Immigration Lawyer Prices
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 |
Full Answer
US 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.
Technically, you can apply for U.S. Citizenship without the services of a lawyer. However, the reality is that the process can be so complicated and have so many pitfalls for those without expert knowledge that using a U.S. citizenship lawyer is important. This is far too important a matter to risk the possible complications of trying to file the application and do the follow-up yourself.
There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but Citizenship by Naturalization is the most common way to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization application costs $725 in 2020. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment.
USCIS (the government) charges a fee to apply for citizenship. For most people, the fee is $725. The $725 fee includes $640 for the application and $85 for fingerprinting (biometrics). If you can't afford the fee, you may ask USCIS for a full or reduced fee waiver.
Here are some typical legal fees for common immigration services: Green Card Petition for Relative: $1,000 to $3,500. Adjustment of Status Application: $2,000 to $5,000. Citizenship/Naturalization Application: $500 to $2,500.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.
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.
Though the interview does not require your immigration and naturalization attorney to be present, there are benefits of having a lawyer at citizenship interview. The experienced attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. are able to help you study, prepare, and protect you during your citizenship interview.
On average, it takes anywhere from 18 months to 24 months to complete the naturalization process and become a U.S. citizen. The naturalization process has 5 general steps; beginning with filing Form N-400 and ending with taking the Oath of Allegiance.
14 monthsThe national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months.
around 6-24 monthsThe current average processing time for Form N-400 is around 6-24 months (as of August 2022). Generally, however, the speed of processing depends on the USCIS field office handling the application, and some applicants can get a head start on the process (see “Filing Early” below).
This backlog is largely due to the USCIS office closures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Form I-131 (“Application for Travel Document – Advance Parole”): Applications for advance parole saw a large increase in processing times, from 4.6 months in FY 2020 to 7.7 months in FY 2021.
Making an Expedite Request to USCIS To request expedited processing of your naturalization application, you can either go through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) or write a letter to your local USCIS field office.
Immigration Lawyers Offer Case Efficiency and Risk Reduction This will save you time and money, and could avoid your receiving a rejection of your application, or a request for more evidence (RFE). Furthermore, a lawyer can prepare you for your interview at a consulate abroad, or at USCIS within the country.
The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 20 out of the 128 civics test questions.
about 20 minutesA typical citizenship interview lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.
Immigration Lawyers Offer Case Efficiency and Risk Reduction This will save you time and money, and could avoid your receiving a rejection of your application, or a request for more evidence (RFE). Furthermore, a lawyer can prepare you for your interview at a consulate abroad, or at USCIS within the country.
Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
Bring the following documents to the appointment:Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;Appointment notice; and.A second form of identification (driver's license, passport, or state identification card). Your second form of identification must have your photograph on it.
Most will already be familiar to you because you've previously answered the same questions in your citizenship application....RESIDENTIAL HISTORYWhere do you currently live?How long have you lived there?Where else have you lived in the past five (or three) years?When did you live there?
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
The cost of applying for U.S. citizenship will depend greatly on whether or not you are currently eligible to begin the naturalization process.
Regardless of whether you are a legal permanent resident or not, factors like a criminal history or a negative immigration history can make the process much more complex, and therefore more expensive.
Certainly. Technically, applying for citizenship just means submitting the correct forms and evidence to the right places.
While becoming a naturalized citizen can be a rewarding experience, the process of naturalization is both expensive and riddled with complexity.
Immigration lawyers typically charge between $100 and $250 for a detailed consultation and many credit this to legal fees should you choose to hire them. Many also offer introductory calls at no cost – these are not meant to be detailed consultations, but an opportunity to share some context, get to know the lawyer and decide if you want to work with them. You’ll find many lawyers that specialize in removal / deportation cases do not charge any consultation fees at all.
However, a lawyer in California may have more exposure to the immigration issue you are facing. It is important to balance cost and experience.
If you are here unlawfully, an attorney can help you figure out if there is a path to legal status. If you’ve had any brush ups with the law, even if you weren’t convicted, you might be at risk for deportation. These are just a few scenarios in which the advice of an immigration lawyer is crucial.
Immigration law is federal, which means that you can live in California and work with an attorney in New York, if you are comfortable working remotely. This works for most people, unless you are dealing with issues that require frequent visits to immigration court (such as in removal/deportation cases).
Note: If you come across a “notario” or immigration “consultant”, they are not lawyers and are not licensed to practice immigration law. Be very careful who you trust with your immigration needs. Navigating U.S. immigration is incredibly time consuming and complex.
Government filing fees are not optional (unless you qualify for a fee waiver. Whether you work with an attorney or file your paperwork yourself, you will incur these costs and they can be quite steep. Thousands of people immigrate to the U.S. each year without the help of an immigration lawyer.
It's going to be harder to find a lawyer who is willing to just review work you've done before you send your application . This is because even a simple review creates a lawyer-client relationship and all of the responsibilities that come with it for the lawyer. Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product ...
Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product if they are going to take on the lawyer-client responsibilities, and therefore a reduced fee for what you hoped would be a simple review is not going to be worth it to the lawyer. When you're ready to hire a lawyer, make sure the lawyer-client agreement says exactly what ...
The lawyer can also attend your citizenship interview with you — mostly to take notes about what happens during the interview in case you are denied, but also to speak up on your behalf if the USCIS officer needs clarification or asks you inappropriate questions.
In the American system, an immigration lawyer does not have any special influence over the government's decision. There is nothing outside the law that a lawyer can do that will make your application process go faster or make it more likely that you will get your citizenship. However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible ...
However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible to make your application process go as quickly and successfully as it can. Your lawyer cannot tell you how to answer any questions on the application form, although he or she can explain the questions to you so you can understand how to answer. At your citizenship interview, your ...
An immigration lawyer can save you time. Not just the time it would take you to figure out how to apply, but also time you might waste if you make a mistake in applying or don't send the right type of document. At the least, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency in charge of naturalization, ...
Don't expect your lawyer to give you a ride to the USCIS office, unless you've agreed to this arrangement. There aren't many immigration lawyers who will help you with your English or your knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics), if you need that kind of test-preparation help. The best the lawyer can do is tell you where to find ...
Immigration cases are complex. There are layers of complicated rules, laws, and regulations you need to navigate to get a successful outcome. Some cases are simple and don’t need special assistance.
There are a lot of resources and information on immigration available online. So, it might seem unnecessary to pay a high price for an immigration lawyer when all these resources are free. The reality is, however, the immigration process is complex, and there is usually a lot at stake.
There is a whole host of factors that will influence the cost of an immigration lawyer. Generally, however, the following factors will affect the price you are charged:
As we’ve explained above, there is a whole range of factors that will influence the actual cost of an immigration lawyer. What we can do, however, is look at what the average costs are for different types of visas.
Now you no longer have to wonder how much does an immigration lawyer cost. These legal fees can seem very expensive. But it may save you time and money in the long run. It could also be the difference between a successful application and a possible denial (or worse – deportation!).
On an hourly basis, the cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $300.
CitizenPath is an exceptional alternative to using an immigration lawyer. CitizenPath is an affordable online immigration service created by lawyers. It’s like TurboTax® but for immigration. Our software makes USCIS forms easier and helps eliminate the denials and mistakes that can make the process longer than it needs to be. We even provide a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application or petition.
The meeting may be in an office, but these days it is typically online (Skype, Zoom, etc.) or on the phone. An initial consultation may last 30 to 60 minutes. This gives you a chance to evaluate your chances of success and if you have confidence in the lawyer. For the lawyer, it’s an opportunity to get sell his or her services. It’s very common to find an initial consultation for $150 or less. However, some attorneys choose to charge their regular rates.
Therefore, investing in the cost of an immigration lawyer is generally a good idea.
Most people are shocked at the cost of an immigration lawyer. While it can be expensive, certain people have needs that justify the expense. After all, a lawyer who specializes in immigration law can help you navigate a difficult situation. That may mean the difference between deportation and lawful permanent residence.
The truth is that not all lawyers are equal. Like any profession, there are good lawyers and not-so-good lawyers. Some attorneys practice in several areas. For example, a criminal defense or personal injury may do immigration law on the side for additional clients.
Sometimes you just have an unusual situation. A foreign diplomat adjusting status to permanent resident or a naturalization applicant with presumed disruption in the continuous residence requirement have more complicated cases. These circumstances are generally best addressed by a legal professional and justify the immigration lawyer cost.
If your card is rejected for any reason, USCIS will not attempt to process your card a second time and will deny your application for failure to pay fees.
Most USCIS immigration forms require you to pay a filing (or processing) fee. How you pay your filing fees is largely dependent on whether you are located in the United States or abroad. USCIS requires that you pay the exact amount required or your application will be rejected.
Making Payment by Mail. If you file your form by mail, you can still pay fees by credit card by following these steps: Complete and sign Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions); Place your completed Form G-1450 in the envelope with your USCIS application; and.
Are USCIS Fees Refundable? In paying any fee, you ask the USCIS to perform a service. That service is processing your USCIS form (or application). Because USCIS is performing a service for you, these fees are non-refundable regardless of whether USCIS approves your application or not.
The USCIS will not accept the payment of some fees through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. If you are permitted to pay this fee abroad, you must contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you are filing for the acceptable payment method: Find U.S. Embassy.
How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship? The current filing fee to apply for U.S. citizenship is $725. This includes $640 for the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) processing fee and $85 for the biometrics fee. This filing fee is non-refundable regardless of USCIS accepting or rejecting your application.
But we know for sure that there will be a fee increase in the near future. If you have been holding out on applying for U.S. citizenship because of the filing fees then don’t wait any longer. Apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as possible. Also, do consider using our service to prepare your application.
You cannot apply for a fee reduction or a fee waiver after filing Form N-400. It should be applied along with your citizenship application. Form I-912 is used to request a fee waiver and Form I-942 is used to request a fee reduction.
The USCIS which processes your citizenship application and many other applications is run entirely by collecting fees for each immigration application. So once in a while, the form filing fees are increased. In 2020 USCIS proposed to increase the filing fee for U.S.
The N-400 application can be used by lawful permanent residents in the U.S, that is older than 18, to apply for U.S citizenship. Your green card must have been valid for at least 5 years prior to your application to be eligible. If your green card is based on marriage, it only has to be valid for three years.
U.S Citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to petition for foreign relatives to come live in the U.S legally. There are two categories, namely Immediate Relative Petitions and Family Preference Petitions. The category of family members that are allowed to come to live in the U.S differs if you are a U.S citizen versus only being a green card holder.