Obtaining a green card in New York can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to the costs and legal fees involved. To help you navigate this process, this blog post will discuss the various costs associated with hiring a green card lawyer in New York City to handle your immigration case. Knowing these costs can help you prepare your finances and alleviate some of your stress.
Navigate Your Immigration Path with Precision. We encourage you to contact the Law Office of Ghenadie Rusu for professional guidance and support.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Green Card with a Lawyer?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires you to pay certain fees when applying for a green card. As of now, the fees are as follows:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: $1,225
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: $535
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional): $575
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional): $410
Keep in mind that these fees can change, so always consult the USCIS website for the latest information.
How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost for a Green Card in NYC 2024?
There’s no set fee for green card lawyers in New York City, as each attorney has their own pricing structure. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others bill by the hour which is $667. The cost can range from $1,500 to $6,000, or even more, depending on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Green Card Lawyer
The following factors may affect the cost of hiring a green card lawyer in New York City:
- Experience and Reputation: More experienced and reputable attorneys generally charge higher fees than less experienced ones. However, a higher fee may be worth it, as experienced immigration lawyers are more likely to have a higher success rate in getting your application approved.
- Location: Lawyers located in large cities like New York typically charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living and demand for their services.
- Complexity of Your Case: The more complex your case, the higher the legal fees. Cases involving criminal records, inadmissibility waivers, or multiple family members will generally require more time and effort from the attorney, resulting in higher fees.
- Additional Services: Some attorneys may offer additional services, such as translating documents or attending interviews with you. These services can increase the overall cost of your case.
- Flat Fee vs. Hourly Billing: Attorneys may charge either a flat fee or hourly billing. Flat fees are more predictable, whereas hourly billing can lead to higher costs if the case takes longer than anticipated to resolve.
Types of Green Cards
There are many categories of green cards. The most common types are:
Family-Based Green Cards: These green cards are for people who have family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders. There are different categories for immediate relatives (such as spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens), unmarried children (over 21) of U.S. citizens, married children of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens, and other relatives.
Employment-Based Green Cards: These green cards are for people who are coming to the United States to work. There are different categories for workers with extraordinary ability, skilled workers, professionals, investors, and certain other categories of workers.
Humanitarian Green Cards: These green cards are for people who have been victims of crime or human trafficking, or who are refugees. There are different categories for refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, and battered spouses and children.
Diversity Lottery Green Card: This green card is for people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. The Diversity Lottery is a random drawing held each year by the U.S. Department of State.
Longtime-Resident Green Card: This green card is for people who have been living in the United States for a long time without legal status. There are specific requirements for eligibility, such as having lived in the United States for a certain number of years and meeting certain good moral character requirements.
Other Green Cards: There are a number of other green card categories, such as green cards for members of the U.S. military and green cards for religious workers.
Green Card Processing Timeline in 2024: How Long Will It Take?
The wait time for your green card depends on two main factors:
- Your eligibility category: Different categories have different processing times. Spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens generally have faster processing times than other categories.
- Where you are applying from: Applicants within the U.S. (adjustment of status) typically experience faster processing compared to those applying abroad (consular processing).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Applying from within the United States:
- Spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: 10-23 months
- Others (e.g., spouses of green card holders, employment-based): Typically 2 years or more
Applying from outside the United States:
- Spouses and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: 13.5-15 months
- Other categories: Wait times vary greatly due to country caps
Are There Ways to Save Money on Legal Fees?
Yes, there are some ways to save money on legal fees when hiring a green card lawyer:
- Interview several attorneys: Consult with multiple attorneys before signing a contract. Doing so allows you to compare fees, services, and experience levels, ensuring you find the best attorney for your budget.
- Negotiate the fees: Some attorneys may be open to negotiation, especially if your case is relatively simple or you can demonstrate financial hardship.
- Ask for a payment plan: If you can’t afford to pay the entire legal fee upfront, ask the attorney if they offer a payment plan.
- Do some work on your own: To reduce costs, you might consider completing some parts of your application or gathering supporting documents yourself. However, doing so without professional guidance might increase the risk of errors or delays in your application.
Consult with The Law Offices of Ghenadie Rusu
Hiring a skilled green card lawyer in New York can make a significant difference in your immigration journey. If you need assistance navigating the green card process, call (347) 907-1248 or contact us to schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Ghenadie Rusu. Our knowledgeable and professional team will be happy to help you navigate this complex process based on their extensive experience in handling a wide range of immigration issues.
FAQs of Immigration Lawyer Cost for Green Card?
How much does a lawyer charge for a green card?
A green card lawyer’s fees in New York City can vary depending on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of your case. The cost can range from $1,500 to $6,000 or even more. Attorneys may charge either a flat fee or hourly billing.
Can a lawyer get you a green card faster?
While hiring an immigration lawyer may not shorten the processing time determined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a skilled attorney can help ensure accuracy and completeness of your application, reducing the chances of delays and setbacks caused by errors or missing documentation.
Should I use a lawyer to apply for a green card?
Using a lawyer for your green card application can be beneficial, especially if your case is complex or you are not familiar with the process. An experienced immigration lawyer can guide you through the application steps, maximize the chances of a successful outcome, and help you avoid common pitfalls that may lead to delays or denials. However, whether or not to use a lawyer is a personal choice and depends on your comfort level with the application process and your specific circumstances.
How much does it cost to get a green card?
The cost of obtaining a green card involves fees payable to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and lawyer fees, if applicable. The USCIS fees for a green card application are as follows:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status: $1,225
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative: $535
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (optional): $575
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (optional): $410
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