how much does an immigrant lawyer cost for provisional waiver

by Madison Hoppe DVM 8 min read

The hourly rate is usually at least $100. In total, however, most applicants can expect to pay between $3,500 and $11,000 for preparation of the waiver application. This does not include fees for other portions of the attorney's services or for application fees and other related expenses.

The hourly rate is usually at least $100. In total, however, most applicants can expect to pay between $3,500 and $11,000 for preparation of the waiver application. This does not include fees for other portions of the attorney's services or for application fees and other related expenses.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to prepare an immigration waiver application?

Although attorneys charge flat fees for services for many immigration applications, many of them prefer to charge at an hourly rate to prepare a waiver application. That's because it's a much less predictable process than a standard application, for the reasons described above. The hourly rate is usually at least $100.

How much does it cost to hire a waiver attorney?

The hourly rate is usually at least $100. In total, however, most applicants can expect to pay between $5,000 and $11,000 for preparation of the waiver application. This does not include fees for other portions of the attorney’s services or for application fees and other related expenses.

How much are attorney fees for Employment Non-Immigrant Visa?

Fees for Employment Non-immigrant Visas Application/Petition Type Initial Attorney Fees Fees Due Upon Approval H-1B, Skilled worker (new) $2,100 $2,100 H-1B Transfer, Extension and Amendment $950 $950 H-4 Dependent (With H-1B) $350 None H-4 Dependent only $550 None 11 more rows ...

How to file a provisional unlawful presence waiver with USCIS?

Complete I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. Please visit the Form I-601A webpage for specific filing instructions, filing fees, and special instructions. Read our Tips for Filing Forms with USCIS to ensure we will accept your application package. If you have questions, call 800-375-5283. Do not visit a USCIS field office.

How much does a immigration waiver cost?

$930. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check. When filing at a USCIS lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How much does it cost for I-601A waiver?

The USCIS government filing fee is $535 for the immediate relative petition. The I-601A Provisional Waiver filing fee is $715. After USCIS approval of the immediate relative petition, you must pay a $325 application fee and a $120 affidavit of support fee to the National Visa Center.

How long does it take for I-601A waiver to be approved 2020?

4 to 6 monthsIn terms of processing times, USCIS and DOS are coordinating closely to make sure that the timing of the approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver application is close to the time of the scheduled immigrant visa interview abroad. Generally, it takes 4 to 6 months to process an I-601A waiver application.

How much is a 212 waiver?

$930The USCIS government filing fee is $535 for the immediate relative petition. The I-212 waiver filing fee is $930.

What happens after my I-601A waiver is approved?

The NVC will schedule you for an immigrant interview after the USCIS approves your I-601A petition. Schedule a medical exam overseas and make plans for your departure from the US. Travel to the US embassy or consulate overseas where your interview is scheduled. Expect to spend about three weeks outside of the US.

Who qualifies for 601A waiver?

Form I-601A is used for applicants in the United States with immediate U.S citizens or green card family members (such as parents or a spouse) and who entered the United States illegally. If you wish to apply for a green card, you will need to leave the United States and apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

What to do if I-601A waiver is denied?

You Cannot Appeal a Denial of the I-601A Waiver, But You Can Reapply. There is no appeals process if USCIS denies your I-601A waiver. You can, however, file a new application.

Why is my 601A waiver taking so long?

There is a lot of variation in processing times for the I-601A provisional waiver. However, as of October 2020, it is common for I-601A waivers to be in process for longer than one year. This is likely due to the pandemic and slower overall processing by USCIS.

How do I expedite I-601A waiver?

0:183:07How to Expedite your I-601 or I-601A Immigration Waiver - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd wait for them to generate a receipt notice once they send you the receipt notice and you have itMoreAnd wait for them to generate a receipt notice once they send you the receipt notice and you have it in your hand you'll be ready to try to request expedited processing.

How long does it take for I-212 waiver be approved?

Please allow at least 150 days from the date of submission of your Form I-212 before making an inquiry about the status of your application. A full review of your circumstances can take up to six months or longer. You may ask for an update by emailing aro.inquiry.waiver@cbp.dhs.gov.

What is the difference between i-601 and i-212?

The I-212 and I-601 waiver applications are both required in many circumstances. Where the I-212 requests permission to apply to return to the U.S., the I-601 is actually the application to return. However, the I-212 and I-601 may often be confused with the I-601a, which is a provisional unlawful presence waiver.

How much does the I-212 cost?

$930$930. When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.

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!).

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.

How much does it cost to get a K-3 visa?

After USCIS approval of the immediate relative petition, you must pay a $325 application fee and a $120 affidavit of support fee to the National Visa Center. Your spouse also needs to pay for a medical examination before his or her consular interview.

How much does a spouse have to pay for a medical exam?

Your spouse also needs to pay for a medical examination before his or her consular interview. There is now a USCIS Immigrant Visa fee of $165 which must be paid after approval of the immigrant visa but before departure for the United States.

Introduction to How Much Lawyers Charge for an I-601A Waiver

Generally speaking, lawyers charge for I601A waivers based on an hourly rate. Most immigration lawyers will charge a flat fee where they estimate the number of hours that they will spend on the case and then calculate the fee to charge for the case.

Other Factors In How Much Lawyers Charge for an I601A Waiver

As indicated above, there may be other factors that lawyers consider when calculating a flat fee for an I601A waiver case. For example, the lawyer may plan to have a junior attorney or a paralegal help with preparing the waiver package. The time that a junior attorney or paralegal spends on the case may be at a lower rate.

Comparing the Amount Lawyers Charge for I-601A Waivers

I encourage you to not compare lawyer fees for I601A waivers without considering the value offered by each lawyer. Questions you should ask to help you understand the value of the lawyer’s services include:

How much do you charge for an I601A waiver?

If you’ve read this far, you may be wondering about my lawyer charge for an I601A waiver. I won’t be able to quote you an exact fee until after we talk and I learn more about the complexity of the legal issues in your case. For most cases, my fee will be between $4,000 and $9,000.

What is a non-immigrant visa?

Non-immigrant work visas are visas that are obtained for the purpose to work, invest, trade and do business in the U.S. Non-immigrant visas only apply for a limited time period and do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

What is an H-4 visa?

H-4 visas are visas dependents of H-1B visa holders can apply for. This visa is used so that dependents (spouse and children under the age of 21 years) can stay with the H-1B visa holder in the U.S. Your application for an H-4 visa can be submitted with the H-1B visa application. H-4 visas allow the holders to work en get an education in the U.S.

How long does a N-400 card last?

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.

Can a US citizen petition for a foreign citizen to live in the US?

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.

Can a foreign national get an O-1 visa?

Foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities in one of the below categories can obtain an O-1 non-immigrant visa. The purpose of the visa is for these individuals to engage in the activities in the U.S.

How old do you have to be to get a provisional unlawful presence waiver?

Be 17 years of age or older.

What is a DV program derivative?

Are the spouse or child of a DV Program selectee (that is, you are a DV Program derivative) Be able to demonstrate that refusal of your admission to the United States will cause extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident spouse or parent.

Can I cancel my immigrant visa application?

A DOS consular officer determines that you are otherwise admissible to the United States and eligible to receive an immigrant visa. DOS may cancel your immigrant visa application process if you fail to appear at your immigrant visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.

Can an alien be a waiver?

Typically, these aliens cannot apply for a waiver until after they have appeared for their immigrant visa interview abroad, and a Department of State (DOS) consular officer has determined that they are inadmissible to the United States.

Can I file an I-601?

You cannot file Form I-601 until after you attend your immigrant visa interview and after DOS determines that you are subject to other grounds of inadmissibility. Avoid Immigration Scams. Unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file a provisional unlawful presence waiver.

Does a provisional waiver change the process of a visa?

The provisional waiver process does not change the immigrant visa process. Even if your provisional unlawful presence waiver is approved, you are still required to depart the United States to process your immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate abroad. The approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver does not make you eligible ...