Cost Guide
How Much Does an Immigration Consultant Cost?
Immigration legal fees run $150–$400 per hour, with common fixed-fee services — work visa applications, green card filings, or citizenship petitions — typically quoted at $1,500–$10,000 or more depending on visa complexity. Attorney experience with your specific visa category, nationality, and the destination country's current processing environment all directly affect the quote.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed June 2026
Typical rates
Hourly rate
$150–$400/hr
Standard for licensed immigration attorneys and experienced consultants
Per session
$150–$350
For a 60-minute strategy or options assessment consultation
Per case (full filing)
$1,500–$10,000
Varies widely by visa type — startup visas and EB-1 cost more than standard work visas
What Factors Affect the Cost?
- Visa category — O-1, EB-1, investor visas, and startup visas are more complex and costly
- Country of origin — certain nationalities face longer processing and more documentation requirements
- Case complexity — prior denials, criminal history, or unusual circumstances increase cost
- Attorney vs. consultant — licensed immigration attorneys typically charge more than authorized consultants
- Urgency — expedited processing or premium access services add cost
What you get at each price level
Budget
$75–$150/hr
Typical for: Authorized immigration consultants (non-attorneys) or newer practitioners
Best for: Basic visa eligibility questions, document checklist review, straightforward work permit situations
Mid-range
$150–$250/hr
Typical for: Licensed immigration attorneys with 5+ years of experience
Best for: H-1B strategy, student-to-work visa transitions, family-based immigration planning
Premium
$250–$400+/hr
Typical for: Senior immigration attorneys specializing in complex business immigration or high-net-worth cases
Best for: O-1/EB-1 extraordinary ability cases, investor visas, startup founder immigration, deportation defense
When it's worth paying more
Official Resources
Official source for US immigration forms, processing times, and eligibility requirements.
The professional body for immigration attorneys — use the member directory to verify credentials.
Related Comparisons
Key Terms
O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their field — defined as the top of their occupation — in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B is a US nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupation workers — typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field — sponsored by a US employer.
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
A green card (officially the Permanent Resident Card) grants foreign nationals lawful permanent residence in the United States — the right to live and work permanently without requiring a separate visa. Green card holders can apply for US citizenship after 3–5 years of residency.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign national becomes a US citizen. To qualify, applicants must generally have been a lawful permanent resident for 3–5 years, meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take an oath of allegiance.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common US student visa, allowing foreign nationals to pursue full-time academic study at a USCIS-approved institution. F-1 students may work on campus and, after completing a degree, qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the US for up to 3 years in STEM fields.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
DACA is a deferred-action immigration policy that can protect certain people brought to the United States as children from removal and provide temporary work authorization.
Asylum
A form of legal protection available to individuals already in the United States who cannot return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.