When my aunt asked, “How much is an immigration lawyer?” I realized I had no clue and I didn’t want her walking into a consultation blind. I set out to find a general rule of thumb so she could budget smart from the start. Living in Washington State, I compared dozens of attorneys, fee structures, and service tiers to give her a realistic ballpark before she even picked up the phone.

Every case is different; family petitions, work visas, even DACA renewals all come with their own price tags. For example, when I applied for my DACA, I leaned on this Facebook group full of fellow applicants and did most of the paperwork myself. A handful of friends opted for just a document review, spending about $200 to $500, rather than handing over their entire case. Full-service DACA representation, by contrast, ranged from $2,000 to $4,000.

In my aunt’s situation, a straightforward green card through marriage, I saw flat fees between $1,500 and $5,000, plus USCIS filing costs. More complex matters, like appeals or deportation defense, easily climb past $10,000.

Why does knowing “how much is an immigration lawyer” matter?

In this guide, I’ll break down typical fee ranges by case type, highlight the factors that drive costs up or down, and share tips for finding the right attorney without overpaying. Let’s dive into the numbers so you can plan for both peace of mind and your wallet.

Here’s a breakdown of what I found during my research into immigration lawyer costs:

Many lawyers charge for a consultation, which helps you understand your options and decide whether you want to work with them. I saw fees ranging from $100 to $350, but some lawyers in my area offered free consultations, so it’s worth asking about that upfront.

Fees ranged from $2,000 to $5,000 in most cases. This often includes preparing the forms, reviewing supporting documents, and sometimes accompanying clients to interviews.

If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship, the process tends to be more straightforward. I found lawyers charging anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 for these services.

For employment-based visas, such as an H-1B or L-1, I saw fees averaging between $3,000 and $7,000. The cost usually depends on the complexity of the case and whether an employer is involved.

If someone is facing deportation, the stakes are incredibly high. I found that legal representation for deportation cases can range from $3,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the time and effort involved.

Asylum applications require significant preparation and expertise, with fees ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 in most situations. These cases are some of the most complex.

One thing I learned quickly is that legal fees aren’t set in stone—they depend on several factors:

During my search, I realized that finding the right lawyer is about more than just the price tag. Here are a few things that helped me narrow down my options:

Finding the right immigration lawyer takes a bit of homework, but it’s worth the effort. Start by comparing fee structures and services. Reach out to friends, family, or community groups for personal recommendations.

Remember that your needs and budget are unique. If you feel comfortable handling paperwork yourself, consider a document review. If your case is complex, investing in full representation can save you time and stress down the line.

I hope this guide has given you a clear picture of what to expect, and budget for, when hiring an immigration lawyer in 2025. Have you worked with an attorney before? Share your experience or any tips in the comments below. Your insight could be exactly what someone else needs to feel confident about their next step.

Good luck on your journey!