how much would an attorney charge for green card through marriage

How much do lawyers charge for green card applications?

Apr 29, 2021 · The amount that immigration attorneys charge for a marriage-based green card case depends upon many factors. The fee will vary if the green card is sought through adjustment of status within the U.S. or the green card is sought through consular processing outside the U.S. The fee can be higher if a waiver is required in connection with the case.

How much does it cost to get a marriage-based green card?

How much would an attorney charge for green card through marriage? But at least you can compare prices within your area. In Northern California, for example, the range for a basic fiancé visa is typically between $750 and $2,000 (not including the adjustment of status application afterwards), and a marriage-based green card application runs from around $800 to $4,000 .

How much does it cost to get a green card through consular?

Oct 29, 2018 · TYPICAL ATTORNEYS' FEES $1,000 - $3,000 Nearly half of applicants for family-based adjustment of status paid their lawyers between $1,000 and $3,000.

Why do immigration lawyers charge different fees?

Jul 30, 2021 · Petitioning for a marriage green card is a complicated process that can take years. Making mistakes can cause expensive setbacks. To undo detrimental mistakes, you may need legal assistance. Immigration lawyers can charge as much as $300 for an initial consultation and $1,000-$7,500 to help you through the green card application process.

How much does it cost to get a green card through marriage 2021?

$1760Cost Of Applying For A Marriage Based Green Card In The U.S. As of February 2021, the cost of applying for a marriage-based green card in the United States is $1760.

How much does a US immigration lawyer cost?

This can be anywhere from $150 to $500+ per hour. However, some immigration lawyers charge a set fee for a specific service. For example, for filing a specific immigration form, an immigration lawyer may charge a flat rate between $350 to $1,500.Mar 4, 2021

Do you automatically get a green card when you marry a US citizen?

Requirements for the Beneficiary (Applicant Requirements) The beneficiary, or person who is applying to receive a green card, is generally automatically eligible to receive a green card once they are lawfully married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

How much does it cost to petition a fiance?

$535If you decide to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, here's what the process and timeline will look like: The U.S. citizen partner completes the appropriate government form (I-129F – “petition for a K-1 Visa”), and mails it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the $535 filing fee.

Replacing and Mailing Documents

Each step of the green card application process requires supporting documents. If you don’t have important documents, such as your original birth certificate or a certified copy, you may need to replace your vital records. Replacing a birth certificate can cost anywhere from $9 to $34 plus shipping fees.

Taking a Green Card Photo

A green card is a government-issued photo ID. You will be required to submit two passport-style pictures with your application. You may take and print your own photos.

Language Translation

Every document in your green card application that isn’t in English originally will require a certified translation. Translation fees will vary depending on document length and the service you use. Translating a birth certificate, for example, can cost as high as $70.

Attorney Fees

Petitioning for a marriage green card is a complicated process that can take years. Making mistakes can cause expensive setbacks. To undo detrimental mistakes, you may need legal assistance.

What is an Immigration Lawyer?

Immigration cases are complex. There are layers of complicated rules, laws, and regulations you need to navigate to get a successful outcome. Some cases are simple and don’t need special assistance.

Who Needs an Immigration Lawyer?

There are a lot of resources and information on immigration available online. So, it might seem unnecessary to pay a high price for an immigration lawyer when all these resources are free. The reality is, however, the immigration process is complex, and there is usually a lot at stake.

What Are the Different Cost Factors for an Immigration Lawyer?

There is a whole host of factors that will influence the cost of an immigration lawyer. Generally, however, the following factors will affect the price you are charged:

What Are the Average Costs for an Immigration Lawyer?

As we’ve explained above, there is a whole range of factors that will influence the actual cost of an immigration lawyer. What we can do, however, is look at what the average costs are for different types of visas.

Conclusion

Now you no longer have to wonder how much does an immigration lawyer cost. These legal fees can seem very expensive. But it may save you time and money in the long run. It could also be the difference between a successful application and a possible denial (or worse – deportation!).

What expenses are included in green card application?

Apart from direct government fees and the medical exam fee, a number of other fees will add to your expenses when applying for a green card: Vaccination Fees : If your medical exam requires you to have vaccinations, update it before filing your complete medical report.

Can I file an I-485 with an I-130?

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and you entered the U.S. lawfully, you may file the Form I-485 together (“concurrently”) with the Form I-130 , Petition for Alien Relative filed on your behalf. You can also file Form I-485 while Form I-130 is pending, or after the Form I-130 is approved (and remains valid).

Can I file an I-485 while I-130 is pending?

You can also file Form I-485 while Form I-130 is pending, or after the Form I-130 is approved (and remains valid). You may file the Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country. This is called “adjustment of status.”.

How long does it take to get a green card if you are a citizen?

The citizen and the foreign spouse must prove that the marriage is bona fide. If the citizen and foreign spouse have been married less than 2 years at the time the spouse becomes a permanent resident, a conditional 2-year green card will be issued.

What is the process of getting a green card if you are a permanent resident?

Upon reaching the port of entry into the U.S., you will undergo a screening by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to determine your eligibility to enter the U.S. If you are admitted as a permanent resident, your I-551, which is your green card, will be mailed to you.

What is the first step in the green card process?

The first step in a marriage-based green card process is for the petitioning spouse (citizen or permanent resident) to file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative with the USCIS. After the I-130 approval, the next steps will depend on whether the beneficiary is staying in the U.S. or is living abroad.

What happens if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers?

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available visa numbers, then a backlog will build. Unfortunately, there is usually a backlog for each marriage-based green card category. The categories are divided into preference levels which are further divided according to your country of origin.

What to wear to a green card marriage interview?

Wear professional and/or conservative clothing. First impressions matter in a wide range of circumstances, including your green card marriage interview. Dress in professional or conservative attire, as you would for a job interview. Be prepared to answer all types of questions.

What to do if your marriage is denied?

If your marriage-based green card petition is denied, the denial letter should include instructions for appealing the decision if that is your decision. If you choose to do so, be sure to have an immigration attorney helping you, as the appeals process is a delicate legal issue.

What form do I need to file for a good faith marriage waiver?

If a divorce occurs before the 2 year period ends, the foreign-born spouse is advised to file Form I-751 in order to apply for a “good faith marriage waiver.”. NOTE: Apart from the spouse, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents of U.S. citizens (over 21) may apply for a green card as an immediate relative.

How much does it cost to get a marriage green card?

Applying for a marriage-based green card can cost you from $1,280 to $1,950.

How much is the I-130 fee?

As of February 2020, the fee for filing Form I-130 is $535 and should be sent when filing the Petition. Spouses of U.S. citizens living in the U.S. Spouses of U.S. citizens applying for a marriage based green card and living in the U.S. can file Form I-485 at the same time a Petitioner files Form I-130. The form can also be submitted ...

How long does it take to get an I-485?

The processing time for the I-485 when submitted by spouses of U.S. citizens is 9 to 12 months. The processing time for the I-485 when submitted by spouses of lawful permanent residents will take longer due to having to wait for green card availability. This generally adds an additional 8 to 10 months to the processing time.

What proof is needed for a bona fide marriage?

Proof can include: Joint checking account statement. Birth certificate of a child born in marriage. Evidence of joint financial responsibilities like a mortgage or utility bills.

Is a common law marriage considered a green card marriage?

marriages where one party is not present at the ceremony; marriages for the purpose of violating U.S. immigration law. Common-law marriages can be recognized as a legal green card marriage. In order for a common-law marriage to be recognized as a green card marriage the spouses must live in a place where they meet the requirements ...

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:

What is an EB-1 green card?

An EB-1 green card is an employment-based petition for permanent residency in the U.S. The EB-1C was specifically designed for the most skilled and proficient business managers and executives. EB-1 green cards do not require PERM labor certification

How long does a N-400 card last?

The N-400 application can be used by lawful permanent residents in the U.S, that is older than 18, to apply for U.S citizenship. Your green card must have been valid for at least 5 years prior to your application to be eligible. If your green card is based on marriage, it only has to be valid for three years.

Can a US citizen petition for a foreign citizen to live in the US?

U.S Citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to petition for foreign relatives to come live in the U.S legally. There are two categories, namely Immediate Relative Petitions and Family Preference Petitions. The category of family members that are allowed to come to live in the U.S differs if you are a U.S citizen versus only being a green card holder.

Nonimmigrant Work Visas

Permanent Residence / Green Card – Employer Sponsored

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

See more on immi-usa.com

Other Visas/Green Card

Addressing Potential Issues

Immigration Consultations