how much lawyer charge for green card

by Erna Macejkovic 10 min read

Green card lawyer fees generally average at the following: Marriage based green card – $800 to $4000 If you are a sibling of a U.S. citizen – $795

Full Answer

How much does an immigration lawyer cost for green card?

Oct 29, 2018 · Updated: Oct 29th, 2018. TYPICAL ATTORNEYS' FEES. $1,000 - $3,000. Nearly half of applicants for family-based adjustment of status paid their lawyers between $1,000 and $3,000. If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident trying to help a family member get a green card—or you’re the immigrant relative hoping to get legal permanent residence—you might be …

Do I need a lawyer to get a green card?

Mar 11, 2019 · 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.

How much will it cost to get a green card?

Mar 16, 2022 · Cost for Green Cards. Green card lawyer fees generally average at the following: Marriage based green card – $800 to $4000. If you are a sibling of a U.S. citizen – $795. If you are a parent of a U.S. citizen – $795. Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification with PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) – $2000.

How much does it cost to replace a green card?

Dec 29, 2020 · 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; Green Card Renewal: $300 to $700; Asylum Application: $1,000 to $7,000; Deportation Defense: $4,000 to $12,000 (and higher if the case gets more complicated)

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How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service. For example, for filing a specific immigration form, an immigration lawyer may charge a flat rate between $350 to $1,500.Mar 4, 2021

How much does a green card cost 2020?

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.

How much is green card worth?

A recent study by a University of Nevada, Reno economist and a graduate student found that employer-sponsored workers in the United States on temporary visas who acquire their green cards and become permanent residents increase their annual incomes by about $11,860.Feb 21, 2012

How much is citizenship fee?

$725The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

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.

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 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.

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.

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:

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?

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 a deportable crime?

Deportable crime. Multiple convictions with a total sentence of at least five years. Inadmissible crime. It is important to note that each state’s laws are different. To understand how a conviction in your state affects your immigration case, it is important to get analysis from an experienced immigration lawyer.

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.

What is the fee obligation for green card?

One fee obligation faced by immigrants in most every green card category is for the first first form that needs to be filed by a person or employer in the U.S., called a petition. It's purpose is to establish the would-be immigrant's basic eligibility, for example a family relationship or an offer of employment.

Can a lawyer assist with consular processing?

You might wish to have a lawyer assist you with completing all of the paperwork and helping you make decisions, for example between adjusting status and consular processing. (That assumes you have a choice; however, many people have no option other than consular processing.)

Do I have to pay for a green card?

green card (lawful permanent residence), must pay a variety of costs, such as include application fees paid directly to U.S. immigration authorities and related fees, for example to get photos done, to pay for the required medical exam, and other incidentals such as photocopying and mailing.

What is an EB-1 green card?

An EB-1 green card is an employment-based petition for permanent residency in the U.S. The EB-1C was specifically designed for the most skilled and proficient business managers and executives. EB-1 green cards do not require PERM labor certification

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.

What is an adjustment of status?

An Adjustment of Status is where someone currently living in the U.S under a non-immigrant visa becomes a beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and apply for their status to be changed to permanent resident. The person or entity that filed your immigrant petition has to file an I-485 form.

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.

What is AC21 in the US?

AC21 is the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act. This act allows foreign nationals to change jobs in the U.S before they obtained their green card. So, if you are a foreign national and you applied for an Adjustment of Status, but you have not yet received your green card yet you can change jobs without it affecting your visa or Adjustment of Status application.

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 a NIW?

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is designed for foreign nationals with exceptional ability in science, business or arts and also for advanced degree professionals (such as Master degrees or Ph.D’s). Students can also qualify under the NIW. With NIW, a foreign national can apply for a green card and seek to have the offer of employment requirement waived. This is done by proving that your admission to permanent residency is in national interest.

How long does it take to get a green card if you are a citizen?

The citizen and the foreign spouse must prove that the marriage is bona fide. If the citizen and foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time the spouse becomes a permanent resident, a conditional 2-year green card will be issued.

What is the process of getting a green card if you are a permanent resident?

Upon reaching the port of entry into the U.S., you will undergo a screening by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. If you are admitted as a permanent resident, your I-551, which is your green card, will be mailed to you.

What is the first step in the green card process?

The first step in a marriage-based green card process is for the petitioning spouse (citizen or permanent resident) to file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with the USCIS. After the I-130 approval, the next steps will depend on whether the beneficiary is staying in the U.S. or is living abroad.

What happens if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers?

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers, then a backlog will build. Unfortunately, there is usually a backlog for each marriage-based green card category. The categories are divided into preference levels which are further divided according to your country of origin.

What do I need to file an I-485?

After the approval of the I-130, the beneficiary will need to file an I-485, Petition to Adjust Status with the USCIS. The I-485 must be submitted with supporting evidence, which includes a birth certificate, proof of nationality, and proof of lawful entry to the U.S. (I-94 travel record).

What to wear to a green card marriage interview?

Wear professional and/or conservative clothing. First impressions matter in a wide range of circumstances, including your green card marriage interview. Dress in professional or conservative attire, as you would for a job interview. Be prepared to answer all types of questions.

What to do if your marriage is denied?

If your marriage-based green card petition is denied, the denial letter should include instructions for appealing the decision if that is your decision. If you choose to do so, be sure to have an immigration attorney helping you, as the appeals process is a delicate legal issue.

How much does it cost to renew a green card?

The fee applies if you are renewing or replacing your green card. If you are renewing an expired green card or it will expire within the next six months, USCIS requires you to pay a fee of $540 at the time of filing. The total fee includes a $455 application fee and an $85 biometrics fee.

How to get a green card waiver?

USCIS does have a green card renewal fee waiver for certain individuals that qualify. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be able to meet one of the following criteria: 1 You or qualified members of your household are currently receiving a means-tested benefit. A means-tested benefit is one for which the individuals’ income/resources determine eligibility and/or the benefit amount. 2 Your household income is at or below the 150% poverty level at the time you file. Check the current poverty levels for the current year at: Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests. 3 You are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies.

Does USCIS waive green card renewal fees?

USCIS does have a green card renewal fee waiver for certain individuals that qualify. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be able to meet one of the following criteria: You or qualified members of your household are currently receiving a means-tested benefit. A means-tested benefit is one for which the individuals’ income/resources determine ...

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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…
See more on immi-usa.com

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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