How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost?
No official source sets or publishes a standard price for an immigration lawyer; fees are agreed between the lawyer and the client. What official sources do publish are the government filing fees, which USCIS lists in its Form G-1055 Fee Schedule (for example, $675 to file Form I-130 on paper and $760 to file Form N-400 on paper in the 10/16/26 edition). USCIS says you do not need a representative to file with it, and the Justice Department keeps lists of pro bono providers and of non-profit recognized organizations whose accredited representatives can help. In immigration court, federal law gives a right to counsel only at no expense to the government.
What the law says
- USCIS says you do not need a representative to file forms with USCIS; you may file forms yourself and represent yourself. If you choose to have a representative, USCIS is not responsible for providing or funding one. USCIS, Legal Services
- Only these people may represent you before USCIS: a U.S. attorney in good standing; a foreign attorney (only for matters outside the United States); an accredited representative working for an organization on the Justice Department's list of recognized organizations; or a supervised law student or law graduate. USCIS, Legal Services
- USCIS says people outside those categories may give limited help filling out USCIS forms but cannot represent you or give legal advice, and can only charge a nominal fee. USCIS encourages checking your state's rules on which services are allowed. USCIS, Legal Services
- USCIS warns that a "notario público" is not authorized to provide legal services related to immigration in the United States; only an attorney or an accredited representative working for a Justice Department recognized organization can give legal advice and represent you. USCIS, Common Scams
- Government filing fees are separate from any lawyer's fee. USCIS's Form G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26) lists, for example: Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $675 on paper or $625 online; Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (applicant 14 or older, general filing), $1,440 on paper or $1,390 online. Form G-28, the notice a lawyer or accredited representative files to appear in a USCIS case, is listed at $0. USCIS, Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26)
- The same fee schedule lists Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, at $760 on paper or $710 online (general filing), with a $380 paper fee for applicants whose documented household income is not more than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, at $750 on paper or $700 online; and Form I-90, to replace a green card, at $465 on paper or $415 online (general filing). USCIS, Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26)
- USCIS says certain filers may qualify for a fee waiver and should review Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to determine eligibility; for most forms, a fee waiver cannot be requested when filing online. Fee-exempt forms and filing categories are listed with a $0 filing fee. USCIS, G-1055, Fee Schedule
- In removal proceedings before an immigration judge and related appeals, federal law gives the person the privilege of being represented by counsel of their choosing "at no expense to the Government." 8 U.S.C. § 1362 (via Cornell LII)
- The Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) publishes a List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers, updated quarterly, of non-profit organizations and attorneys who have committed to provide at least 50 hours a year of pro bono legal services at the immigration court where they are listed. Pro bono services are defined as uncompensated, other than filing fees or photocopying and mailing expenses. EOIR, List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
- EOIR's Recognition and Accreditation Program, created to increase the availability of legal representation for low-income and indigent people, allows certain non-attorney employees and volunteers of qualifying non-profit organizations to practice immigration law before the federal government; recognized organizations must be non-profit and federally tax-exempt. EOIR says a recognized organization may charge for its services, but its fee structure must be geared toward making services available to primarily low-income and indigent clients. EOIR, Recognition and Accreditation Program Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to file with USCIS?
No. USCIS says you may file forms yourself and represent yourself, and that it is not responsible for providing or funding a representative.
Will the government give me a free lawyer in immigration court?
Federal law says a person in removal proceedings may be represented by counsel of their choice at no expense to the government. EOIR publishes a list of pro bono providers that is given to people in immigration proceedings.
Can a notario or immigration consultant fill out my forms?
USCIS says people who are not attorneys or accredited representatives may give limited help filling out forms but cannot give legal advice or represent you, and can only charge a nominal fee. Check your state's rules as well.
How do I check whether someone is an accredited representative?
USCIS points to EOIR's Recognition and Accreditation Program, which publishes a roster of accredited representatives and recognized organizations.
Do I have to pay for USCIS forms?
No. USCIS says not to pay for immigration forms because they are free on its All Forms webpage. It also says it will never ask you to transfer money to an individual or pay fees by phone or email.
Can I get the USCIS filing fee waived?
Certain filers may qualify for a fee waiver; USCIS says to review Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to determine eligibility. Some forms and filing categories are fee-exempt and are listed at $0 on the fee schedule.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.