Immigration Lawyer Costs

If you're pursuing a green card, visa, or other immigration benefit, understanding legal costs helps you plan and budget effectively. Immigration attorney fees vary widely based on case type, complexity, and fee structure. A straightforward family petition might cost $1,500, while a complex deportation defense can exceed $20,000. These costs reflect the specialized expertise required to navigate constantly changing federal regulations, extensive documentation requirements, and coordination across multiple government agencies.

Most immigration lawyers use flat fees rather than hourly billing, which provides cost predictability for standard cases. However, the total expense includes both attorney fees and separate government filing fees paid directly to USCIS or the Department of State. Understanding both components helps you budget accurately and compare quotes across different law firms.

This guide breaks down what immigration lawyers charge, how billing works, what's included in legal fees, and when professional representation provides the most value. Whether you're applying for naturalization, sponsoring a family member, or pursuing an employment-based green card, knowing typical costs and fee structures helps you make informed decisions about your immigration case.

How immigration lawyers structure their fees

Understanding fee structures helps you compare quotes and know what to expect before signing an agreement with a law firm. Most immigration attorneys use one of four billing models, each suited to different case types and client needs. Knowing which structure applies to your situation helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise costs.

Flat fee arrangements

Most immigration cases use flat fees. A single fixed price covers a defined scope of work, giving you cost certainty upfront. This immigration lawyer's flat fee model is common for routine matters like adjustment of status applications, family-based petitions, and naturalization applications. You'll typically see flat fee pricing for I-130 petitions, N-400 applications, and individual stages of employment-based green card processes.

Standard flat fee packages typically include initial consultation, case evaluation and strategy development, document preparation and review, form completion and filing, communication with USCIS, and status updates throughout your immigration process. Some attorneys offer a reduced rate or free immigration lawyer fee consultation before you commit. Many law firms publish an immigration attorney fee schedule on their websites to help you compare typical costs. However, RFE responses, dependent family member petitions, and interview preparation often carry additional charges, so confirm what's included before signing your agreement.

Hourly billing

Hourly billing is less common in immigration law but applies to certain case types. Typical immigration lawyer cost per hour ranges from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the attorney's experience and law office location. Hourly rates are used for complex litigation, deportation defense, and removal proceedings. Immigration court cases and appeals are often billed this way because the time required varies significantly based on hearing schedules and case developments. Law firm location and attorney experience affect rates considerably. With hourly billing, you pay for all attorney time spent on your case, including legal research, document drafting, court appearances, and client communication.

Retainer agreements

Some attorneys use retainer agreements, where you pay an advance held in trust and drawn against as work progresses. This approach is common for ongoing immigration matters or cases with uncertain scope.

Hybrid models

Hybrid models combine flat fees for initial work with hourly billing for extensions or complications. For example, an RFE (Request for Evidence) response may incur additional charges beyond the original flat fee.

What immigration attorney fees typically cost

The figures below reflect typical ranges for legal fees. Your actual costs depend on your specific situation and the immigration attorney you choose. These fees generally cover standard services, though complications like RFEs, appeals, or multiple dependents often incur additional charges.

Family-based immigration

Family-based cases represent some of the most common immigration work, covering everything from spouse and fiancé petitions to parent-child relationships. These cases typically involve multiple stages, including the initial petition, adjustment of status or consular processing, and sometimes additional steps like removal of conditions. Most family-based immigration attorney fees fall in the lower-to-mid range compared to employment-based cases, though costs increase when complications arise.

• I-130 lawyer fee: $1,000–$3,000
• Adjustment of status application: $2,500–$5,000
• Attorney fee for I-130 and I-485 combined: $3,500–$7,000
• Fiancé visa (K-1 visa): $1,500–$3,500
• Immigration lawyer fees for spouse visa follow similar pricing to I-130 petitions.
• Removal of conditions: $1,500–$3,000
• Consular processing: $1,500–$4,000

Employment-based immigration

Employment-based cases often involve multiple stages and higher fees due to their complexity and the extensive documentation required. These cases may require labor certifications, proving the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers, and demonstrating extraordinary ability or advanced degrees. Employer-sponsored petitions typically involve coordination between the company's HR department, immigration attorney, and the foreign national. The higher fees reflect the specialized expertise needed and the significant time investment across months or even years.

• PERM labor certification: $3,000–$7,000
• I-140 petition: $2,000–$5,000
• H-1B petition: $2,000–$5,000
• O-1 visa (extraordinary ability): $3,000–$8,000
• EB-1 or EB-2 cases: $5,000–$15,000+

Citizenship and naturalization

N400 lawyer fees typically range from $1,000 to $2,500. This includes application preparation, document review, and interview preparation for your naturalization appointment. Naturalization cases are generally straightforward for applicants with clean immigration histories and no complicating factors. However, fees may increase if your case involves prior criminal convictions, extended time spent outside the United States, or issues with your permanent resident status that need to be addressed before filing. Many attorneys offer naturalization services as flat-fee packages that cover the entire process from initial consultation through your oath ceremony.

Defensive and complex cases

Cases involving immigration court or waivers command higher fees due to the stakes and complexity involved:

• Deportation defense: $5,000–$20,000+
• Removal proceedings representation: varies by hearing count
• Asylum application: $3,000–$10,000
• Waiver of inadmissibility: $3,000–$8,000
• Cancellation of removal: $7,000–$15,000
• U visa: $3,000–$7,000
• VAWA petitions: $2,500–$6,000

Additional services

Certain services may be priced separately or added to your main case fee:

• RFE response: $1,000–$3,000
• Advance parole application: $500–$1,500
• EAD (Employment Authorization Document): $500–$1,200
• Re-entry permit: $800–$2,000
• Biometrics appointment preparation: often included

What affects immigration lawyer fees

Several factors influence what an immigration attorney charges for your case. Understanding these variables helps you evaluate quotes and anticipate costs.

Case complexity plays the largest role. A straightforward family-based petition costs less than an employment-based case requiring extraordinary ability documentation. Criminal history considerations, prior immigration violations, or multiple family members all add complexity and increase fees.

Geographic location matters. A law office in a major metropolitan area typically charges more than one in a smaller market. Regional cost of living differences and local competition for immigration services affect pricing.

Attorney experience and specialization also impact cost. A specialized immigration attorney with a strong track record on specific visa types or immigration cases typically charges more than a general practice lawyer handling occasional immigration matters. Law firm size and overhead contribute as well.

The processing method affects fees, too. Adjustment of status versus consular processing involves different procedures and documentation. Appearing in immigration court adds significant complexity compared to standard USCIS filings.

Attorney fees vs. government filing fees

Legal fees and government fees are separate costs that together make up your total immigration expense. Knowing the distinction helps you budget accurately.

Attorney fees go to your immigration lawyer for professional services: case evaluation, document preparation, form filing, and communication with USCIS. USCIS filing fees are paid directly to the U.S. government to process your application.

Common USCIS filing fees include:

• Form I-130: $625
• Form I-485: $1,440 (includes biometrics)
• Form N-400: $760
• Form I-129: $460 (plus applicable additional fees)

For employment-based visa petition filings, employers typically pay the filing fees. Individuals pay for adjustment of status and naturalization. The Department of State also charges fees for consular processing and visa interviews. Total immigration fees cost includes both attorney and government charges. A typical green card process combining attorney fees and government charges often totals $4,000 to $10,000.

Payment plans and consultation costs

Many immigration lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations, typically $0 to $300 for an initial meeting. This allows you to discuss your immigration matters, understand your options, and get a cost estimate before committing.

Payment plans are common. Many law firms offer payment plans for legal fees, allowing you to split payments over several months. This is particularly common for green card application processes that span extended timelines. Discuss options during your initial consultation to find an arrangement that works for your budget.

When legal representation is worth the investment

Legal representation provides the most value in high-stakes or complicated situations. Knowing when to hire an attorney helps you make informed decisions about your immigration case.

High-value situations include complex employment-based cases requiring PERM certification, EB-1, or EB-2 petitions, any immigration court proceedings or removal proceedings, cases involving waivers or criminal history, asylum applications requiring substantial evidence organization, and situations where you've received an RFE or prior denial.

The cost of mistakes often exceeds the cost of professional help. A denied visa petition can delay your immigration process by months or years. Errors may trigger deportation consequences you didn't anticipate. Rejected applications mean lost filing fees for rejected applications. Immigration law changes frequently, and professional guidance helps you navigate current requirements and avoid costly errors.

Choosing the right support partner

The immigration process requires coordination across multiple government agencies, extensive documentation, and strict compliance with regulatory standards. Lighthouse helps employers and candidates navigate this process through eligibility diagnostics to identify the correct pathway, expert guidance on documentation and compliance requirements, comprehensive legal review to strengthen petitions and reduce RFE risk, and case management supported by technology built for immigration workflows.

Our approach combines experienced immigration case managers with precise coordination of timelines, dependent filings, RFE responses, and USCIS submissions—ensuring nothing falls through the cracks, and your case progresses smoothly.

Start your immigration evaluation today.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a US immigration lawyer charge?‍

Immigration lawyer fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 for straightforward cases like family-based petitions to $10,000 to $20,000 or more for complex matters such as deportation defense or employment-based permanent resident applications. Most immigration attorneys use flat fees rather than hourly billing, which provides cost predictability for standard immigration cases.

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?‍

$400 per hour falls in the upper range for immigration attorneys and is typical for experienced lawyers in major metropolitan areas handling complex immigration cases. That said, most immigration work uses flat fees rather than hourly rates, so hourly billing primarily applies to litigation, removal proceedings, and appeals where case duration is unpredictable.

Is it worth using an immigration lawyer?‍

An immigration attorney provides valuable guidance for complex cases, situations involving criminal history, removal proceedings, waivers, or when you've received an RFE. For straightforward non-immigrant visa applications, some people successfully self-file, but legal representation significantly reduces error risk for cases with higher stakes or complicated eligibility requirements.

How much do immigration fees cost?‍

Total costs include both attorney fees ($1,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on case type) and USCIS filing fees ($460 to $1,440 or more per form). A typical green card process combining attorney fees and government charges often totals $4,000 to $10,000, though complex employment-based cases or those requiring waivers may cost considerably more.

Is $10,000 a lot for a lawyer?‍

$10,000 represents a mid-to-high range for immigration legal services and is reasonable for comprehensive cases like employment-based green cards with PERM certification, complex family-based immigration requiring waivers of inadmissibility, or deportation defense requiring multiple immigration court hearings. Given the stakes involved and hours required, this investment often proves worthwhile.

Why do immigration lawyers charge so much?‍

Immigration law requires specialized expertise in constantly changing federal regulations, extensive document preparation, detailed communication with USCIS and other government agencies, and significant professional liability. Complex immigration cases involve dozens of hours across months or years, including research, drafting, filing, and ongoing case management, justifying higher legal fees compared to simpler legal matters.