How Much Does an Immigration Attorney Cost in New York?

01Billing

How Each Matter Is Billed

Attorney fees vary by case type and complexity. Below is how common immigration matters in New York are billed; the exact figure is quoted in writing at the consultation.

Family-Based Green Card

I-130 petition, I-485 adjustment of status, work permit, travel document, interview prep

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

Marriage Green Card

I-130/I-485 combo filing, extensive relationship evidence, interview preparation

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

H-1B Visa Petition

Labor Condition Application, H-1B petition, premium processing available (optional USCIS fee)

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

L-1 Intracompany Transfer

L-1A/L-1B petition, business documentation, qualifying relationship proof

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

Naturalization/Citizenship

N-400 application, interview preparation, civics test support

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

Deportation Defense

Immigration court representation, master calendar hearings, individual hearings, appeals

Billing

Flat fee or hourly, quoted in writing

Government fee

Varies by filing; listed separately

Asylum Application

Affirmative asylum application, supporting evidence, credible fear interview prep

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

None for Form I-589

I-751 Removal of Conditions

Joint filing or waiver, continued marriage evidence, relationship documentation

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

BIA Appeal

Appellate brief, legal research, record review, oral argument preparation

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

Hardship Waiver (I-601/I-601A)

Extreme hardship evidence, legal brief, supporting documentation, medical/psychological evidence

Billing

Flat fee, quoted in writing

Government fee

Set by USCIS; listed separately

03Included

What's Included in Our Fees?

Our attorney fees include comprehensive legal services from initial consultation through case completion.

• Initial consultation and case assessment
• Legal strategy development and planning
• All petition and application preparation
• Supporting document collection and organization
• Legal briefs and evidentiary submissions
• USCIS filing and correspondence
• Response to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Interview preparation and representation
• Case status monitoring and updates
• Attorney availability for questions

05How it works

Payment Process

Transparent payment process from consultation to case completion.

1. 01

   Step 1: Initial Consultation

   Schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We review your immigration situation, assess eligibility, explain the process, and provide a detailed fee quote with no obligation to hire.

2. 02

   Step 2: Written Fee Agreement

   If you decide to proceed, we provide a written retainer agreement clearly stating attorney fees, services included, payment schedule, and USCIS filing costs. Review carefully before signing.

3. 03

   Step 3: Retainer Payment

   Pay initial retainer (full or partial depending on payment plan). We accept checks, credit cards, and bank transfers. Payment receipt provided for your records.

4. 04

   Step 4: Case Preparation Begins

   Once retainer is paid, your attorney begins work on your case. You receive regular updates as we prepare petitions, collect evidence, and develop legal strategy.

5. 05

   Step 5: USCIS Filing & Government Fees

   When ready to file, you pay USCIS filing fees directly to government. We submit your complete application package and provide confirmation of filing receipt.

06What changed recently

What Changed Recently

USCIS raised most of its own filing fees under a rule that took effect April 1, 2024 — the government charge, not the attorney fee — and introduced a separate Asylum Program Fee that most employer-filed petitions (including Form I-129 and Form I-140) now carry, with exemptions for small employers and nonprofits. Those figures change from filing category to filing category and are revised from time to time, so we quote the current government fee for your specific form at your consultation rather than publish one here — the authoritative number is always the one posted on uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees on the day you file.

07Questions clients ask

Immigration Attorney Fees FAQs

How much does an immigration attorney cost in New York?

Immigration attorney fees in New York depend on the type of case and how much of the record has to be built. Naturalization and family green cards involve less attorney time than deportation defense or asylum, and work visas sit in between. Attorney fees depend on the type of case and how much of the record has to be built; flat fees are quoted in writing before work starts, and payment plans are available. Government filing fees are set by USCIS, published on uscis.gov, and listed separately from our fee. Always get a written fee agreement before hiring. We offer consultations to provide specific pricing for your case.

What is included in immigration attorney fees?

Standard immigration attorney fees typically include: initial consultation, case assessment and legal strategy, petition/application preparation, supporting document review, legal briefs, USCIS filing, RFE responses, interview preparation, and representation at USCIS interviews or court hearings. Some attorneys charge separately for certain services (translations, courier fees, appeals). Always clarify exactly what's included in the quoted fee before signing a retainer agreement.

Are USCIS filing fees separate from attorney fees?

Yes. USCIS filing fees are government charges separate from attorney fees. You pay USCIS directly when filing applications; the current fee for each form (I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, I-131, H-1B, premium processing) is published on uscis.gov and changes from time to time, so we list the applicable government fees separately in your written fee quote. USCIS fees are non-refundable even if your case is denied. Attorney fees cover legal services, not government filing costs.

Do immigration attorneys offer payment plans?

Many immigration attorneys offer payment plans, especially for more expensive cases like deportation defense or asylum. Payment structures vary: some require full payment upfront, others allow installment payments before filing, some permit ongoing payments during case processing. Retainer requirements vary by case type. Ask about payment options during initial consultation. We work with clients to establish reasonable payment arrangements based on individual circumstances.

Is immigration attorney billing flat fee or hourly?

Most well-defined immigration matters — a single family petition, a naturalization application, a standard visa filing — are billed as a flat fee, agreed to in writing before work begins, so you know the total attorney cost upfront. More complex or unpredictable matters, like contested deportation defense or multi-stage litigation, are sometimes billed hourly because the total time required is harder to estimate in advance. Ask upfront which billing method applies to your case and get the fee structure in writing before signing a retainer agreement.

Should I hire the cheapest immigration lawyer I can find?

Not necessarily. The lowest quoted fee doesn't always reflect the full scope of what's included — some low-cost quotes exclude services like RFE responses or interview representation that turn out to be essential, and a poorly prepared filing can lead to delays or a denial that costs more to fix than it would have cost to do right the first time. When comparing a cheap or cheapest immigration lawyer quote against others, ask exactly what's included, who will handle your case, and what experience the attorney has with matters like yours — not just the bottom-line number.

What are consultation fees?

Consultations at Mandi Law Group are confidential and paid, with payment plans available, and there is no obligation to hire us afterwards. During the consultation we review your immigration situation, assess eligibility, discuss legal options, explain the process, and quote the fee for the work in writing before anything starts. If you decide to hire us, you receive a written retainer agreement setting out the fee structure and what it covers.

Why do some attorneys charge more than others?

Attorney fees vary based on: (1) experience and track record (more experienced attorneys often charge premium rates), (2) case complexity (difficult cases require more time and expertise), (3) practice focus (immigration specialists vs. general practitioners), (4) location (NYC vs. upstate), (5) reputation and success rates, (6) services included (full representation vs. limited scope). Cheapest isn't always best — attorney quality significantly affects case outcomes. Balance cost with expertise and service quality.

Can I get a refund if my case is denied?

Attorney fee refund policies vary by firm and are specified in retainer agreements. Most attorneys charge for legal services performed, not case outcomes, so fees are generally non-refundable even if denied. Some attorneys offer partial refunds if case doesn't proceed to certain stages. USCIS filing fees are never refundable. Ask about refund policy before hiring. Ethical attorneys never guarantee approval — we provide professional representation, but USCIS/immigration judges make final decisions.

What if I receive an RFE (Request for Evidence)?

Most full-service attorney fees include RFE responses at no additional charge — it's part of standard case representation. However, some attorneys charge separately for RFEs, especially extensive ones requiring significant additional work. Clarify RFE fee policy upfront. At Mandi Law Group, RFE responses are included in our quoted fees. We prepare comprehensive initial filings to minimize RFE likelihood, but respond promptly and thoroughly if USCIS requests additional evidence.

Are there low-cost or free immigration legal services?

Yes. Low-cost and free immigration legal services exist: (1) Legal Aid organizations (income-based eligibility), (2) Law school immigration clinics, (3) Volunteer-lawyer programs through bar associations, (4) Nonprofit immigration organizations. However, these services have limited capacity and long waitlists. If you have urgent matter or don't qualify for free services, hiring private attorney ensures timely representation. Many private attorneys, including us, offer reasonable fees and payment plans to improve accessibility.

Should I hire an immigration attorney or use a notario?

ALWAYS hire a licensed immigration attorney, never a 'notario' or immigration consultant. In many Latin American countries, notarios are attorneys, but in the U.S., they are NOT lawyers and cannot provide legal advice or representation. Notarios and consultants cannot: (1) represent you before USCIS or immigration court, (2) provide legal advice, (3) guarantee results. Many immigrants have been defrauded by unauthorized practitioners. Verify attorney license through state bar website. Only licensed attorneys can properly handle immigration matters.