how much does it cost to file for citizenship? lawyer

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 27 2022

Full Answer

How much does lawyer charge for citizenship on?

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.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?

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.

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

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 is the fee to apply for US citizenship?

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.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer in the US?

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.

Can a lawyer speed up citizenship process?

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.

Do you need a lawyer to become a US citizen?

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.

How much does the legal immigration process cost?

The standard legal fee for an immigration lawyer range from $3,000 to $4,000 for an H-1B visa. Fees may easily go up to $10,000 if you have a deportation issue. Family-Based Petitions typically cost between $800 to $1,500.

How long does it take after filing n400?

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).

How do you accelerate US citizenship?

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. Be ready to prove the reason you need expedited processing with documentation backing up your statements.

Is it worth getting an immigration lawyer?

Hiring an immigration lawyer adds additional legal fees to your case, but often it comes with numerous benefits. Hiring an immigration lawyer can save you time and stress and increase your chances of success.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

If an applicant for U.S. citizenship fails the U.S. citizenship test, he or she will only be able to take it one more time before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denies citizenship. Because of this restriction, it's important for individuals to sufficiently prepare for this test before taking it.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months, as of April 2022. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

How much does 2021 citizenship cost?

$725How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

How much will it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2020?

$725What 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.

How long does the citizenship process take?

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.

What website does USCIS use to process fees?

Beware: The USCIS only uses the Treasury Department website (pay.gov) to process fees.

How many USCIS N 400 offices are there?

USCIS N-400 applications are processed by some 89 field offices located throughout the United States and U.S. territories.

What happens if you don't pay USCIS?

Insufficient Funds: If your check or other payment method is unpayable, USCIS will attempt the process for a second time. If this second attempt is returned as unpayable, your application will be denied for failure to pay fees and you will be charged $30.00.

What happens if my USCIS card is rejected?

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.

What is the N-400 form?

USCIS Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is one of the forms in which fees may be reduced or waived.

What happens if you get rejected by USCIS?

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.

Does USCIS accept fees?

The USCIS will not accept the payment of some fees through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.

How much does it cost to get citizenship?

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.

How much does it cost to file N-400?

In 2020 USCIS proposed to increase the filing fee for U.S. citizenship application Form N-400 from the current $640 to $1170.

What is immigration direct?

Immigration Direct provides form preparation services for U.S. citizenship applications and other immigration applications online. It has helped more than 600,000 immigrants with their immigration applications. If you are looking to prepare your U.S. citizenship application take a look at our Form N-400 preparation service.

Will there be a fee increase in the near future?

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.

Is a waiver fee the same as a reduced fee?

Note: Fee waiver and reduced fee are not the same.

Can I apply for a fee reduction after filing N-400?

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.

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 it cost to become a US citizen?

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.

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 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 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 ...

Is it hard to get legal immigration?

Obtaining your legal immigration status is complicated and often overwhelming, so when hiring legal assistance, here's what you need to know .

How much does it cost to get a naturalization?

The government fee for applying for Naturalization (Form N-400) is $640 plus a biometrics fee, which is $85. This is a total of $725. There are no fees for military members and veterans.

How much does it cost to hire an immigration attorney?

Hiring an immigration attorney for assistance with your naturalization case can cost from $1,000-2,000. For these cases, attorneys typically charge a flat fee. Consulting an attorney can cost anywhere from free to $150. Attorneys may charge more or less dependent on the facts of your case and how much evidence you will require.

Is it worth hiring an immigration attorney?

There is specific evidence required that may be easier to obtain with the help of an immigration attorney. Even if getting an attorney is not feasible for you at this moment, it may be worth it to schedule a consultation.

Is a fee waiver free?

The fee waiver is free to apply for, and it may be worth doing if finances are something preventing you or your loved one from going through the naturalization process.

What happens if USCIS needs something from you?

Throughout the whole process, if USCIS needs something from you or needs to tell you something, it will send your lawyer a copy of any notice it sends you. Your lawyer will deal with USCIS as your representative.

Who will deal with USCIS?

Your lawyer will deal with USCIS as your representative.

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 ...

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for citizenship?

Whether it's worth it to hire a lawyer to help you with your citizenship application is mostly a question of how much you think you need the help, how much money the lawyer wants, and how much you're willing to spend . You might try calling several different immigration lawyers in your area to see how much they charge. Find out how experienced they are with citizenship applications when you call.

When you're ready to hire a lawyer, what should you do?

When you're ready to hire a lawyer, make sure the lawyer-client agreement says exactly what the lawyer is or isn't going to do for you.

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 ...

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.

What is CitizenPath?

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.

What are some examples of immigration violations?

Examples of immigration violations include entering without inspection, visa overstays, marriage fraud and misrepresentation on previous applications. Although immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can generally overcome a visa overstay without a lawyer, other relatives will need help.

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.

What factors affect the cost of an immigration lawyer?

Generally, however, the following factors will affect the price you are charged: The application you will be making – immigration lawyers charge different fees for different applications as each application has a different complexity or amount of work.

Does the adjustment of status fee include the adjustment of status application?

Keep in mind these fees don’t include the adjustment of status application, which follows afterward.

Is it necessary to pay for an immigration lawyer?

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. You risk being separated from loved ones or possibly even being deported. If your case isn’t just a simple, straightforward application, it could be in your best interest to get an immigration lawyer.

Is immigration law complicated?

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. In most cases, however, it is safest to have someone who is specialized, has a lot of knowledge, and knows what they are doing to assist you with your case. This is where an immigration lawyer comes in.

Do immigration lawyers charge different fees?

The application you will be making – immigration lawyers charge different fees for different applications as each application has a different complexity or amount of work. So, whether you’re applying for a green card or an L1 visa, for example, will make a difference to what you are charged.

How to get a Perm certification?

In order to obtain a PERM Labour Certification, your employer will have to prove that they were not able to find a suitably qualified U.S employee for the position. You will also need to be employed on a full-time, permanent basis.

How long do you have to work for a L-1 visa?

To be eligible, you must have worked at the foreign office of the company for one year in the three years prior to your application.

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 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.

Do you have to be employed to become a permanent resident?

Not everyone needs to be employed in order to become a permanent resident. If you have extraordinary abilities in science, business, art etc. you can apply for the green cards we discuss below.

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.

Is it expensive to get a green card?

Applying for a visa or a green card can be costly and the hefty fees can easily become an obstacle towards fulfilling your dreams. This is especially considering you’ll probably have to pay an attorney to assist you in the process.