More importantly, my focus on representing the immigration needs of international couples has allowed me to maintain a 99% success rate on all adjustment of status applications prepared and filed by our firm since 2002. USCIS government filing fees are $1225 and $535. This includes the application for temporary employment and travel permit.
If you do not have an employer picking up the tab, or are filing to adjust status based on family, a grant of asylum at least one year ago, or some other ground, be sure to interview several different attorneys before signing a contract with one. You can also fill out the paperwork without an attorney's help.
The attorney will likely do everything you need from completing the application to assembling documents, drafting affidavits, preparing you for your interview, and even attending the interview. Surveys show an average flat fee for the entire adjustment process of around $3,000. Paying an hourly rate is also an option.
Nearly half of applicants for family-based adjustment of status paid their lawyers between $1,000 and $3,000.
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.
If You Are…Form FeeTotalUnder 14 and not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent$1,140$1,140Age 14–78$1,140$1,225Age 79 or older$1,140$1,140Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee$0$01 more row•May 19, 2022
Options for Preparing Form I-485 Depending on the case, attorney fees can be $1,500-$5,000 (not including USCIS fees). For individuals with complex situations, criminal offenses, or serious immigration violations, using an lawyer is the best option. But most people with straight-forward situations don't need a lawyer.
The government filing fee for an I-485 application is $1,225.
Typically the U.S. relative pays the fee for the petition. But your relative may expect you to pay for it. USCIS has a reduced fee for a child (under 14) if the application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent.
Concurrent Filing I-130 and I-485 FeesForm I-130$535Form I-485$1,225Apr 29, 2022
The immigration process can be intimidating and take a long time, but hiring an immigration attorney to support you with your case can speed up the process and help you meet your goals.
Is the 485 visa application easy? Can I apply myself or do I need an agent? Like any visa, you can apply by yourself, however, you must ensure that you have all the documents you need prior to lodging or you may be refused. The subclass 485 visa has a number of documents that must be provided at the time you apply.
The Green Card is mailed to the beneficiary, not to the attorney.
8 to 14 monthsUpdated on June 15, 2022 At a Glance: The entire Form I-485 process typically takes 8 to 14 months from the time of filing but there are key steps along the way that you should be aware of. Adjusting status to a lawful permanent resident of the United States is a big step!
The adjustment of status timeline is generally 8 to 14 months for family-based applications (and often longer for other application types). However, the most significant advantage to adjusting status is that the intending immigrant may remain in the United States with family during the process.
How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is $1,760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1,200 for an applicant living outside the United States.
In addition to assisting with the application forms, a lawyer can help you gather the necessary documents and prepare for the interview.
Immigration attorneys normally charge a “flat,” or fixed, fee rather than billing by the hour. In fact, our survey showed that 96% of our readers paid their lawyers a flat fee to handle their adjustment-of-status applications. Most immigration applicants prefer fixed legal fees, because they know from the start exactly what it will cost. And in standard cases, lawyers are able to predict approximately how much time they will need to spend.
The total adjustment of status fee will vary because different forms are required for different situations. For example, a family-based AOS package should include different forms than an employment-based package. Use this tool to project your USCIS fees and CitizenPath preparation fees.
1 USCIS currently has a reduced fee of only $750 for a child (under 14) if the child's application is filed with the I-485 of at least one parent. 2 USCIS will waive the I-131 fees for adjustment applicants.
As an adjustment of status applicant, you are eligible for an employment authorization card. There is no extra USCIS fee. Application for Travel Document (optional) Use this optional form to request an advance parole document for reentering the United States after travel abroad.
Attorney Fee: $2400 (does not include RFE responses, if applicable). Please note that the legal fee may be higher in certain complex cases. In any event, you’ll be provided a written quote before retaining our firm.
In every possible instance, we do our best to anticipate any potential issues and address them in advance. For that reason, it’s imperative that you be completely honest and transparent regarding the details of your case during the initial consultation.
SGM Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases:
Most attorneys will charge a flat fee for preparing your form I-485. The fees for this process average at about $1225. The flat fee is definitely a perk if you have a complicated case that requires a lot of documentation (like affidavits). Some attorneys will also help prepare you for the interview.
Immigration issues in the U.S can get quite sticky. You want to avoid running into unnecessary trouble, so it is a good idea to make use of an immigration attorney when applying for your Adjustment of Status. Most attorneys will charge a flat fee for preparing your form I-485.