Immigration Lawyer Cost: Average Fees Explained

Immigration lawyers usually quote a flat fee for a defined filing, such as a citizenship application or a marriage-based green card. Complex or contested matters, like employment green cards and deportation defense, are priced higher because they take more time and carry more risk.

An immigration bill has two separate parts. The first is the attorney's fee, which is what this guide mostly covers. The second is the government filing fee paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is set by the agency and is not part of the lawyer's pay. Figures below carry a check date of Oct 11, 2026.

For routine family and citizenship cases, Immiva reports $750 – $5,000. The amount varies by form and by how complicated the applicant's history is.

A marriage green card commonly combines two filings, which is why its fee is higher than a single petition. Cases with prior immigration violations, criminal records, or gaps in documentation can cost more than the typical range.

Employment cases often involve an employer, a labor certification step for some categories, and detailed evidence. Fees are higher, and in many cases the employer pays them instead of the worker. Check who is responsible for the attorney's fee and the government fees before you agree to anything.

Defense in immigration court is the most expensive category. These cases can involve multiple hearings and appeals, and a lawyer may bill hourly or charge a flat fee for each stage.

Most immigration lawyers charge flat fees, but some bill hourly for consultations, complex cases, or work that is hard to scope.

USCIS charges its own fees on top of the lawyer's. The rows below show two examples. USCIS changes these fees from time to time, and the amount can differ by whether you file online or on paper. Confirm the current amount for your form on the USCIS fee schedule at uscis.gov/feeschedule before you pay.

Other costs can include medical exams, translations, biometrics, and document copies. These depend on your case, so ask the lawyer to list everything in the estimate.

Sources describe different slices of the market. A national immigration service may quote a range based on its own network of attorneys, while an individual firm quotes its own pricing. Fees also differ by city, by the lawyer's experience, and by how much work the case needs.

These three sources all describe attorney fees for a marriage-based green card and still land on somewhat different ranges, so the answer depends on which firms each one sampled. Ask any lawyer you consult for a written fee quote that lists what is and is not included.

• Type of case. Citizenship, family petitions, employment visas, and defense work are priced differently.
• Complexity. Prior visa problems, criminal history, or missing documents mean more work.
• Number of people. Adding a spouse or children to a case can raise the fee.
• Experience. A lawyer with a long record in a niche area may charge more.
• Location. Fees tend to follow the local market.
• Fee structure. Flat fees, hourly billing, and payment plans all affect how the total is packaged.

• Is the fee flat or hourly, and what exactly does it cover?
• Are USCIS fees, translations, and copies included or extra?
• What happens if USCIS requests more evidence or the case is denied?
• Who will actually work on my case?
• Can I pay in installments?

Many people file some forms on their own, and USCIS publishes instructions for each one. A lawyer is more common when the case has complications. Because mistakes can delay or damage an application, consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative about your situation. Be careful with anyone who is not a licensed attorney or accredited representative offering immigration legal help.