what is the average immigration lawyer fee

by Kiarra Mueller 6 min read

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.

Full Answer

How much would an immigration lawyer cost?

On average, an immigration lawyer will typically charge $150 to $300+ per hour. In some cases, immigration lawyers will provide free consultations. However, most often, you can expect to pay an additional $50 to $100 for the first meeting.

Is an immigration lawyer worth the cost?

Millions of people from countries around the world immigrate to the United States. If you’re also planning to move to the “land of opportunity”, you might be wondering if hiring an immigration lawyer is worth the cost. Well, the short answer is ‘‘yes’’!

How much is an immigration attorney?

Immigration Lawyer Costs. 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 for immigration lawyer?

What Do Immigration Lawyers Charge? In many cases, an immigration lawyer’s fees are charged by the hour based on their hourly rate. This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service.

image

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?

Immigration services can be just as complex, and it is likely worth the expense to hire an immigration lawyer for immigration questions and processes to avoid unnecessary staffing and legal employment compliance hurdles.

What is the average cost of immigration?

*The most typical cost for a medical exam is around $200, but this amount can vary significantly by provider. Boundless customers have reported prices ranging from $100 to $500....Mandatory Fees.Green Card CostsUSCIS Immigrant FeeNot required$220Medical Examination*Varies*VariesTotal$1,760$1,2008 more rows

Can immigration lawyer speed up 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.

How much does a green card cost in legal fees?

$2750Legal Fees Our flat fee for an Adjustment of Status (Greencard) application + the travel and work permit is $2750 (past and current clients are eligible for a discount; please call for details). The fee is the same whether you have filed the form I–130 previously or not.

How much money do I need to settle in USA?

Despite its popularity, for many, becoming a U.S. permanent resident or a naturalized citizen is a long and costly process. If we sum up all the specific payments towards acquiring citizenship to the USA, the amount ranges somewhere between $4,000 to $11,300. Most people end up spending between $6,000 and $8,000.

How long does the immigration process take?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months.

How much does it cost to fix immigration papers?

Form I-485 In most cases, the USCIS fee to adjust status is $1,225 ($1,140 filing fee + $85 biometric fee).

What is the fastest way to get citizenship?

Expedited Naturalization by MarriageHold a green card for three years;Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;Live within the state that you're applying in for three months; and.Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.

How can I get my green card faster than 90 days?

There are several quick ways to achieve that goal.Marriage to U.S. Citizen. This is the fastest way to immigrate. ... Immigration through family reunification. ... Political Asylum in the USA. ... Immigration of extraordinary ability people. ... Investment immigration.

How much is a green card 2021?

$455. (see Special Instructions for exceptions). A biometric services fee of $85 may also be required.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?

$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.

What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant 2021?

For example, in 2021, a sponsor in the U.S. mainland would need to have income (or assets) of at least $33,125 to cover a petitioner who lives alone and is sponsoring one immigrant and two children (that is, a total of four people).

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.

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.

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 charge?

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.

Why is a lawyer in California more expensive than in North Carolina?

However, a lawyer in California may have more exposure to the immigration issue you are facing. It is important to balance cost and experience.

What happens if you are here illegally?

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.

Is a notario a lawyer?

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.

Is it optional to file for a government filing fee?

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.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

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

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.

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 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.

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.

image

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

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…
See more on immi-usa.com

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
See more on immi-usa.com

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...
See more on immi-usa.com

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…
See more on immi-usa.com