Cost Guide
Immigration legal fees run $150–$400 per hour, with common fixed-fee services — work visa applications, green card filings, or citizenship petitions — typically quoted at $1,500–$10,000 or more depending on visa complexity. Attorney experience with your specific visa category, nationality, and the destination country's current processing environment all directly affect the quote.
Hourly rate
$150–$400/hr
Standard for licensed immigration attorneys and experienced consultants
Per session
$150–$350
For a 60-minute strategy or options assessment consultation
Per case (full filing)
$1,500–$10,000
Varies widely by visa type — startup visas and EB-1 cost more than standard work visas
Budget
$75–$150/hr
Official source for US immigration forms, processing times, and eligibility requirements.
The professional body for immigration attorneys — use the member directory to verify credentials.
Typical for: Authorized immigration consultants (non-attorneys) or newer practitioners
Best for: Basic visa eligibility questions, document checklist review, straightforward work permit situations
Mid-range
$150–$250/hr
Typical for: Licensed immigration attorneys with 5+ years of experience
Best for: H-1B strategy, student-to-work visa transitions, family-based immigration planning
Premium
$250–$400+/hr
Typical for: Senior immigration attorneys specializing in complex business immigration or high-net-worth cases
Best for: O-1/EB-1 extraordinary ability cases, investor visas, startup founder immigration, deportation defense
O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field — defined as the top of their occupation — in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B is a US nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupation workers — typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field — sponsored by a US employer.
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
A green card (officially the Permanent Resident Card) grants foreign nationals lawful permanent residence in the United States — the right to live and work permanently without requiring a separate visa. Green card holders can apply for US citizenship after 3–5 years of residency.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen. To qualify, applicants must generally have been a lawful permanent resident for 3–5 years, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take an oath of allegiance.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa, allowing foreign nationals to pursue full-time academic study at a USCIS-approved institution. F-1 students may work on campus and, after completing a degree, qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the US for up to 3 years in STEM fields.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
DACA is a deferred-action immigration policy that can protect certain people brought to the United States as children from removal and provide temporary work authorization.
Asylum
A form of legal protection available to individuals already in the United States who cannot return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.