Immigration Lawyer Cost Guide 2026: Fees by Case Type

Immigration law is one of the most complex legal areas, and costs can vary dramatically based on the type of case, complexity, and your location. In 2026, immigration attorney fees range from as low as $1,500 for a straightforward naturalization to $25,000+ for complex employment-based or deportation defense cases.

This guide covers current attorney fees, USCIS government filing fees, and strategies to manage costs while getting quality legal representation.

Quick Answer: Most immigration cases cost between $3,000 and $15,000 in attorney fees, plus $500-$2,500 in government filing fees.

Case Type	Attorney Fee Range	USCIS Filing Fee	Total Estimate
Family-based Green Card	$3,000-$10,000	$1,440-$1,760	$4,500-$12,000
Employment-based Green Card	$5,000-$25,000	$1,440-$2,500	$6,500-$27,500
H-1B Work Visa	$2,000-$5,000	$1,710-$6,460	$3,700-$11,500
Naturalization/Citizenship	$1,500-$3,000	$760	$2,260-$3,760
Asylum	$5,000-$15,000	$0 (no fee)	$5,000-$15,000
Deportation Defense	$5,000-$15,000+	Varies	$5,000-$15,000+
DACA Renewal	$500-$2,000	$495	$995-$2,495
K-1 Fiancé Visa	$2,000-$5,000	$800-$1,200	$2,800-$6,200
EB-5 Investor Visa	$15,000-$50,000+	$11,160	$26,000-$61,000+

Note: USCIS fees were updated in 2024 and some categories saw significant increases. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov.

Several factors significantly impact what you'll pay:

1. Case Complexity Simple cases (renewals, naturalization) cost less than complex ones (asylum, deportation defense). Cases requiring waivers or appeals add $2,000-$10,000. 2. Attorney Location & Experience

• Major metro areas (NYC, LA, SF): 30-50% higher fees
• Immigration-specialized attorneys: Higher fees but better outcomes
• Large firms vs solo practitioners: Large firms charge 2-3x more

3. Case Duration Some cases resolve in months; others take years. Longer cases mean more attorney hours and higher total costs. 4. Additional Services

• Document translation: $50-$200 per document
• Medical exams: $200-$500
• Travel for interviews: Variable
• Expert witness testimony: $500-$5,000

1. Legal Aid Organizations - Many nonprofits offer free or low-cost immigration legal services. Check with local legal aid societies. 2. Law School Clinics - University immigration clinics provide supervised legal assistance at reduced rates. 3. Flat Fee vs Hourly - Most immigration attorneys offer flat fees by case type. This is usually more predictable than hourly billing. 4. Prepare Your Own Documents - Gather and organize all documents before your attorney appointment to reduce billable time. 5. Fee Waivers - USCIS offers filing fee waivers for applicants with household income below 150% of the federal poverty level. 6. Payment Plans - Many attorneys offer payment plans for larger cases. Ask upfront about financing options.

Always hire a lawyer for:

• Deportation/removal proceedings
• Asylum applications
• Cases involving criminal history
• Complex employment-based petitions
• Cases with prior denials or complications

May handle yourself for:

• DACA renewal (if straightforward)
• Simple naturalization (no complications)
• USCIS account updates

Warning: Immigration fraud is common. Only work with licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives. Never use "notarios" or unlicensed consultants.