Immigration lawyers (Immigration Attorneys) are lawyers whose specialty is immigration law. There are various types of services that Immigration Attorneys provide to their clients. These are: firstly, give consultations; secondly, determine potential “red flags” in your situation; thirdly, complete the appropriate immigration forms; fourthly, check your supporting documents; fifthly, prepare for your upcoming interview or court appearance; sixthly, prepare and mail immigration forms to the appropriate immigration agency; seventhly, provide comments on your interview or hearing; and eighthly, review the decision of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A multitude of variables will affect the fee of an Immigration Attorney. These variables generally impact the fees you pay, these are: first, the type of service required; second, the type of application; third, the place of practice; and fourth, the level of experience or expertise. The average fees for various types of visas is another factor that determines a Visa Lawyer’s fees. The visa fees include the Visa Attorney fees but not the filing fees charged by USCIS.
Table of Contents
What is an Immigration Lawyer?
An immigration lawyer is a specialist who interprets immigration law for clients. Visa Attorneys provide different types of services to clients that are listed below.
- Provide consultation, advice, and information
- Identify possible “red lights” in your circumstance
- Fill out the proper immigration forms
- Verify your supporting documentation
- Assemble the necessary materials for your future interview or court appearance
- Prepare and send immigration forms to the proper authorities
- Give feedback on your interview or hearing
- Examine the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ruling
Immigration attorneys find their clients through referrals and reviews, online search engines; networking with other immigration lawyers; social media; their own websites; and online blogs. The typical immigration attorney charge is between $600 and $1,400, with fees ranging from $370 to $12,000 based on the complexity of the case. In addition, USCIS fees, which cost between $460 and $700 on average, are typically required.
When to hire an Immigration Lawyer?
Immigration law in the United States is complicated. It is generally practical to hire an immigration lawyer to save time, money, and avoid confusion. The situations when you need to hire a visa lawyer are listed below.
- Unsure of your basic eligibility for a green card or other immigration benefit.
- Have trouble obtaining a USCIS green card, citizenship, or other immigration benefit.
- Need to provide extra documentation.
- Require urgent assistance with an immigration situation.
- Have deportation or removal proceedings against you.
- Seek to apply for readmission after deportation.
- Have an immigration application that was rejected.
- Accuse of a crime or committed a crime and seek re entry to the United States or avoid expulsion from the country.
- Intend to move to the United States to work for a U.S. employer, but the business has not supported you with the immigration procedure.
- Seek assistance in the application process because there are several forms and documentation that are either too complicated or time-consuming
- Seek an employment-based visa.
These scenarios define the significance of why you need to hire a visa lawyer.
What are the rates of an Immigration Lawyer?
The rate of an immigrant lawyer depends on the service and the type of visa required by the client. Immigration Attorneys help in filing for Employment authorization, Citizenship/Naturalization, and Adjustment of Status applications; Family-based Green Card, Employment-based, and Asylum petitions, and Deportation defense. The general rates of a Visa Lawyer for a specific application form and petition are listed below.
- Application for Employment Authorization (Work Permit) costs between $300 and $600. The Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD) demonstrates that you are authorized to work in the U.S. for a definite period of time.
- Citizenship/Naturalization Application costs between $500 and $1500. “Naturalization” is the procedure to become a U.S. citizen for those born outside the country. You may become a U.S. citizen at birth or after birth if you meet certain qualifications.
- Family-Based Green Card Petition costs range from $800 to $3000. The Family-Based Green Card Petition allows United States citizens to sponsor their family members for immigration to the United States.
- Employment-Based Petitions cost between $1500 and $7000. This refers to an employment offer from a U.S. firm and presents an opportunity to start the permanent residency procedure.
- Asylum Application cost ranges from $1000 to $6,000. This is an application filed by an asylum seeker to enable the person to remain in the United States as opposed to being deported to a nation where he or she will be persecuted or harmed.
- Adjustment of Status Application cost ranges from $600 to $2500. This application is for a foreign national who is physically present in the United States and seeks to modify his or her non-immigrant status to immigrant or permanent resident status.
- Deportation Defense cost ranges from $2000 to $15,000. This requires an immigration lawyer to appear in immigration court before an immigration judge to represent an immigrant facing removal from the United States.
The fees for these applications and petitions include the rates of an Immigration Lawyer.
What are the cost factors of an Immigration Lawyer?
The cost factors for an Immigration Lawyer are the type of application, the kind of work involved, the level of expertise, and the place of practice. The reasons why these are considered cost factors for a Visa Attorney are outlined below.
- The type of application: Immigration application forms are complex.
- The kind of work involved: Some areas of immigration law require more effort, such as deportation, children, failed marriages, or a denied application caused by a minor offense.
- The level of expertise: An experienced and competent Visa Lawyer increases the chance of visa approval.
- The place of practice: Immigration Attorney’s fees vary by state and area. A lawyer with a large San Francisco office will normally charge more than a solo practitioner in a small town.
These cost factors determine the fees of a visa immigration lawyer that every immigrant should know and understand.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost for Non-Immigrant Work Visas?
Immigration lawyers assist individuals with non-immigrant work visa concerns, such as H-1B, H-4, L-1, E-2, TN, and O1 visas. The definitions and the immigration lawyer costs for these visas are listed below.
- An immigration attorney’s services for H-1B visa starting cost is around $1195. The H-1B Visa is for contract employees in a skilled profession, especially those with a bachelor’s degree and an offer of employment in the United States.
- The cost of an immigration attorney for H-4 ranges from $200 to $400. The H-4 Visa is for those seeking family-based immigration.
- The fee for an Immigration Attorney for L-1 ranges between $2500 and $4000. The L-1 Visa is for business executives and managers who wish to relocate to the U.S.
- The cost of an immigration attorney for an E2 visa is approximately $3750. The E-2 Visa is for foreign investors from treaty countries.
- The Visa Attorney fee for a TN Visa is roughly $1550. The TN Visa (Trade NAFTA Visa) is a nonimmigrant employment visa that lets Canadians and Mexicans work in the United States, particularly in professional jobs.
- The fee for an O1 Visa is around $5000. The O1 Visa is for foreign nationals with remarkable ability in education, athletics, business, the arts, the motion picture or television industry, or the sciences.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost for citizenship filing after receiving a Green Card?
An immigration lawyer’s fee for citizenship ranges from $500 to $1,500. You can inquire about the price structure of the law and how much the entire case will cost during the initial appointment. An Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is a statutory form used by green card holders who meet certain eligibility requirements and are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost for Other Visas?
An Immigration Lawyer assists in processing other visas, these are B-1 Business Visa, B-1 / B-2 Visa, Fiancee Visa, Family-Based Petition filed by a U.S. Citizen, and Green Card by Marriage to a U.S. Citizen (filed within the U.S.). The conditions and fees for an Immigration Attorney for these visas are listed below.
- The visa attorney price for B-1 Business Visa is between $400 and $1000. B-1 Business Visa is issued to individuals who can demonstrate that they are entering the nation for a valid business or commercial purpose.
- The immigration attorney’s fees for B-1 / B-2 Visa (Renewal / Extension or Change of Status) are between $400 and $550. The B-1 / B-2 Visa (Renewal / Extension or Change of Status) is for an individual with a B-1 or B-2 visa who needs to prolong their stay due to a business concern or an educational opportunity. They may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539.
- The immigration attorneys’ fees for K-1 Visa (Fiancee Visa) range from $795 to $2500. The K-1 Visa (Fiancee Visa) is for a U.S. citizen who wishes to bring and marry his or her fiancée to the United States.
- The Visa Attorney fee for the family-based petition is around $2500. The Family-Based Petition filed by a U.S. citizen is filed with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in the area where the petitioner resides.
- The Visa Lawyer fee for Green Card by Marriage to a U.S. Citizen (Form I-130) is around $1850. The Green Card by Marriage to a U.S. Citizen (Form I-130) is for a U.S. citizen who wishes to petition a non-U.S. spouse. This form is filed within the U.S. Both parties must file Form I-485 if they enter the U.S. legally.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost for EB-5 Visa?
The typical cost for EB5 Visa Attorney ranges from $15,000 to $25,000.
How effective is an Immigration Lawyer?
An Immigration Lawyer is effective because he or she saves you four to eight weeks in processing your EB-5 Visa application. Listed below are areas that prove the effectiveness of an Immigration Attorney.
- Saves you time and money and may prevent you from obtaining a refusal or a request for additional evidence (RFE). A US citizenship lawyer completely understands which visas and forms of relief are available. They can assist you in submitting a legitimate and full application the first time.
- Reduces the likelihood that your application will be rejected in the final stages. A Visa Attorney guides you through the interview process with the USCIS in the United States or a consulate in your home country.
- Prevents you from being separated from your friends and family for many years. An Immigrant Lawyer will assess the specifics of your case and advise you on your likelihood of receiving the visa or other immigration benefit. An Immigration Attorney US assists you in avoiding specific hazards that could result in exclusion from entering the U.S., a ban on re-entry, or deportation.
These areas confirm how effective an Immigration Lawyer (Attorney) is and substantiate their fees.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in India?
An Immigration Lawyer in India charges between Rs 3 and Rs 6 lakh for hearings in high court matters. The fees could range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh if the visa attorney has to travel to other high courts. Immigration Lawyers in India usually charge the client for the entire case, which might cost up to Rs 10 lakh for cases in a trial court.
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in Australia?
The services and fees of an Immigration Attorney in Australia are listed below.
- In-depth Phone Consultation: $100 – $200
- Partner/Spouse Visa 1st Stage: $4,000 – $5,000
- Partner/Spouse Visa 1st Stage: $2,500 – $3.500
- Prospective Marriage Visa: $4,000 – $5,000
- Child Visa: $4,000 – $6,000
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in the USA?
Listed below are the fees for the specific services provided by an Immigration Attorney in the U.S.
- General Consultation fee: $75 – $150
- K-1 Visa Petition (For the Fiance of a U.S. Citizen: $795
- R-1 Petition (For the Spouse of a US citizen/Green card holder): $795
- Additional Family Member (Sibling or Parent) of a US citizen): $795
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in New Zealand?
The fees of an Immigration Attorney in New Zealand for the specific services are listed below.
- Consultation plus miscellaneous work: $80 – $235 per hour
- Residence class visa: $3,300
- Include partner on temporary entry visa (Not partnership visas): $3,800
- Include partner in residence visa: $4,400
- Include dependent children: $3,300 + $120 per child
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in Canada?
The Immigration Lawyer’s fee for specific services in Canada is listed below.
- Consultation fee: Can $250
- Common-Law Partner: Can $4,700
- Conjugal Partner: Can $4,700
- Additional Family Member: Can $1,000
- Child Sponsorship: Can $4,500
How much does an Immigration Lawyer cost in the UK?
The services and fees of an Immigration Attorney in the UK are listed below.
- Consultation is broken down into three types.
a. Full Immigration consultation: £96 per consultation
b. Express consultation: £50 per 30 minutes
c. Litigation, commercial and general legal consultation: £350 per hour - Spouse or Civil partnership / Unmarried and same-sex partner application: £2,950
- Fiancé visa application / Marriage or Civil partnership application: £2,950
- Child of Parent settled in the UK application: £1,950
Does an Immigration Lawyer offer free services?
Yes, most visa lawyers offer a free consultation. The immigration lawyer will ask you a number of questions during the free consultation. You will be able to explain your circumstances of whether you require assistance in moving your family to the United States from another nation or deportation defense (or any other sort of immigration assistance).
Do Immigration Lawyers really help?
Yes. US immigration lawyers have a vast array of additional duties beyond helping people become citizens of foreign countries. An immigrant attorney can defend a client’s case and avoid deportation to another nation. A US visa lawyer may provide legal counsel regarding a person’s eligibility to get a work visa for a defined period of time in another country. Expert advice, thorough assessment, and a smooth EB-5 process are just a few of hiring an immigration lawyer benefits that lead to a successful application.
Does an Immigration Lawyer charge an hourly rate?
Yes, an immigration lawyer charges an hourly rate. Immigration visa lawyers charge hourly rates for highly complicated cases. For instance, immigration attorney fees for deportation are charged at an hourly rate because it might be impossible to estimate the time required when delivering a trial defense for detention, deportation, or an immigration appeal.
Is it needed to pay for a consultation with an Immigration Lawyer?
Yes, it is necessary to pay for the consultation cost of an immigration lawyer for these reasons, these are: firstly, to clarify your circumstance and ensure that you are aware of the hazards associated with it; secondly, to obtain crucial information and legal counsel; and thirdly, to determine if the attorney is suitable for your situation.
Is it expensive to have an Immigration Lawyer?
Yes, the majority of people are appalled by the cost of Immigration Attorneys. Immigration Lawyers may be expensive, but the needs of some clients and the demand for their work justify their fees. Ultimately, the cost of an immigration lawyer counterbalances the complexity of dealing with visa application issues, deportation, and other visa matters.