-by-line, in USD or rand. Plus the funds you must show but not spend.
The total cost of moving from South Africa to United States depends on your family size and route. The hardest and most variable route. Most South Africans arrive via an employer (work visa → green card), family, or the Diversity Visa lottery. Figures below assume an employment-based green card.
The main cost buckets
- I-140 immigrant petition
- Green-card govt fee (DS-260 or I-485)
- USCIS immigrant fee
- Immigration medical exams
- Police clearance certificates
- One-way flights
Get your number
Use the cost-to-leave estimator for a personalised range for your exact household, with live currency conversion. Fees are reviewed 2026-06 with links to the official sources.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to move from South Africa to United States?
It varies by family size and visa route. Budget across visa fees, medicals and police checks, flights, SA tax/forex admin, and a landing fund — use the estimator for a personalised range in USD or rand.
Planning your move to United States?
Get the cost estimator, readiness check and corridor updates. No spam.
Educational information only — not financial, tax, legal or migration advice. Fees reviewed 2026-06; verify current rules via official sources before acting.