How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?

Going through the immigration process is complicated and time consuming. This means that, at times, it can be expensive. Questions about how much it will cost might hold you back from starting the process?

We want to help you understand the average costs so that you can feel confident starting the immigration process. Below we’ll look at the potential costs for each phase of your case.

The Consultation

The cost for an initial consultation can be anywhere from $75-$250. Some immigration lawyers will provide a free initial consultation while others may charge an initial fee and apply it towards the total cost later.

It’s important to feel comfortable with the immigration lawyer you choose to represent you. You might need to meet with several different lawyers before you find the right fit. Fees can add up as you start interviewing attorneys, so make sure you know how much each consultation costs before you go in.

Immigration Case Fees

The workload for your case changes a lot depending on your circumstances, so it’s difficult to give an exact number. However, understanding the average price range for different services will give you a good starting point. From there you can see whether your immigration attorney is charging a fair price.

Cost for a Green Card

The fees for a marriage visa or a basic fiance visa typically range from $800-$4,000. When you go in for your consultation ask questions to figure out how they structure their pricing. Some lawyers charge a flat fee while others charge by the hour. Depending on how complicated your situation is this could make a big difference in the final price.

Cost for Deportation Proceedings

Hiring a lawyer to stop deportation proceedings can range from $1500 to $8000+ for complicated cases. There’s a lot of extra work associated with trying to stop deportation. This includes representing you in court, bond hearings, filing applications to stop removal, and other legal work which can raise the cost.

Depending on your case the immigration lawyer may prefer to work for an hourly rate as unexpected work is common when trying to stop deportation. A typical hourly rate for an immigration lawyer is between $100 and $300 dollars per hour.

Why do Lawyer fees vary so much?

One of the biggest factors for different lawyer fees is their experience. Experience matters when it comes to immigration law because there are many things you only learn from experience. More experience often means the lawyer will charge a higher rate.

While lawyers with the highest rates aren’t always the best you should be wary when a lawyer is charging a rate well below the average. This could be a sign that something is wrong or that they are inexperienced. Take a look at our article How to Choose an Immigration Attorney for tips on picking the right lawyer.

When Money Is an Issue

When lawyer fees are too much to pay it’s sometimes possible to hire the lawyer as a consultant. This means you would handle all the paperwork and legal proceedings and they would advise you along the way charging their hourly rate. If you can’t afford the legal fees ask your lawyer if this is an option.

Not all lawyers are willing to do this since they may have to fix errors you have made while working on your case resulting in a loss for them. It’s also harder to provide the best chances for success since they can’t guarantee accuracy throughout the process.

If this is your situation be honest and upfront with your lawyer so they can give you the options that best fit your circumstances.   

Ready to Start

Our Minneapolis team includes experts in immigration law who can guide you successfully through your path to citizenship. If you aren’t sure whether you should pursue your case, then contact us. We’ll review your case and any documents you have to help you understand the best way to proceed.

Schedule a free consultation to get started.