how much do you pay a lawyer for naturalization

by Prof. Sallie Hessel DVM 4 min read

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
Apr 15 2022

$500 to $2,500

Full Answer

How much does it cost to hire a US Citizenship lawyer?

Nov 20, 2018 · Citizenship applicants typically paid their lawyers $1,000 to $2,000 FLAT FEE 91% More than nine in ten immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for citizenship applications.

How to pay the citizenship by naturalization application fee?

7 rows · For basic immigration form filing, you can expect to pay around $250 to $1,200 in fees. ...

Why do immigration lawyers charge different fees?

Mar 16, 2022 · If you need an immigration attorney to assist you with your N-400, Application for Naturalization, you can expect to pay an average fee of $500. Conclusion 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.

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship with N400?

Mar 08, 2021 · No one has to hire a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship ("naturalization"). You can do the entire process on your own, if you want to. But is it worth it, just to save the approximately $500 to $1,000 that U.S. attorneys typically charge for …

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How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

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.

How much does an immigration attorney 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 ...

How much does a green card lawyer cost?

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.

What do immigration lawyers know?

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.

How much does it cost to get a K-1 visa?

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.

What is an Immigration Lawyer?

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.

Who Needs an Immigration Lawyer?

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.

What Are the Different Cost Factors for an Immigration Lawyer?

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:

What Are the Average Costs for an Immigration Lawyer?

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.

Conclusion

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!).

Why is it harder to find a 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 ...

Do lawyers have control over work?

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 ...

Can a lawyer attend a citizenship interview?

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.

Do immigration lawyers have influence?

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 ...

Can a lawyer tell you how to answer citizenship questions?

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 ...

Can an immigration lawyer save you time?

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, ...

Can a lawyer give you a ride to USCIS?

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 ...

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

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.

Addressing Potential Issues

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.

Immigration Consultations

SGM Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases:

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

On an hourly basis, the cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $300.

How long is a free initial consultation?

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.

Is it a good idea to invest in an immigration lawyer?

Therefore, investing in the cost of an immigration lawyer is generally a good idea.

Is it expensive to hire an immigration lawyer?

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.

Is a lawyer equal to a lawyer?

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.

Can a foreign diplomat adjust to permanent resident?

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.

Can a non-citizen be deported?

In fact, there may be serious immigration consequences – including deportation — even if you don’t have a conviction. This is because a non-citizen can be made deportable or inadmissible simply for enga ging in certain kinds of conduct. Examples include drug trafficking and prostitution, but other criminal activity may be equally problematic.

Key Takeaways

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.

What are the Citizenship by Naturalization fees?

As of 10/14/2020, $725 is the current fee to become a U.S. citizen. This total includes a $640 fee for processing the Form N-400 and an $85 biometric services fee. Both the filing fee and the biometrics fee are non-refundable. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will not return this money to you even if they deny your application.

How much do I actually have to pay to become a U.S. Citizen?

As of 10/14/2020, the total cost to file a United States Citizenship by Naturalization application is $725, $640 for processing your application, and $85 for biometric services. You cannot get a refund on either of these fees.

How do I pay the citizenship application fees?

You can pay the Citizenship by Naturalization application fees with a credit card, check or money order. USCIS will not accept cash. You must submit fee payment together with your Form N-400 when you file.

Who do you have to pay the fee to in Guam?

Virgin Islands, you have to make the fee payable to the “Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands.”.

How much does fingerprinting cost?

Fees for fingerprinting which include your photograph and signature, are separate from the $595 application fee. Also keep in mind that the $595 application fee will not be refunded even if you withdraw your application or if your application is rejected.

How much does it cost to get a N 400?

The current fee for processing a naturalization application is $595. Applicants under 75 years of age should also pay a fee to have their fingerprints taken. It is important that you send the N 400 application fee along ...

What to do if you lost your green card?

Apart from the fee, you should also send a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). If you have lost the green card, you have to submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90, “Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card;” In addition to these, two identical color photographs, ...

Where to pay N 400?

You can pay the fee with a check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank and it should be payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

Do I need to send biometrics with my citizenship application?

If you are aged 75 years or older, or if you are filing on the basis of your service in the Armed Forces of the US, or if you are filing the citizenship application from outside the US, you need not send the biometric services fee with your citizenship application.

How long is the naturalization form?

But the process has gotten harder over time. When I began to practice Immigration law the naturalization form was 10 pages long. Now it’s 22 pages long.

What can't an attorney do?

What an attorney can’t do: help you break the law or get around eligibility issues. If you’re not eligible, an attorney isn’t going to be able to pull any strings to get around the issue. The government also doesn’t process attorney cases any faster, so hiring an attorney won’t usually get you a faster interview.

How long do you have to be a permanent resident?

a period of time as a permanent resident (usually five years, but some cases require less) physical presence in the United States for at least half of that time. You also have to pass a basic United States civics exam and prove you can write and read English.

Can you be denied naturalization if you cheat on your spouse?

If you have ever cheated on your spouse or failed to support your dependents, you might be ineligible. These aren’t necessarily crimes, so it’s common to forget that they do have an effect on your naturalization. But make no mistake: USCIS can deny your naturalization for them. II.

Can USCIS deny naturalization?

But make no mistake: USCIS can deny your naturalization for them. II. Consider if Your Case is Complicated or Risky. If you are sure you are eligible, then you might be able to file your naturalization application on your own.

Can I naturalize if I owe back taxes?

For example, you can naturalize if you owe back taxes, but you’ll need to have set up a payment plan and faithfully complied with it. Even if you aren’t risking being deported, if you apply before you’re eligible the government will keep your filing fees, which is a lot of money. III.

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Nonimmigrant Work Visas

  • H-1B Visa 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 VisaNation Law Group. USCIS Fee: $460 to $2460. Premium Processing fee: $1440 (as of December 2, 2019) H-4 Visa Attorney Fee: $500 USCIS Fee: $370 H-1B1 Visa f…
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Permanent Residence / Green Card – Employer Sponsored

  • Green Card by Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification with PERM Attorney Fee: $3350 (for PERM process), $2200 for I-140, $1500 for I-485/AP/EAD (*PERM Audit response fee = $1000, if applicable) USCIS Fee: $700. Premium Processing fee: $2500 (optional). EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Executives and Managers & L-1A Visa Holders Attorney Fee: $5000 (*does notincl…
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Permanent Residence / Green Card – Self Sponsored

  • Green Card by National Interest Waiver Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status Green Card by Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status
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Other Visas/Green Card

  • B-1 Business Visa Attorney Fee: $1000 USCIS Fee: n/a Department of State Fee: $160 B-1 / B-2 Visa – Renewal / Extension or Change of Status Attorney Fee: $750 USCIS Fee:$370 + $85 for Biometrics. Fiance Visa K-1 Visa Petition – For the Fiance of a US Citizen: Attorney Fee: $2600 (1/2 due in two stages) USCIS Fee: $535 Family-Based Petition filed by a U.S. Citizen Attorney Fe…
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Addressing Potential Issues

  • In every possible instance, VisaNation Law Group does its 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. Be advised that withholding information may affect not only the cost for your case but also the approach they ta…
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Immigration Consultations

  • VisaNation Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases: 1. H1B Visas 2. Marriage-Based Visas/Green Cards 3. Family-Based Green Cards During your free case evaluation, VisaNation Law Group will provide you with a general overview of your immigration options. However, the firm ca…
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