how much does it cost to file for citizenship with an attorney

by Trystan Simonis 6 min read

For a typical application for employment authorization or work visa, immigration lawyers will charge between $250 and $500 for their legal assistance. For a US citizenship

Citizenship of the United States

Citizenship of the United States is a status that entails specific rights, duties and benefits. Citizenship is understood as a "right to have rights" since it serves as a foundation of fundamental rights derived from and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, such …

or naturalization application, expect to pay around $500 to $1,200 whereas filing an asylum application will range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Full Answer

How much does lawyer charge for citizenship on?

Nov 20, 2018 · TYPICAL ATTORNEYS' FEES. $1,000 -. $2,000. Citizenship applicants typically paid their lawyers $1,000 to $2,000. FLAT FEE. 91% 91%. More than nine in ten immigration lawyers charge a flat fee for citizenship applications. If you’re a permanent resident in the United States and are ready to become a citizen, you may be wondering whether to hire an immigration …

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

7 rows · Spouse & Fiance Visa Cost. Attorney fees for filing a K-1 Visa Petition for the fiance of a ...

What is the fee to apply for US citizenship?

Dec 29, 2020 · It’s smart to ask around and call more than one attorney. Here are some typical legal fees for common immigration services: Green Card Petition for Relative: $1,000 to $3,500; Adjustment of Status Application: $2,000 to $5,000; Citizenship/Naturalization Application: $500 to $2,500; Green Card Renewal: $300 to $700; Asylum Application: $1,000 to $7,000

What is a legal process to obtain citizenship?

As of 10/14/2020, $725 is the current fee to become a U.S. citizen. This total includes a $640 fee for processing the Form N-400 and an $85 biometric services fee. Both the filing fee and the biometrics fee are non-refundable.

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How much does a lawyer charge for US citizenship?

Citizenship/Naturalization Application: $500 to $2,500. Green Card Renewal: $300 to $700. Asylum Application: $1,000 to $7,000. Deportation Defense: $4,000 to $12,000 (and higher if the case gets more complicated)Dec 29, 2020

Do I need a lawyer to apply for US citizenship?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.Sep 16, 2021

How much does 2020 Citizenship cost?

There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but Citizenship by Naturalization is the most common way to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization application costs $725 in 2020. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment.Oct 15, 2020

How much does 2021 Citizenship cost?

How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

How much is the US citizenship fee?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

How long does the citizenship process take?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

What documents are required for Naturalisation?

Your passport or national identity card or Home Office travel document or Home Office entitlement card or Home Office ARC letter or birth certificate or photographic driving licence or a bank, building society or credit card statement issued to you within the last six months.Mar 4, 2020

What documents do you need to apply for citizenship?

Copy of your passport showing departure and arrival stamps. Copies of income tax returns (or transcripts) for the past 5 filing years (or past 3 filing years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen) Rent or mortgage payment receipts. Bank, credit card, and loan statements showing regular transactions.

What are the requirements to apply for citizenship?

EligibilityBe at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;More items...•Jun 23, 2021

How can I apply for U.S. citizenship for free?

The application for U.S. citizenship, known as Form N-400, is among the immigration forms for which an applicant can request a fee waiver. The fee waiver application consists of Form I-912, which you will need to submit to USCIS together with your application and documents supporting your need for the waiver.Oct 18, 2021

Who qualifies for citizenship fee waiver?

You are eligible for the Request for Reduced Fees if your household income is between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty level (approximately $38,000-$52,000 for a family of 4). Instead of paying the full $725 fee, you will pay a discounted filing fee of $405. If you are older than 75 years old, you will pay $320.

How much is a Green Card 2021?

$455. (see Special Instructions for exceptions). A biometric services fee of $85 may also be required.Jan 25, 2022

What is Rapid Visa?

RapidVisa is an online visa preparation service. When you use their services to apply for U.S. citizenship, you will not be working face to face with an attorney, and much of the evidence collecting and the filing would be up to you. Their Naturalization application service costs between $200-300, plus the government fees. The website has valuable information with a clear timeline of the process and a breakdown of the expenses.

What is an inmigra visa?

InmigraVisa is a visa preparation service that focus on helping Spanish speaking people fill out their immigration forms, apply for citizenship, green card, work permit, adjustment of status, etc. Their main focus is in providing Immigration assistance for Latinos at an affordable price.

What is boundless visa?

Boundless is an online visa preparation service that helps you fill out and submit green card applications and naturalization applications. Boundless assigns you a remote attorney to help you answer basic immigration questions and review your citizenship application. Individuals must take a short eligibility test to determine whether they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. Boundless has a flat-fee for applying for citizenship, $395 plus the government fees.

How much does an immigration attorney charge?

In most cases, an immigration attorney will charge an hourly rate of $150 to $300 per hour, whereas others will charge a set fee for the entire process. For basic immigration form filing, you can expect to pay around $250 to $1,200 in fees. Immigration attorney fees significantly range, depending on the types of services ...

How much does an 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 a green card lawyer cost?

Green Card lawyer fees range from $795 to $2,900 depending on your situation. Green Card lawyer fees for a sibling or parent of a U.S. Citizen is around $795. An employee sponsored labor certification costs $2,000 in attorney fees, $700 in USCIS filing fees, and takes 2 to 3 years to process.

What do immigration lawyers know?

Unlike the average citizen with no experience, an immigration lawyer will know exactly which forms to file and when. Also, the level of advice you'll receive is often invaluable, especially when you need to prepare for an interview or court date.

How much does it cost to get a K-1 visa?

Attorney fees for filing a K-1 Visa Petition for the fiance of a U.S. Citizen is around $725 with the USCIS fees costing $535. Typical processing time is 7 to 10 months.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

On an hourly basis, the cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $300.

How long is a free initial consultation?

The meeting may be in an office, but these days it is typically online (Skype, Zoom, etc.) or on the phone. An initial consultation may last 30 to 60 minutes. This gives you a chance to evaluate your chances of success and if you have confidence in the lawyer. For the lawyer, it’s an opportunity to get sell his or her services. It’s very common to find an initial consultation for $150 or less. However, some attorneys choose to charge their regular rates.

What is a deportable crime?

Deportable crime. Multiple convictions with a total sentence of at least five years. Inadmissible crime. It is important to note that each state’s laws are different. To understand how a conviction in your state affects your immigration case, it is important to get analysis from an experienced immigration lawyer.

What is CitizenPath?

CitizenPath is an exceptional alternative to using an immigration lawyer. CitizenPath is an affordable online immigration service created by lawyers. It’s like TurboTax® but for immigration. Our software makes USCIS forms easier and helps eliminate the denials and mistakes that can make the process longer than it needs to be. We even provide a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve your application or petition.

What are some examples of immigration violations?

Examples of immigration violations include entering without inspection, visa overstays, marriage fraud and misrepresentation on previous applications. Although immediate relatives of U.S. citizens can generally overcome a visa overstay without a lawyer, other relatives will need help.

Is it a good idea to invest in an immigration lawyer?

Therefore, investing in the cost of an immigration lawyer is generally a good idea.

Is it expensive to hire an immigration lawyer?

Most people are shocked at the cost of an immigration lawyer. While it can be expensive, certain people have needs that justify the expense. After all, a lawyer who specializes in immigration law can help you navigate a difficult situation. That may mean the difference between deportation and lawful permanent residence.

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Attorney Fee: $2400 (does not include RFE responses, if applicable). Please note that the legal fee may be higher in certain complex cases. In any event, you’ll be provided a written quote before retaining our firm.

Addressing Potential Issues

In every possible instance, we do our best to anticipate any potential issues and address them in advance. For that reason, it’s imperative that you be completely honest and transparent regarding the details of your case during the initial consultation.

Immigration Consultations

SGM Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases:

Summary

There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but Citizenship by Naturalization is the most common way to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization application costs $725 in 2020. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment.

What are the Citizenship by Naturalization fees?

As of 10/14/2020, $725 is the current fee to become a U.S. citizen. This total includes a $640 fee for processing the Form N-400 and an $85 biometric services fee. Both the filing fee and the biometrics fee are non-refundable. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will not return this money to you even if they deny your application.

How much do I actually have to pay to become a U.S. Citizen?

As of 10/14/2020, the total cost to file a United States Citizenship by Naturalization application is $725, $640 for processing your application, and $85 for biometric services. You cannot get a refund on either of these fees.

How do I pay the citizenship application fees?

You can pay the Citizenship by Naturalization application fees with a credit card, check or money order. USCIS will not accept cash. You must submit fee payment together with your Form N-400 when you file.

Why is it harder to find a lawyer?

It's going to be harder to find a lawyer who is willing to just review work you've done before you send your application . This is because even a simple review creates a lawyer-client relationship and all of the responsibilities that come with it for the lawyer. Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product ...

Do lawyers have control over work?

Most lawyers will want to have complete control over the work product if they are going to take on the lawyer-client responsibilities, and therefore a reduced fee for what you hoped would be a simple review is not going to be worth it to the lawyer. When you're ready to hire a lawyer, make sure the lawyer-client agreement says exactly what ...

Can a lawyer attend a citizenship interview?

The lawyer can also attend your citizenship interview with you — mostly to take notes about what happens during the interview in case you are denied, but also to speak up on your behalf if the USCIS officer needs clarification or asks you inappropriate questions.

Do immigration lawyers have influence?

In the American system, an immigration lawyer does not have any special influence over the government's decision. There is nothing outside the law that a lawyer can do that will make your application process go faster or make it more likely that you will get your citizenship. However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible ...

Can a lawyer tell you how to answer citizenship questions?

However, a lawyer will know everything that is legally possible to make your application process go as quickly and successfully as it can. Your lawyer cannot tell you how to answer any questions on the application form, although he or she can explain the questions to you so you can understand how to answer. At your citizenship interview, your ...

Can an immigration lawyer save you time?

An immigration lawyer can save you time. Not just the time it would take you to figure out how to apply, but also time you might waste if you make a mistake in applying or don't send the right type of document. At the least, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the government agency in charge of naturalization, ...

Can a lawyer give you a ride to USCIS?

Don't expect your lawyer to give you a ride to the USCIS office, unless you've agreed to this arrangement. There aren't many immigration lawyers who will help you with your English or your knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics), if you need that kind of test-preparation help. The best the lawyer can do is tell you where to find ...

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

With that in mind, you can generally expect to pay approximately $150 to $300 per hour in immigration attorney fees.

What to do if you come to the US from another country?

If you have come to the United States from another country, or plan on doing so, you should strongly consider consulting an immigration lawyer. Immigration lawyers are experts in U.S. immigration law and can help make entering the country as smooth as possible. In addition, if you experience any problems with your residency status once you arrive, a USA immigration attorney can help to set them right. Below you'll find more information about how a lawyer can help with your arrival and stay in the U.S., along with a breakdown of immigration lawyer fees.

Government Fee Exceptions

Applicants aged 75 year or older are not required to pay the $85 biometrics fee.

Miscellaneous Costs – Varies

Locating, obtaining and preparing supporting evidence: Along with the required fee you must submit supporting documents with your Form N-400. These may include but are not limited to immigration, court, bank and tax records. You are responsible for any payment required to obtain the original document (s) or copies of these documents.

What factors affect the cost of immigration legal assistance?

Other factors that can affect the cost of legal assistance are the background and experience of the lawyer or firm, the firm’s reputation, and geographic location. Do your research when hiring an attorney ...

How long does it take to get a green card?

In family-based immigration, a U.S. citizen petitions for permanent residence (a green card) on behalf of a spouse, a fiancee or other family members. Cases can take years to complete; once the application process is complete, there is a significant waiting period for visas for spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21.

How long was Pegah's case pending?

An unscrupulous lawyer had taken advantage of a husband seeking immigration aid and left his case pending for 7 years without doing any real work on it. In 2015, the couple began to work with Rahgozar Law Firm PLLC. After 1.5 years of putting together evidence and legal briefs, and communicating with the government on requests for the client’s case, Pegah of Rahgozar Law Firm PLLC successfully prepared the client and sent him to his home country to attend an interview at the consulate. After a two-week stay, the client obtained his immigrant visa and re-entered the U.S. to receive his green card and legally rejoin his wife and their three children. His next step is application for citizenship.

What can an immigration attorney do?

An immigration attorney can assist U.S. citizens, permanent residents and undocumented immigrants, and can help with student visas, work visas and travel visas, including expired or overstayed visas.

How long did it take to adopt a child?

Two U.S. citizens hired Rahgozar Law Firm PLLC to help them with a complex and emotionally taxing immigration adoption case. The legal process took 2.5 years, due to numerous requests from the government to show the legitimacy of the adoption. The couple also received a notice of intent to deny, which the legal team overcame with countless hours of legal research, writing and responses to the government. The family is now together; the child has been granted a green card and is in the process of obtaining citizenship.

What is the job of an immigration lawyer in 2020?

citizenship and immigration process. Immigration attorneys focus on the nuances of immigration law to aid you in your process. An immigration attorney can assist U.S.

Is immigration legal draining?

Immigration laws are complex, and immigration cases can be emotionally and financially draining if you don't have the right advocate by your side. Research the attorney’s background and reputation, the cases they've handled, and their success rates — especially for complex cases.

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What Are The Eligibility Requirements For U.S. Citizenship?

  • A permanent resident must wait 3 to 5 years to apply for citizenship, depending on how they became a permanent resident. For someone who is not the spouse of a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, the requirements are as follows: 1. Must be a permanent resident for five years 2. Must be 18 years or older 3. Must live in the state in which they are filing for three months or lon…
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Government Fees to Apply For U.S. Naturalization

  • The government fee for applying for Naturalization (Form N-400) is $640 plus a biometrics fee, which is $85. This is a total of $725. There are no fees for military members and veterans. Fee Waiver There is a fee waiver available for those who cannot afford the costs of applying for U.S. citizenship. Form I-912is the request for a fee waiver. There is no charge when filing for a fee wa…
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Changes in Naturalization Fees in 2020

  • It is important to note that there will be some changes in fees this year. The Trump administration has decided that fees will rise in 2020. The N-400 will be raised to $1,170. Additionally, the administration is seeking to eliminate fee waivers. This may be an obstacle for many people interested in applying for Naturalization. Many people who are permanent residents and those in…
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Fees For Preparing and Submitting Your U.S. Naturalization Application

  • There are a few services available online that assist applicants with registering their trademark with the USPTO; we will discuss a few of them below. InmigraVisa InmigraVisa is a visa preparation service that focus on helping Spanish speaking people fill out their immigration forms, apply for citizenship, green card, work permit, adjustment of status, etc. Their main focus is in pr…
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Nonimmigrant Work Visas

  • H-1B Visa Attorney Fee: $2400 (does not include RFE responses, if applicable). Please note that the legal fee may be higher in certain complex cases. In any event, you’ll be provided a written quote before retaining VisaNation Law Group. USCIS Fee: $460 to $2460. Premium Processing fee: $1440 (as of December 2, 2019) H-4 Visa Attorney Fee: $500 USCIS Fee: $370 H-1B1 Visa f…
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Permanent Residence / Green Card – Employer Sponsored

  • Green Card by Employer-Sponsored Labor Certification with PERM Attorney Fee: $3350 (for PERM process), $2200 for I-140, $1500 for I-485/AP/EAD (*PERM Audit response fee = $1000, if applicable) USCIS Fee: $700. Premium Processing fee: $2500 (optional). EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Executives and Managers & L-1A Visa Holders Attorney Fee: $5000 (*does notincl…
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Permanent Residence / Green Card – Self Sponsored

  • Green Card by National Interest Waiver Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status Green Card by Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) Attorney Fee: $5200 (Does not include RFE response or Adjustment of Status filing) USCIS Fee: $700 + $1225 Adjustment of Status
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Other Visas/Green Card

  • B-1 Business Visa Attorney Fee: $1000 USCIS Fee: n/a Department of State Fee: $160 B-1 / B-2 Visa – Renewal / Extension or Change of Status Attorney Fee: $750 USCIS Fee:$370 + $85 for Biometrics. Fiance Visa K-1 Visa Petition – For the Fiance of a US Citizen: Attorney Fee: $2600 (1/2 due in two stages) USCIS Fee: $535 Family-Based Petition filed by a U.S. Citizen Attorney Fe…
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Addressing Potential Issues

  • In every possible instance, VisaNation Law Group does its best to anticipate any potential issues and address them in advance. For that reason, it’s imperative that you be completely honest and transparent regarding the details of your case during the initial consultation. Be advised that withholding information may affect not only the cost for your case but also the approach they ta…
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Immigration Consultations

  • VisaNation Law Group only offers free general consultations to certain individuals/businesses who are looking to retain a law firm for the following cases: 1. H1B Visas 2. Marriage-Based Visas/Green Cards 3. Family-Based Green Cards During your free case evaluation, VisaNation Law Group will provide you with a general overview of your immigration options. However, the firm ca…
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