TRENDING
USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, hidden costs, and ways to save. Find clear answers across every type of immigration case, or ask your specific cost question and get a response from a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.
To get a quick response from a licensed attorney, we request you to post your question in intricate detail
Getting help is easier on the app
Download the app and share your full situation & our attorneys will guide you free of charge
.png)
Immigration in the United States is expensive, and the headline numbers you see online almost never tell the full story. A green card application doesn't just cost the filing fee. It also costs medical exams, translations, biometrics, photos, postage, and (in most cases) an attorney to make sure the paperwork is right the first time.
Costs add up fast, and missing something can mean paying twice.
This page brings together everything you need to understand what your immigration case will really cost. You can browse the guides below by case type, or skip straight to asking a licensed immigration attorney your specific cost question.
Immigration costs depend almost entirely on what type of case you have. The guides below are grouped by case category so you can jump straight to the cost breakdown that applies to you.
Understanding how immigration costs are structured will save you money no matter what kind of case you have. These guides cover the foundational concepts every applicant should know before paying for anything.
Green card cases have some of the most layered costs in immigration: a petition fee, an application fee, a biometrics fee, medical exams, and often an attorney to coordinate it all. These guides break down what you'll actually pay.
Employment-based cases have a unique cost structure because the employer often pays. But not always, and not for every fee. These guides explain who pays for what.
Defense and humanitarian cases work differently. There's less paperwork and more courtroom work, which changes how attorneys price them. These guides cover what to expect.
You're not alone. Join thousands of people getting help from real immigration lawyers.
You're not alone. Join thousands of people getting help from real immigration lawyers.
People across the world use Immigration Question to get guidance from licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. Getting help is simple.
Tell us about your situation. Share your question and any important details so attorneys can understand your case.
Licensed U.S. immigration attorneys on the platform review new questions and respond with guidance based on your situation.
Get your detailed answer. If you need more help, you can even connect directly with an attorney who may be able to take on your case.
Cost ranges vary dramatically across immigration case types. The table below is a quick reference, with deeper breakdowns available in the individual guides linked above. These numbers are working averages, not fixed prices. Your actual cost depends on your case category, the complexity of your situation, where you live, and which attorney you hire.
| Case type | USCIS fees | Typical attorney fees | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage-based green card (adjustment of status) | $1,440 to $2,300 | $2,500 to $4,000 | $4,000 to $6,500 |
| Marriage-based green card (consular processing) | $1,200 to $1,500 | $2,500 to $4,500 | $4,000 to $6,500 |
| Employment-based green card (EB-2/EB-3) | $2,800 to $4,500 | $4,000 to $9,000 | $7,000 to $13,500 |
| H-1B visa (initial) | $2,500 to $4,500 | $2,000 to $4,000 | $4,500 to $8,500 |
| Naturalization (N-400) | $760 | $1,500 to $2,500 | $2,250 to $3,250 |
| Asylum (affirmative) | $0 | $3,000 to $7,500 | $3,000 to $7,500 |
| Deportation defense (non-detained) | Varies | $5,000 to $12,000 | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| Deportation defense (detained or complex) | Varies | $8,000 to $20,000+ | $8,000 to $20,000+ |
.png)
The same type of immigration case can cost wildly different amounts depending on a handful of factors. These are the variables that move the price up or down.
The fact that immigration is expensive doesn't mean you have no options. Several paths exist for reducing costs, getting free help, or spreading out payments.
You should talk to a lawyer before you do anything if you have any of the following: a criminal record (even a minor one), a prior visa denial or removal order, an expired visa or status, a complicated marriage or family situation, plans to file based on humanitarian relief, or any uncertainty about which immigration category you qualify under.
You may be able to safely self-file if your case is straightforward, your eligibility is clear, you have no complicating factors, and the forms involved are simple. Some naturalization cases, simple green card renewals, and some clearly eligible family petitions fall into this category.
Even when you're confident in self-filing, a single consultation costs far less than a denial. And if money is tight, a free consultation or a question to a verified attorney on this platform costs nothing at all. Spending an hour talking to a real lawyer is almost always the highest-ROI move in the entire immigration process.
Connect with licensed immigration attorneys who handle real immigration cases every day. Get reliable advice on immigration matters from professionals who understand the legal process.
Immigration law can be complicated. Our platform helps you get clear answers and practical guidance so you can better understand your legal options before deciding your next step.
Whether you are dealing with visas, work permits, citizenship, or immigration court matters, you can ask questions and receive guidance tailored to your specific immigration situation.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest immigration news and insights delivered to your inbox.
10K + Attorneys and Immigrants Already Joined
Download the immigrationquestion.com app
Post your immigration question free
Download the immigrationquestion.com app
Post your immigration question free
