One of the first questions people ask when facing an immigration matter is: “How much is this going to cost?” It’s a fair question — and most law firms don’t answer it clearly. We will.
At Finberg Firm PLLC, we believe in transparent pricing. This guide explains typical immigration attorney fees in 2026, what affects cost, and how to evaluate whether you’re getting value for your investment.
Why Immigration Attorney Fees Vary So Much
Immigration cases are not one-size-fits-all. A straightforward H-1B extension looks nothing like an EB-1A extraordinary ability petition or a removal defense case. Fees depend on:
- Case type and complexity — routine vs. complex vs. contested
- Attorney experience and market — BigLaw immigration partner vs. solo practitioner in rural areas
- Geographic market — NYC/LA/Miami rates vs. smaller markets
- Whether USCIS filing fees are included (they often aren’t)
- Flat fee vs. hourly — most immigration matters are flat fee
Typical Immigration Attorney Fees by Case Type (2026)
H-1B Visa (Employer-Sponsored)
| Service | Attorney Fee Range | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Cap Petition (new) | $2,500 – $5,000 | $730 – $4,730+ |
| H-1B Extension | $1,500 – $3,500 | $730 – $4,730+ |
| H-1B Transfer | $1,500 – $3,000 | $730 – $4,730+ |
| H-1B Amendment | $1,000 – $2,500 | $730+ |
Note: Premium Processing (15 business days) adds $2,805 USCIS fee.
Employment-Based Green Cards
| Stage | Attorney Fee Range | USCIS/DOL Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PERM Labor Certification (EB-2/EB-3) | $3,000 – $6,000 | $0 (DOL) |
| I-140 Immigrant Petition | $1,500 – $3,000 | $715 |
| EB-2 NIW I-140 | $3,000 – $6,000 | $715 |
| EB-1A Extraordinary Ability | $5,000 – $12,000 | $715 |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | $2,000 – $4,000 | $1,440 (adult) |
Family-Based Immigration
| Service | Attorney Fee Range | USCIS Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse (IR-1/CR-1) Petition | $1,500 – $3,500 | $535 + NVC fees |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | $1,500 – $3,000 | $535 |
| Adjustment of Status (marriage) | $1,500 – $3,000 | $1,440 |
| Removal of Conditions (I-751) | $1,000 – $2,500 | $750 |
Other Common Matters
| Service | Attorney Fee Range |
|---|---|
| DACA Renewal | $300 – $600 |
| Naturalization (N-400) | $500 – $1,500 |
| TPS Application/Renewal | $300 – $700 |
| O-1A Extraordinary Ability | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| L-1 Intracompany Transfer | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Asylum Application | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| Removal Defense | $5,000 – $25,000+ |
What’s Usually NOT Included in Attorney Fees
Always ask what’s included. Items often billed separately:
- USCIS filing fees — These are government fees paid directly to USCIS, not your attorney. Many petitions have increased significantly in 2024-2026.
- Translation costs — Certified translations of foreign documents ($50-$150 per page)
- Medical examination (I-693) — $200-$500 at a USCIS civil surgeon
- Biometrics fee — $85 (if applicable)
- Expert evaluations — For EB-1A/NIW, credential evaluations can run $500-$2,000
- RFE/NOID responses — If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, some attorneys charge additional fees to respond
Flat Fee vs. Hourly Billing
Most immigration matters use flat fees — you pay a set amount regardless of how many hours the attorney spends. This is better for clients: you know your cost upfront and your attorney has no incentive to drag things out.
Hourly billing is common for:
- Removal/deportation defense (unpredictable timeline)
- Complex litigation
- Unusual or novel situations
Hourly rates for immigration attorneys range from $250-$500/hour in Miami for experienced attorneys.
Red Flags to Avoid
Unfortunately, immigration fraud and “notario” fraud are serious problems. Watch for:
- ✗ Anyone who is not a licensed attorney offering to file immigration papers (“notario” fraud)
- ✗ Fees that seem too good to be true (a $200 “green card” isn’t real)
- ✗ No written fee agreement before you pay
- ✗ “Guarantees” of approval (no attorney can guarantee USCIS outcomes)
- ✗ Asking you to sign blank forms
- ✗ Accepting cash only with no receipt
Is Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Worth It?
For many cases, yes — significantly. Consider:
- Approval rates: Attorney-represented petitions have significantly higher approval rates, especially for complex cases like EB-1A and O-1A
- Errors cost more to fix: A denied petition that has to be refiled costs more than doing it right the first time
- Your time value: The forms are confusing. Your time has value.
- Stakes: For employment-based cases, your job and visa status depend on it. For green card cases, your future in the U.S. is at stake.
Simple renewals (DACA, some visa extensions) can sometimes be handled without an attorney. Complex petitions, RFEs, or any situation involving a prior denial or immigration violation — get an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an immigration lawyer cost for an H-1B visa?
Attorney fees for an H-1B petition typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on complexity. This does not include USCIS filing fees ($730 to $4,730+ depending on employer size and premium processing election). Many employers pay attorney and filing fees for sponsored employees.
What is the cheapest way to get immigration help?
For low-income individuals, nonprofit legal aid organizations offer free or reduced-fee immigration services. For straightforward matters like DACA renewals, accredited representatives (DOJ-authorized non-attorneys) can assist at lower cost. For complex matters, the cheapest option is rarely the best — errors in immigration filings can have life-altering consequences.
Do immigration lawyers charge for consultations?
Policies vary. Some attorneys offer free 15-30 minute consultations. Others charge $100-$300 for a full case evaluation. At Finberg Firm, we offer a free initial consultation to assess your situation. Contact us to schedule.
Can I negotiate immigration attorney fees?
In some cases, yes — particularly for multiple filings (e.g., a family applying together) or if you have a straightforward case. Always get the fee in writing before you pay anything.
Book a Consultation
At Finberg Firm PLLC, we provide transparent, flat-fee pricing for most immigration matters. No hidden fees. No surprises. Just clear guidance for your immigration journey.
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