how much an attorney charge to.file an i-130 petition?

by Prof. Doris Grant 10 min read

Attorney Fee: $1850 USCIS Fee: $1,760 (I-130: $535; I-485: $1225) I-751 – Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence

Immigration Attorney Fees
Most attorneys charge a flat fee for preparing an I-130 petition. An average flat fee for the I-130 approval process is around $800; but again, this is only step one in a lengthy process, and the total fee to see it through will likely be a few thousand dollars.

Full Answer

How long does it take to approve I-130 petition?

Most attorneys charge a flat fee for preparing an I-130 petition. An average flat fee for the I-130 approval process is around $800; but again, this is only step one in a lengthy process, and the total fee to see it through will likely be a few thousand dollars. (Also see this survey of what people paid lawyers for family-based green card help.)

What fee to pay for I-130 filing?

An average flat fee for the I-130 approval process is about $ 800 ; but again, this is entirely footstep one in a drawn-out procedure, and the total fee to see it through will likely be a few thousand dollars. ( besides see this survey of what people …

What happens after filing I-130 petition?

The filing fee for Form I-130 is $535. The filing fee for this petition cannot be waived. NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this petition. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts. USCIS accepts money orders, cashier’s checks and personal checks payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

What is the fee to submit the i130 form?

 · Currently, the filing fee for I-130 petition is $535. This fee cannot be waived, also it is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on your petition. You may pay the filing fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. …

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

An immigration lawyer charges between $150 and $300 per hour, with a typical 30-min consultation fee of $75 to $150. Legal assistance when filing basic immigration forms costs $250 to $800, while green card assistance runs from $800 to $5,000, plus the USCIS fees of $460 to $700.

How much does it cost to do an I-130?

$535$535. You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier's check. When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How much should I pay for a petition?

How Much Does it Cost to Petition a Relative Living in the U.S.AgeForm FeeTotalUnder 14 and filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent$750$750Under 14 and not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent$1,140$1,140Age 14-78$1,140$1,225Age 79 or older$1,140$1,1401 more row

Can I file I-130 on my own?

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that petitioners can now complete and file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, online. Online filing allows aliens to submit forms electronically, check the status of their case, and receive notices from USCIS.

How long does I-130 take to get approved 2021?

5 to 12 monthsAfter filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, the approval process can take anywhere from 5 to 12 months for immediate relatives and could take several years for family preference categories. This is an approximation.

How long does Form I-130 take to process?

between 5 and 37 monthsForm I-130 Processing Times For immediate relatives (spouse or unmarried child) of a U.S. green card holder (legal permanent resident), processing times for Form I-130 currently vary between 5 and 37 months (as of April. 13, 2022).

How much does it cost to sponsor an immigrant?

Common Immigration Forms and FeesGovernment FormWho Must File ItFiling FeeForm I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))Sponsoring relative (U.S. citizen or green card holder)$535Form I-130 (Family Sponsorship Petition)Sponsoring relative (U.S. citizen or green card holder)$53511 more rows

Is it better to file I-130 online?

Sometimes, when you're working on an online I-130, you'll run into glitches where the system can be slow. The data entry takes a lot longer on the online system. There's a lot more repetition and there aren't tools that you can use to fill it faster which you would be able to do with the paper form.

What documents do I need to file I-130?

As a U.S. citizen, you have to submit a photocopy of a birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. Lawful permanent residents must submit a photocopy of both sides of your green card or other permanent residence proof.

What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant 2021?

For example, in 2021, a sponsor in the U.S. mainland would need to have income (or assets) of at least $33,125 to cover a petitioner who lives alone and is sponsoring one immigrant and two children (that is, a total of four people).

What documents do I need to submit with I-130 for spouse?

I-130 Checklist of Items to Submit with Spousal PetitionUSCIS Filing Fee. ... Cover letter (optional) ... Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. ... Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary. ... Proof of status. ... Marriage certificate. ... Proof of previous marriages terminated. ... Passport photos.More items...•

Who fills out I-130?

Form I-130A is to be completed by the sponsored immigrant. In other words, if you are sponsoring your spouse for immigration, your spouse should complete Form I-130. There is an exception if you live in the United States and your spouse lives abroad.

How to find the fee for I-130?

Always check the USCIS Web page for Form I-130 to confirm the fee before you file. You can also find out the current filing fee by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

What is consular processing?

Consular processing is the only method available to applicants who are not physically present in the United States.

What do I need to do if my immigrant family lives in a foreign country?

Step 1. If the immigrating relative lives in a foreign country, you need to file an I-130 petition with USCIS.

Can I file for a green card without leaving the country?

If the relative you are sponsoring is currently living in the U.S. and has entered the country lawfully, he or she can file the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.

Do you have to have a financial sponsor to immigrate?

There is no waiting period for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Under the law, each person who immigrates based on a relative’s petition must have a financial sponsor. If you do not meet the minimum income requirements, other individuals will then need to become joint sponsors.

Do I have to file an I-130 for more than one family member?

If you are sponsoring more than one family member, you will have to file a separate I-130 petition and filing fee for each of these family members .

Do I need to check the I-130 form before filing?

Always check the USCIS Web page for Form I-130 to confirm the fee before you file.

Is immigration a serious matter?

Remember that your immigration status is a very serious matter which should be handled by only a qualified and experienced immigration attorney. Our immigration attorney fees are among the most competitive and our customer dedication is exceptional, bar none. Should you have any questions regarding the fees listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with a senior paralegal or lawyer.

Does withholding information affect the cost of a case?

Be advised that withholding information may affect not only the cost for your case but also the approach we take. We understand that neglecting to mention some information (i.e., criminal, financial, etc.) may not be intentional and may later reveal itself during the filing proceedings. In these cases, if any additional work or fees are required, we will communicate them to you, the client.

How much does an attorney consultation cost?

Attorney Consultations – $200 for up to 1 hour, $150 for up to 30 minutes (reschedule requires prepayment), or $150 and $100 if prepaid, with $50 of the cost non-refundable. $200 after hours/Saturday,

How much is the U visa for criminal victims?

U-Visa Criminal Victims — $3600 ($2400 if U-visa cert is already secured), an additional $350 due in cases where the beneficiary requires an I-192, $100 for EAD (if the candidate has work authorization already, then they may not want to apply for an EAD)

How much does a DOL labor certification audit cost?

DOL PERM Labor Certification Audits — $0 unless if it is a random audit, or $700 to $1150 if our firm did not start the casework initially.

How much does a family sponsorship cost?

Family (Spouse, Child, Parent or Sibling) Sponsorship I-130 Petition — $1600 spouse, $1250 all other ($900 for additional relatives from the same family)

How much does a U visa cost for a dependent?

U-Visa Dependent — $275 for first dependent ($125 each additional dependent), $100 for EAD (if the candidate has work authorization already, then they may not want to apply for an EAD), $350 to add I-192

How much does a B-2 visitor cost?

B-1/B-2 Visitors COS/EOS — $1000 or $600 if it is a bridge application, and $600 for 1st additional relative and $500 for all additional relatives (if multiple family members are applying concurrently).

What is the I-130 form?

Submitting Form I-130 is the first step in helping an eligible relative apply to immigrate to the United States and get Green Card. The filing or approval of this petition does not give your relative any immigration status or benefit.

How to pay for USCIS lockbox?

When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Can I file an I-130 online?

You can file Form I-130 online even if your relative is in the United States and will file Form I-485 by mail. Once you submit your Form I-130 online, we will send a receipt notice to your USCIS online account. Provide a copy of the receipt notice to your relative to include in their Form I-485 packet.

Can I submit a checklist with an I-130?

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-130 (and Form I-130A, if required). It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

Can a battered spouse file a petition for themselves?

If you are a battered spouse, child, or parent, you may be eligible to file a petition for yourself independent from your U.S. citizen or LPR abuser. For more information, go to the Battered Spouse, Children, and Parents webpage.

Can I get a green card if my relative is already in the US?

If your relative is already in the United States and a visa is available, they may be eligible to get their Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Can I become an LPR if I am an I-130?

We will generally approve your Form I-130 if you can establish a relationship between you and your relative that qualifies them to immigrate to the United States. Generally, once we approved the petition, your relative may apply to become an LPR. This is the second step in the process.