How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?
The immigration process is a difficult one. Though the United States is a country of opportunity, many people want the chance to better their lives through U.S. citizenship. This means that the application process is competitive and difficult, which can be a significant barrier to those who want to get their documents in order.
Hiring an immigration attorney can help significantly with the success of a citizenship application. We have the tools and experience to help you through the application process, ensure that your rights are protected, and give you the very best chance at achieving your goals. It is extremely smart to hire an attorney to help you through this process.
Many people want to know how much legal services for the immigration process will cost. Though legal services are extremely helpful, many families have strict budgets and need to know if they can afford an immigration lawyer. We have outlined some of the financial considerations that you may need to address before hiring an attorney.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to say exactly how much an immigration attorney will cost because all attorneys charge differently for legal services. In most cases, immigration attorneys charge hourly, but the hourly wage can depend upon several factors. For a basic consultation, the cost usually ranges from $75 to $150. For general immigration help, the hourly rate is often between $150 and $300.
If you are seeking help filling out and filing forms, the average total cost is between $250 to $800. The total cost of green card assistance usually ranges from $800 to $5,000.
It is important to understand that you may have payment options or other methods of support during your immigration process. It is best to consult with several attorneys to discuss their experience, capabilities, and cost. This will help you to find representation that you can afford, and that will help you to achieve the citizenship status that you are looking for.
It is important to remember that there will be additional fees associated with immigration, aside from the attorney fees. When you file certain paperwork, you will need to pay fees through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fees range from $460 to $700.
The benefit of having an immigration attorney is the ability to foresee and understand all costs associated with the immigration process. When you do the process on your own, it is easy to feel surprised by the number of costs and fees associated with your application. However, when you have a seasoned professional to assist, you have a clearer view of the process and costs ahead of you.
If you are looking for attorneys for your immigration process, it is important to know what to look for. Though cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you need to look for. All attorneys are different and certain individuals may be better suited to your needs than others. You do not want to waste time and money with an individual who cannot properly help.
How do I ask questions about immigration for free?
Our website gives you several ways to track your case and get answers to your immigration questions.
Generally, to ask a question about a specific case using live assistance, you should be:
If you use live assistance:
- Our toll-free number is 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) and we answer live calls and chats Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern.
If you have an expired Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) and believe you need an in-person appointment to receive evidence of your immigration status, please note that USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months for individuals with a newly-filed Form I-90s that are pending decision by USCIS. These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of your continued lawful permanent resident status while you await your renewed Green Card.
If you have requested a replacement Green Card and need evidence of status or need another in-person service, please request an appointment online or call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) to request an appointment.
Last Reviewed/Updated:11/05/2024
How can I talk to an immigration lawyer for free in the USA?
Navigating the complex immigration laws of the United States can be challenging for anyone. Although some of the simpler types of immigration applications can be handled on your own if your case presents no complications, it’s not always easy to tell what represents a true complication. Therefore, receiving competent legal advice from a licensed attorney can be important at every step. This is especially true in removal proceedings, when you are not only navigating the immigration laws but dealing with formal courtroom procedures and an opposing attorney who represents the U.S. government, and whose primary aim is seemingly to get you deported.
The expense involved, however, leads many non-citizens to go without an attorney. In this article, we’ll look at what the possibilities are for finding a free (pro bono) or low-cost attorney.
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is hugely important if you are facing removal from the United States. (You’ll usually know because you’ve been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or “ICE,” or receive a document called a “Notice to Appear” or “NTA.”) Even though you might not be a U.S. citizen, you still have a right to defend your right to remain in the United States.
There are many reasons the U.S. government can attempt to remove a foreign national from the U.S.—some might be based on criminal conduct, others on how they entered the U.S.—but it is important that you understand why you are being removed and whether the reasons for removal are correct.
Even if the government is correct in its allegations and you are removable from the United States, there could be applications you can file to overcome this. Some people in removal proceedings are, for example able to present a case for asylum or for family-based green card—and if successful, emerge from the proceedings with the right to remain in the U.S. and even obtain permanent residence.
See, for example, Possible Defenses to Deportation of an Undocumented Alien.
An experienced immigration attorney will be able to review the allegations against you and identify forms of relief you might be eligible for, and then help you apply and convince the judge to grant it.
Unlike in the U.S. criminal justice system, the U.S. government will not provide an attorney for you at its expense. Therefore, you are on your own in finding and paying for an attorney.
It’s probably worth calling around and consulting with lawyers who have been recommended to you. Although you might need to pay some initial consultation fees (often around $150), that will give you a sense of whether you have a case worth pursuing and how much an attorney is likely to charge you. It could be less than you expect—immigration attorneys tend to charge lower hourly rates than other lawyers, in consideration of their clients’ limited financial resources. And they rarely make clients pay the whole amount up front.
If you definitely do not have the resources to pay for an attorney,
Is immigration advice free?
If you need help with an immigration problem, you can contact your nearest Citizens Advice for free and confidential advice.
They might be able to help you with issues like:
- applying to the EU Settlement Scheme
- problems with coming to the UK or staying in the UK – for example, applying for entry clearance, leave to enter, leave to remain or residence permits
- becoming a British citizen – also known as ‘naturalisation’
- your right to work, claim benefits and use public services in the UK
- getting replacement immigration documents
Your local Citizens Advice can help you if they have a specialist immigration adviser.
If they can’t help you, you can:
- ask them to direct you to another organisation or a solicitor
- search for an immigration adviser near you
Immigration specialists must be registered with the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) – check if a specialist is registered with the OISC on GOV.UK.
All Citizens Advice advisers are registered with the OISC.
Check if you have to pay for it and what the fees are. Getting help from Citizens Advice is always free.
If you decide to work with the specialist, make sure:
- they confirm their advice in writing
- they keep you updated on your case at least every 3 months
- you have copies of any original documents you give them
If the specialist is a solicitor, you can get advice about what will happen before, during and after your appointment on the Law Society’s website.
You might be eligible for free legal help – this is called ‘legal aid’. You can get legal aid if you’re on a low income and you’re:
- experiencing domestic abuse
- applying for asylum
- a victim of trafficking
If you’re under 18, you can get legal aid for all immigration and citizenship applications if you:
- have been separated from your parents
- aren’t being cared for by someone with parental responsibility for you
Check if you’re eligible for legal aid for your immigration problem on GOV.UK.
If you can get legal aid, make sure you choose an adviser with legal aid funding. If you choose an adviser without legal aid funding, you could end up spending thousands of pounds.
How can I get a free immigration lawyer in the USA?
While you can file USCIS forms yourself, many people prefer to have legal representation. If you are looking for legal representation, the following are guidelines to keep in mind.
An authorized legal representative must be either:
- Attorney licensed to practice law in the United States
- Accredited representative recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ)
An authorized legal representative is allowed to:
- Provide legal advice
- Prepare and file forms on your behalf
- Communicate with USCIS on your behalf
This list is not exhaustive. For additional information, please visit the DOJ’s website for a list of Recognized Organizations and Accredited Representatives.
To help you find an authorized legal representative, the American Bar Association provides information about finding an attorney in your state. The DOJ also provides a list of attorneys who provide immigration services either for free or for little cost. DOJ also provides a list of accredited representatives and recognized organizations.
Your authorized legal representative must file Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with the related application, petition, or appeal that you file. USCIS will send information about your case to you and your authorized legal representative if you have one.
When choosing an attorney you should:
WARNING: “Notarios,” notary publics, immigration consultants, and businesses cannot give you immigration legal advice unless they are authorized legal service providers. In many other countries, the word “notario” means that the individual is an attorney, but that is not true in the United States. If you need help with immigration issues, be very careful before paying money to anyone who is neither an attorney nor an EOIR-accredited representative of an EOIR-recognized organization. See more information on “notarios públicos” on our Common Scams webpage.
How much do immigration lawyers cost us?
Immigrating to the United States can be a life-changing journey, filled with opportunities and challenges. For many individuals and families, seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process. However, understanding the costs associated with hiring an immigration lawyer is an essential step in making informed decisions. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors that influence immigration lawyer costs in the USA and provide insights into what you can expect.
While it’s challenging to provide exact figures due to the variability in immigration cases and attorney fees here are general approximations, and actual costs can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier.
It’s crucial to note that these estimates only cover attorney fees and not government filing fees, which are separate and can vary for each application or petition.
On an hourly basis, the cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $300.
When consulting with immigration lawyers, inquire about their fee structures, payment plans, and whether additional costs, such as photocopying, courier services, or expert witness fees, are included. Additionally, discuss any potential government filing fees associated with your specific immigration process.
Always remember that hiring an experienced and reputable immigration attorney can significantly impact the success of your case, and the cost should be viewed as an investment in your future.
Send us a message today and our team will reach out to you.
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should not act upon any information presented on this blog without seeking professional legal counsel. The opinions expressed at or through this blog are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal situation.
How do I ask questions about immigration for free?
Our website gives you several ways to track your case and get answers to your immigration questions.
Generally, to ask a question about a specific case using live assistance, you should be:
- If you use live assistance:
Our toll-free number is 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) and we answer live calls and chats Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern. |
If you have an expired Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) and believe you need an in-person appointment to receive evidence of your immigration status, please note that USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 36 months for individuals with a newly-filed Form I-90s that are pending decision by USCIS. These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of your continued lawful permanent resident status while you await your renewed Green Card.
If you have requested a replacement Green Card and need evidence of status or need another in-person service, please request an appointment online or call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833, VRS 877-709-5797) to request an appointment.
Last Reviewed/Updated:11/05/2024
How can I get free immigration help in NYC?
OCJ supports a range of free and confidential immigration legal services through a number of nonprofit legal organizations across the City, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA). If you or a family member need legal assistance with an application, a case or another immigration-related issue, please dial 311 and say “ActionNYC” or call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline directly at 800-354-0365, which operates Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm. If you need additional information, please visit MOIA’s webpage.
OCJ legal services are free and you do not have to be an existing HRA client to apply. Legal services are available regardless of immigration status.