How Much Does Employment-Based Immigration Cost?
This guide covers typical US legal fees, the factors that affect them, and how to compare employment-based immigration quotes.
Common jobs and what they cost
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Work visa petition | Prepare and file a standard employer petition | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Visa extension or amendment | Extend or update an existing work visa | $1,500 - $6,000 |
| Employment-based green card | Labor certification and immigrant petition | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Complex or expedited case | Complicated record, response, or premium handling | $7,500 - $20,000+ |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What moves the price
Fees depend on the visa category, how much evidence the case needs, and whether the employer is handling one filing or a full green card process. Prior denials, unusual job requirements, government requests for evidence, and tight timelines can add attorney work. Premium processing is a separate government fee, not an attorney charge.
Government filing fees, translations, credential evaluations, medical exams, and consular costs are usually separate. Costs also vary by firm, employer size, and location; confirm who pays each expense, since some labor certification costs generally must be paid by the employer.
How to keep the cost down
Ask for an itemized written quote that separates legal fees, government fees, and likely third-party expenses. Confirm what is included, whether responses to government requests cost extra, and how billing changes if the case is delayed or denied.
Provide complete, consistent documents promptly and ask whether the firm offers a fixed fee for the specific filing. Compare quotes through Reedleys, where every number comes from a real, checked listing, and check that the proposed scope and attorney experience match your case.
Price questions, answered
Not always. Ask for a written breakdown showing legal fees separately from filing fees and other expenses.
Responsibility depends on the filing and expense. Employers generally must cover certain labor certification costs, so ask counsel to identify which charges can legally be passed to the worker.
Firms may include different steps, levels of support, and responses to government requests. Compare the written scope and exclusions, not just the total.
Recognized Employment-Based Immigration businesses
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Miami immigration law firm handling visa, green card, detention, and deportation matters.