How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700. Asylum application assistance costs $1,000 to $3,000, while a deportation defense will cost around $2,000 to $10,000.
$150 – $300 Per Hour
Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700. Asylum application assistance costs $1,000 to $3,000, while a deportation defense will cost around $2,000 to $10,000.
Immigration Lawyer Costs
An immigration lawyer charges between $150 and $300 per hour, with a typical 30-min consultation fee of $75 to $150. Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 30-min Consultation | $75 – $150 |
| Hourly Rate | $150 – $300 |
| Form Filing Assistance | $250 – $800 |
| Green Card Assistance | $800 – $5,000 |
| USCIS Fees | $460 – $700 |
Obtaining your legal immigration status is complicated and often overwhelming, so when hiring legal assistance, here's what you need to know.
How Much Do Immigration Lawyers Charge?
In most cases, an immigration attorney will charge an hourly rate of $150 to $300 per hour, whereas others will charge a set fee for the entire process. For basic immigration form filing, you can expect to pay around $250 to $1,200 in fees. Immigration attorney fees significantly range, depending on the types of services and time commitments required.
Immigration Lawyer Prices
For a typical application for employment authorization or work visa, immigration lawyers will charge between $250 and $500 for their legal assistance. For a US citizenship or naturalization application, expect to pay around $500 to $1,200 whereas filing an asylum application will range from $1,000 to $3,000.
| Immigration Type | Lawyer Fees |
|---|---|
| Application for Employment Authorization | $250 – $500 |
| Citizenship/Naturalization Application | $500 – $1,200 |
| Family-Based Green Card Petition | $800 – $1,500 |
| Employment-Based Green Card Petitions | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Asylum Application | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Adjustment of Status Application | $600 – $1,200 |
| Deportation Defense | $2,000 – $10,000 |
If you're applying for a family visa, for instance, the steps involved would typically be more straightforward in comparison to a deportation case, which would require more time and in turn, become more costly. Many scenarios may require an immigration lawyer, and each case is unique. Based on these variables, rates widely range.
Immigration Lawyer Cost Per Hour
On average, an immigration lawyer will typically charge $150 to $300+ per hour. In some cases, immigration lawyers will provide free consultations. However, most often, you can expect to pay an additional $50 to $100 for the first meeting.
Average Immigration Attorney Fees
The average immigration attorney fees are $600 to $1,400 with prices ranging between $370 and $12,000 depending on the nature of your case. Also, there are often USCIS Fees involved which cost between $460 and $700 on average.
When immigrating and applying for US Citizenship, there are many different forms, requirements, and procedures to go through based on your specific case. Let's go over each type in detail with their associated fees.
Working Visas In USA Cost
When applying for an H-1B Working Visa in the USA, you will likely spend $1,195 to $1,495 on attorney fees, and between $460 and $2,460 on USCIS filing fees. This process typically takes 15 to 150 days to process.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Attorney Fee | USCIS / State Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B Visa | 15 – 150 days | $1,195 – $1,495 | $460 – $2,460 |
| H-4 Visa | 15 – 150 days | $200 – $400 | $370 |
| H-1B1 Visa (Singapore or Chilean Citizens) |
5 – 120 days | $995 | $460 and ACWIA fee |
| J-1 Visa Waiver | 3 – 6 months | $995 | $120 for DS-3035 |
| L-1 Visa | 15 – 150 days | $2,500 | $460 |
| E-3 Visa | 1 – 60 days | $500 | $0 – $460 |
| TN Visa | 1 – 60 days | $500 | $0 – $460 |
Cost Of Visitor Visa To USA
If you plan on visiting the USA and need a temporary B-1 Visa, attorney fees are typically around $400, and your filing takes five business days of processing. When renewing, extending, or changing a B-1 or B-2 Visa, attorney fees are about $400, USCIS fees are $370, and processing time takes 60 to 90 days.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Attorney Fee | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 Business Visa | 5 days | $400 | -- |
| B-1 / B-2 Visa Renewal / Extension or Change of Status |
60 – 90 days | $400 | $370 |
Spouse & Fiance Visa Cost
Attorney fees for filing a K-1 Visa Petition for the fiance of a U.S. Citizen is around $725 with the USCIS fees costing $535. Typical processing time is 7 to 10 months.
Attorney fees for filing a CR-1 Petition for the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder averages $725 with the USCIS fees costing $535. Typical processing time is 10 to 14 months.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Attorney Fee | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-1 Visa Petition – For the Fiance of a U.S. Citizen | 7 – 10 months | $795 | $535 |
| CR-1 Petition – For the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen / Green Card Holder | 10 – 14 months | $795 | $535 |
Green Card Lawyer Fees
Green Card lawyer fees range from $795 to $2,900 depending on your situation. Green Card lawyer fees for a sibling or parent of a U.S. Citizen is around $795. An employee sponsored labor certification costs $2,000 in attorney fees, $700 in USCIS filing fees, and takes 2 to 3 years to process.
| Green Card Type | Processing Time | Attorney Fee | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibling of a U.S. Citizen | -- | $795 | -- |
| Parent of a U.S. Citizen | -- | $795 | -- |
| Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification with PERM | 2 – 3 years | $2,000 | $700 |
| Multinational Executives and Managers & L-1A Visa Holders | 4 – 8 months | $2,500 | $700 |
| Physical Therapists | 12 months | $1,400 | $700 |
| Registered Nurses | 12 months | $1,400 | $700 |
| Outstanding Researchers / Professors | 4 – 8 months | $1,500 | $700 |
| Adjustment of Status – I-140 Based | 6 months | $825 | $1,225 |
| AC-21 Portability for Pending I-485 Petitions | Immediate | $395 | None |
| National Interest Waiver | 4 – 8 months | $2,900 | $700 |
| Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) | 4 – 8 months | $2,900 | $700 |
Green Card Lawyer FeesUS Citizenship Lawyer Fees
US citizenship lawyer fees are $500 on average to fill out the application for naturalization and $725 for the USCIS fees. Processing time usually takes 6 to 9 months to complete this task.
| Type | Processing Time | Attorney Fee | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-400 Application for Naturalization | 6 – 9 months | $500 | $725 |
When you first begin the process associated with immigration, it's a daunting task. Although hiring a lawyer adds additional fees, taking the right legal steps can save you time and money in the long-run. More importantly, this beneficial support can ensure that everything is done correctly, helping you avoid visa denials in the future.
Immigration Attorney Cost Factors
You can complete the immigration process without legal representation, but this process is typically complicated. If it's possible that you will be deported or separated from loved ones, it's important to consider if the additional savings are worth that risk. Especially when facing so many complicated rules, laws, and regulations.
Overall, the main variables that will impact the cost of an immigration lawyer include:
Your specific case – Do you require their guidance for filing forms correctly and efficiently? Also, will you request their assistance in court in regards to deportation or criminal charges? The scope of work involved will dictate the rate they charge.
The lawyer's level of experience – Although there are many competent immigration lawyers with less experience than veteran immigration lawyers, it's vital that you seek someone with a good reputation in terms of the clients they have represented in the past. Most often, as with any professional service, the more experienced they are, the higher the rate.
Where they are located – An experienced immigration lawyer may cost more in Manhatten in comparison to a small town in Texas. Depending on the state, additional fees may also apply.
The type of support you require – As stated above, the details of your case matter. Are you seeking citizenship for your elderly parents? Would you only like to obtain a work visa? There are many variables to consider which you can review during your consultation. An immigration lawyer will offer their opinion based on their experience, helping you determine whether or not your case will likely be successful and in turn, worth the rate provided.
Please note: As stated above, it's important to note that although it's critical that you invest in a lawyer that has maintained a positive reputation, more experience is not always the most vital factor.
Immigration laws change so frequently that less experienced but still highly competent lawyers can be just as efficient and successful. Do your research and know who you're hiring.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Based on the price tag associated with the services provided by an immigration lawyer, many wonder if it's worth it. After all, there are so many online resources and forms available, all of which are often free of charge. Although this is true, the immigration process is complex. With so many requirements involved and so much at stake, hiring a lawyer is certainly something to consider.
Efficiency and Risk Reduction
As stated above, the immigration process involves a complex application process. Depending on the type of visa you seek, the steps and required forms will differ. Although peace-of-mind and a less stressful application process are core reasons why you'd obtain an immigration lawyer, additional benefits include:
General knowledge and experience – Immigration lawyers have the education and experience necessary to ensure the smoothest, most well-supported application process. When hiring an experienced lawyer, they will be familiar with all types of cases, guiding you through even the most complex scenarios.
Meeting deadlines – When you hire an immigration lawyer, you can rest easy knowing that they are taking on the responsibility associated with set deadlines. Attorneys can help you speed up the entire process without needing to worry about incomplete forms.
Higher chance of success – The immigration process can be worrisome, as there are no guarantees that your application will be accepted. However, when you hire a lawyer, they will make sure each form is complete and filed correctly, representing you every step of the way. For those with little to no experience, this could make all the difference in regards to the outcome.
In summary, by hiring an immigration lawyer, you can reduce risk while enhancing efficiency. For time-sensitive cases, immigration lawyers can often save you months, sometimes years in processing time. Unlike the average citizen with no experience, an immigration lawyer will know exactly which forms to file and when. Also, the level of advice you'll receive is often invaluable, especially when you need to prepare for an interview or court date.
Changing Your Status From Illegal to Legal Residency
Based on the complexity of immigration laws, there are often illegal residents who would like to obtain legal status. These situations occur for a wide range of reasons, and some are easier to address than others.