An immigration lawyer costs $300 to $15,000 per case in 2026
An immigration lawyer costs $300 to $15,000 per case in 2026. ThePricer says many routine cases cost $1,000 to $5,000 in attorney fees. UpCounsel lists hourly rates of $150 to $300, while ThePricer lists $150 to $500. Lighthouse lists citizenship help at $1,500 to $3,500. The type of case sets most of the price, and government filing fees are extra.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| UpCounsel | UpCounsel lists hourly rates of $150 to $300, work permits at $300 to $600, N-400 at $500 to $2,500, and deportation defense at $2,000 to $15,000. |
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists $150 to $500 per hour, N-400 help at $1,000 to $2,800, and about $1,000 to $5,000 in attorney fees for many routine matters. |
| Lighthouse | Lighthouse lists N-400 help at $1,500 to $3,500, H-1B at $2,500 to $6,000, and spouse visas at $3,000 to $6,000. |
Immigration lawyer prices by case
| Case | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit | $300 to $600 | UpCounsel |
| Citizenship, form N-400 | $500 to $2,500 | UpCounsel |
| Citizenship, form N-400 | $1,000 to $2,800 | ThePricer |
| Marriage or family green card | $2,400 to $6,000 or more | ThePricer |
| H-1B work visa | $2,500 to $6,000 | Lighthouse |
| Asylum case | $1,000 to $6,000 | UpCounsel |
| Deportation defense | $2,000 to $15,000 | UpCounsel |
| Hourly rate | $150 to $500 | ThePricer |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Case type | A permit is a small job and a removal case is big. UpCounsel lists work permits at $300 to $600 and deportation defense at $2,000 to $15,000. |
| Flat fee or hourly | Many lawyers charge one price per form or case. UpCounsel lists hourly rates at $150 to $300, and ThePricer lists hourly rates at $150 to $500. |
| How hard the case is | Waivers and work visas need more paper and proof. ThePricer lists waiver cases at $2,500 to $7,500 and O-1 visas at $3,000 to $9,000. |
| Family or work | The kind of visa changes the work. Lighthouse lists spouse visas at $3,000 to $6,000 and employment green cards at $5,000 to $10,000 in attorney fees. |
| Government fees | These go to the agency and not to the lawyer. Lighthouse lists $710 for form N-400 and $1,225 for form I-485 as separate fees. |
What the price includes
A flat fee usually covers advice, filling out the forms, gathering proof, filing, and answering requests from the agency. Ask if interview prep is included. Government filing fees are paid on top, and so are translations, medical exams, and travel. Lighthouse says filing fees are separate from attorney fees. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Immigration lawyers work alone or in firms. Most charge a flat fee for each form or case, and some bill by the hour for hard cases. Many ask you to pay part up front. UpCounsel lists hourly rates at $150 to $300, and ThePricer lists $150 to $500. Only a lawyer or an accredited representative can give legal advice on your case, so ask who will handle your file. Government fees are paid to the agency and are billed apart from the lawyer's fee.
When you need this
You may need help when your case has a past denial, a long stay past a visa, a crime on your record, or a job visa with strict rules. Cases that go before a judge need a lawyer. Simple forms, like a renewal, may be fine alone. A short paid first meeting can tell you which group you are in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price is flat or hourly and what it covers.
- Ask which government fees you pay on top.
- Ask if a lawyer or only a helper will handle your case.
- Ask what happens if the agency asks for more proof.
- Compare the total with the range above: $300 to $15,000 per case for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask for a flat fee in writing. UpCounsel lists many case types at set ranges, so a flat quote lets you plan the whole cost.
- Pay for a short first meeting. UpCounsel says you may pay $150 or less, and ThePricer lists $100 to $400 or more, to learn if you need full help.
- Check for free or low cost help. Nonprofit legal groups help with some cases, so ask about them before you hire a paid lawyer.
- Compare at least three quotes. ThePricer lists N-400 help at $1,000 to $2,800 while Lighthouse lists $1,500 to $3,500, so prices vary a lot.
- Handle only simple forms yourself. A mistake can cost much more later, so ask a lawyer to review your forms before you file.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from UpCounsel, ThePricer and Lighthouse. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
ThePricer says routine cases often cost $1,000 to $5,000 in attorney fees. UpCounsel lists flat fees from $300 for a work permit to $15,000 for deportation defense.
How much does an immigration lawyer charge per hour?
UpCounsel lists $150 to $300 an hour. ThePricer lists $150 to $500 an hour.
How much does a citizenship lawyer cost?
UpCounsel lists $500 to $2,500 for form N-400. ThePricer lists $1,000 to $2,800, and Lighthouse lists $1,500 to $3,500.
How much is a first meeting with an immigration lawyer?
UpCounsel says you may pay $150 or less. ThePricer lists $100 to $400 or more.
Are government fees included in the lawyer price?
Usually not. Lighthouse lists $710 for form N-400 and $1,225 for form I-485 as separate government fees.