Immigration Lawyer Cost for Green Card (2025 Guide)

Getting a green card can be difficult. Many people hire an immigration lawyer to help. A lawyer can increase your chances of success. But the cost can be high. This guide explains the updated costs in 2025 and what affects those costs.

Learn more directly from the USCIS Fee Schedule to confirm the most current government costs.

Typical Green Card Lawyer Fees in 2025

Hiring an immigration lawyer for a green card usually costs between $3,000 and $10,000. The price depends on the case type, the lawyer’s experience, and your location.

Type of Green Card Case	Estimated Lawyer Fees	USCIS Fees (2025)
Family-Based (Simple)	$1,500 – $3,500	USCIS Fees (2025): I-130 $625 online / $675 paper + I-485 $1,440 = $2,065 (online) or $2,115 (paper). EAD (I-765) $260 and Advance Parole (I-131) $630 are extra.
Marriage-Based (Complex)	$3,000 – $15,000+	USCIS Fees (2025): Same as family AOS — I-130 $625 online / $675 paper + I-485 $1,440; add I-765 $260 and/or I-131 $630 if you want them.
Employment-Based	$5,000 – $15,000	USCIS Fees (2025): I-140 $715 + Asylum Program Fee ($600 regular / $300 small employer / $0 nonprofit) + I-485 $1,440 = about $2,755 / $2,455 / $2,155 before EAD/AP.

Key Factors That Affect Lawyer Costs

 

1. Case Difficulty

Easy cases cost less. Complex cases with legal issues cost more.

2. Lawyer’s Experience

Skilled lawyers charge more. They may finish the work faster and better.

3. Location

Lawyers in large cities charge higher rates. Small towns cost less.

4. Level of Service

Full support for the entire process costs more than basic services.

Green Card Types and Cost Estimates

Family-Based Green Card

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor:

• Immediate Relatives: Spouse, parent, unmarried children under 21
• Family Preference: Siblings, married children, and others

Estimated lawyer fees: $1,500 – $5,000

Employment-Based Green Card

These are for workers with special skills or job offers:

• EB-1: Priority workers
• EB-2: Advanced degree professionals
• EB-3: Skilled or other workers

Estimated lawyer fees: $3,000 – $7,000

Other costs include labor certification, USCIS forms, and medical exams.

How Lawyers Charge: Fee Structures

Flat Fees

Fixed fees cover all work for one price.

Service Type	Flat Fee Range
Family-Based Green Card	$2,000 – $5,000
Employment-Based	$5,000 – $10,000
Asylum-Based	$3,000 – $7,000

Hourly Rates

Some lawyers charge per hour of work.

Lawyer Type	Hourly Rate (2025)
Junior Lawyer	$150 – $250
Experienced Lawyer	$250 – $400
Top Expert	$400 – $600

Other Expenses You Must Plan For

USCIS Filing Fees (2025)

• Form I-130: $625 (online), $675 (paper)
• Biometrics: No separate fee for most I-485 cases; it’s included in the I-485 price.
• Form I-140 (employment): $715 + Asylum Program Fee ($600 regular / $300 small employer / $0 nonprofit)

If your I-485 is filed with or adjudicated by the Immigration Court (EOIR), add $1,500 under H.R. 1. (Applies to requests postmarked on/after July 22, 2025; USCIS will reject any form postmarked on/after Aug 21, 2025 without the proper H.R. 1 fees.)

Translation Services

Documents not in English need certified translations.

Cost per page: $20 – $40

If your case includes a past criminal record or deportation issue, you may also need legal advice related to pardons. You can read more about pardon lawyer costs here.

How Location Affects Lawyer Costs

Location Type	Average Hourly Rate
Big Cities (e.g., LA, NYC)	$300 – $500
Small Towns	$150 – $300

Regional price differences:

• West Coast: High
• Midwest: Low
• East Coast: Mixed

Cost by Lawyer Experience

Experience Level	Estimated Fee Range
Junior	$1,500 – $3,000
Mid-Level	$3,000 – $6,000
Senior	$6,000 – $10,000+

How to Save on Lawyer Costs

Free Legal Services (Pro Bono)

You may qualify for free legal help. Check:

• Local Bar Associations
• Nonprofit Legal Groups
• Law School Clinics

Legal Services Corporation also offers tools to find help based on your location.

Monthly Payment Plans

Many lawyers let you pay over time. Ask about this before you hire.

Tips to Find the Right Lawyer

• Check licenses and credentials
• Read online reviews
• Ask for referrals
• Speak to several lawyers
• Understand their process and costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does an immigration lawyer cost for a green card?
A: Between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the case.

Q: What increases the lawyer’s fee?
A: Complex issues, experienced lawyers, and big-city locations.

Q: Do lawyers offer payment plans?
A: Yes, many do.

Q: Is it necessary to hire a lawyer?
A: No, but it reduces mistakes and delays.

Q: Are filing fees included in lawyer costs?
A: No, you pay those separately to USCIS.

Q: Can I get free legal help?
A: Some organizations and lawyers offer free help for eligible applicants.

Final Advice

Legal fees are a big part of the green card process. Make a plan. Ask questions before you hire. Choose a lawyer who explains everything clearly and gives real support. Paying more may help avoid problems later.