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Immigration Attorney Cost

How Much Does an Immigration Attorney Cost?

low cost Do-It-Yourself: $2,000+
low costMedium: $3,500+
low costHigh: $6,000-$12,000+

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People seeking work visas, legal resident status or US citizenship must go through a highly detailed application process, and often choose to be guided by an attorney specializing in immigration law. What used to be the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is now known as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
 
Typical costs:
  • An immigration attorney may charge an hourly rate of $100-$300 or a flat fee covering specific services. Some immigration attorneys charge $75-$150 for an initial 20-30 minute consultation.
  • Charges for assisting in filing basic forms for an ongoing immigration case may run $300-$700, plus the USCIS fees. Attorney's fees for preparing a full visa packet average $2,000-$3,000, but can run $4,000-$12,000 or more, depending on the nature and complexity of the case, the location, and the attorney's level of experience.
  • A retainer is an up-front fee you pay to hire an attorney. Generally the retainer is either a percentage of the agreed-upon flat fee or the equivalent of several hours work. A lawyer on an hourly basis deducts that rate from the retainer as the work is done; when the retainer is gone, you are billed for more money.
  • Some work-visa applicants hire an immigration attorney for an hour's consultation at $100-$300, then file the paperwork themselves using the forms and other resources provided by the USCIS. Often an employer will assist with the visa process.
  • While many applicants use the services of an immigration attorney, it is possible to navigate the complex system on your own. The paperback US Immigration and Citizenship is available for $16 and Nolo Press offers books on immigration, visas, green cards and citizenship for $26-$40.
What should be included:
  • The USCIS provides a brochure on resources for new immigrants written in English or 10 other languages.
  • The American Immigration Lawyers Association lists immigration basics and provides a brochure on avoiding scams.
  • Some types of visas have annual quotas; your attorney should be able to tell you how many (if any) of a particular type of visa remain at the time that you want to file your application.
Additional costs:
  • Your lawyer's charges do not include USCIS filing fees of $0-$1,000 per form; total application fees for a visa average $2,000.
  • Typically visas take 4-5 months to process; "premium processing" in about 15 days costs an extra $1,000.
Shopping for an immigration attorney:
  • The University of Wisconsin--Madison gives an overview of how to locate and evaluate an immigration attorney.
  • The American Bar Association links to legal resources by state, including free or low-cost legal help, the bar association to check that a lawyer is licensed in that state, and referrals to local lawyers. Referrals are also available through The American Immigration Lawyers Association.
  • Your attorney should give you a written schedule of fees; read it before signing and keep a copy for your records. Be sure you understand exactly what is included for the fee; for example, will the attorney accompany you to hearings or just prepare the paperwork? If you need to appeal a decision, is the appeal included or will there be an additional charge?
Article updated January 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $10,000.00 Incompetent & Irresponsible Attorney's
Posted by: Munna in Germantown, MD.Purchased: February, 2005
Firm: Richard W. Moore, Marks & KatzAdditional Services: Filing(s)
Attorney Richard W. Moore,Jr. Towson, Maryland charged $2,500.00 to process my Asylum claim.

Attorney Jay S. Marks of Marks And Katz, Silver Spring was replaced in the above matter, and work authorization filings for more than $7,800.00, responds only 2 out of ten times. No relief.
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Amount: $2,500.00 Immigration Change of Status
Posted by: Louise Moreno in Hartford, CT.Purchased: January, 2009
Firm: Margaret Jordan-AddoAdditional Services:
Started Case in 01/08, case was denied due to Lawyer sending wrong affidavit of support 1-130, suppose to be 1-864, not on a timely manner. Now trying to blame client, instead of making the correction and sending it in on time.Trying to get money back
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Amount: $2,200.00 Great price for asylum
Posted by: Oliver in Washington, DC.Purchased: March, 2009
Firm: Mensah Shoemaker & Dzubow, PLLCAdditional Services:
Attorney Jason Dzubow prepare my asylum case for $2200. He was very nice and did a great job - I won my case. Thank you.
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Amount: $600.00 Professional fee
Posted by: Jon Lewis in Sacramento, CA.Purchased: June, 2009
Firm: Professional Immigration Services.Additional Services: complete
P.I.S. is not a law firm but a consulting office. They were able to file a complete adjustment of status packet for $600.00 + Immigration fees. The chief consultant is a former Immigration Officer and Immigration Supervisor with exceptional knowledge of the immigration process.
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Amount: $0.00 Immigration Attorneys
Posted by: Jeff C in Nashville, TN.Purchased: November, 2004
Firm: Did it myselfAdditional Services: AC tranlation svc Bangkok Thailand
No one really needs an immigration attorney. I did all my Thai wifes paperwork myself, it's really very simple, just takes a little time, follow the instructions, be accurate. My Thai wife filled out all of her paperwork in Thailand without an attorney, we went to the interview, all went well, we did all her I765 work permits, permanent resident card applications, and never saw the first attorney. This attorney thing is just for desperate people who are fearful of the system. NO attorney is needed. Try it and see! And even if a mistake is make, you simply get it sent back for your correction, and the process goes forward, that may cause about a 2 week slowdown. But we have encouraged others NOT to use an attorney, and six couples we know all came through without an attorney, smelling like a rose. NO ATTORNEY NEEDED!!! Can I get an amen?
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