The immigration process is a difficult one. Though the United States is a country of opportunity, many people want the chance to better their lives through U.S. citizenship. This means that the application process is competitive and difficult, which can be a significant barrier to those who want to get their documents in order. For those seeking to hire an attorney for assistance, a common question that arises is: How much does an immigration lawyer cost in California?
While many individuals may feel overwhelmed by the cost of hiring an immigration attorney in California, it’s crucial for them to understand that this is an investment that pays for itself in the long run. As immigration law is commonly changing and highly complex, even a small mistake could lead to delays, denials, or even removal proceedings. A skilled immigration lawyer can help you avoid costly errors, navigate the legal system, and increase the chances of a positive outcome.
Although hiring an attorney would mean the difference between a missed opportunity and an approved application, it’s important for individuals to understand the specific factors that can influence the cost of hiring an immigration attorney in California, as well as general prices for associated processes. By having all the information required, folks can make an informed decision when hiring an immigration lawyer.
Understanding the Price Barrier in Immigration Courts
For many individuals, it’s harder than ever to access legal help. According to data from December 2023, the US Immigration Court backlog has reached over 3.2 million cases, with California alone accounting for 348,138 of those, the second-highest in the nation. Just like this significant increase in cases, only 49% of California immigrants are receiving legal representation, which means that over half are left to fend for themselves alone.
The lack of legal representation is a critical concern, as working with an experienced and skilled attorney not only reduces backlogs and delays in the legal process but also significantly increases the chance of a positive case outcome. Just roughly over five years ago, 65% of immigrants who were in court had legal representation, and now that figure has dropped to 30% nationwide. This shows both a shortage of qualified immigration attorneys and escalating costs of legal help.
How Much Do Immigration Attorneys Cost?
Many people want to know how much legal services for the immigration process will cost. Though legal services are extremely helpful, many families have strict budgets and need to know if they can afford an immigration lawyer. We have outlined some of the financial considerations that you may need to address before hiring an attorney.
Hourly Ranges
Unfortunately, it is difficult to say exactly how much an immigration attorney will cost because all attorneys charge differently for legal services. In most cases, immigration attorneys charge hourly, but the hourly wage can depend upon several factors. For a basic consultation, the cost usually ranges from $75 to $150. For general immigration help, the hourly rate is often between $150 and $300.
If you are seeking help filling out and filing forms, the average total cost is between $250 to $800. The total cost of green card assistance usually ranges from $800 to $5,000.
It is important to understand that you may have payment options or other methods of support during your immigration process. It is best to consult with several attorneys to discuss their experience, capabilities, and cost. This will help you to find representation that you can afford, and that will help you to achieve the citizenship status that you are looking for.
Filing Fees
It is important to remember that there will be additional fees associated with immigration, aside from the attorney fees. When you file certain paperwork, you will need to pay fees through the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fees range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the specifics of your application.
The benefit of having an immigration attorney is the ability to foresee and understand all costs associated with the immigration process. When you do the process on your own, it is easy to feel surprised by the number of costs and fees associated with your application. However, when you have a seasoned professional to assist, you have a clearer view of the process and costs ahead of you.
What to Look for in an Immigration Attorney
If you are looking for attorneys for your immigration process, it is important to know what to look for. Though cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you need to look for. All attorneys are different and certain individuals may be better suited to your needs than others. You do not want to waste time and money with an individual who cannot properly help you.
The biggest factor in choosing an attorney is finding someone with experience. Immigration is complicated, and your attorney should have lots of specific experience in this type of law. If your case has special circumstances or factors, you should find someone who has seen situations like yours before. This can help to overcome any unique obstacles and ensure that you have the best chance of achieving citizenship.
You should also feel comfortable talking with your attorney openly and honestly about your experiences. Immigration can be an emotional process, and you need to feel comfortable with your attorney so that they can understand the entire story and know how to assist you.
About U.S. Law Center
U.S. Law Center, founded by Attorney Sanjay Sobti, is a full-service immigration law firm that has assisted thousands of people and families across the state of California avoid deportation, achieve US citizenship, and secure green cards. Attorney Sanjay Sobti and the legal team are bringing decades of combined legal experience, national recognition, and intercultural communication to each case.
Mr. Sobti is proudly a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is fluent in multiple languages, such as Punjabi, Hindi, and Spanish. Therefore, we can connect with clients from all around the globe, handling both detained and non-detained cases to push for positive outcomes. We are highly equipped and used to dealing with ICE, USCIS, and level courts.
Whether your immigration case is being handled in the Los Angeles, Adelanto, or Santa Ana Immigration Court, for example, we are aware of the local processes and stakeholders unique to each court and can help you navigate these systems to successfully manage even the most complex of cases.
We are solely focused on immigration law and understand just how high the stakes are. Therefore, we personalize each legal strategy to meet you where you’re at. As we understand the concerns when it comes to financial limitations, we are transparent about our costs, flexible with payment options, and committed to delivering high-quality legal representation that ultimately pays off.
FAQs About California Immigration Lawyer Cost
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Immigration Lawyer in California?
A: The total cost of your immigration legal help will depend upon the nature of your case, the time it takes to undergo the process, and the hourly rates of your attorney. Hourly rates usually range from $150 to $300 per hour. Assistance filing forms average between $250 and $800. You can expect green card assistance to cost between $800 to $5,000. Though this may be a significant investment, it gives you the assurance that the process is done correctly.
Q: Who Pays the Immigrant Fee?
A: In most cases, the applicant pays their own immigrant fee. However, if you cannot afford the fee, you can get sponsorship from a friend, family member, or employer. There are also certain programs that may be able to help you to pay the fee to the immigration and citizenship office. Do not let the inability to pay stop you from applying; there are lots of options for those who wish to become citizens of the United States.
Q: What Are Reasonable Attorney Fees in California?
A: An hourly rate between $150 and $300 is considered average in California. Attorneys have a significant amount of expertise, which is why their hourly rate is usually within this range. If an attorney tries to charge you significant additional fees, exorbitant hourly rates, or other costs, you should shop around to find a different attorney for your purposes. You have many options in the state of California, especially for help with immigration cases.
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Green Card with a Lawyer?
A: Your charge for a green card will depend upon your situation. These are the averages for the following common situations:
- Marriage- $800-$4000
- Sibling of a U.S. Citizen- $795
- Parent of a U.S. Citizen- $795
- PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) or labor-sponsored– $2000
If you ever need to know how much a green card attorney will cost, shop around and interview multiple options to get a good idea of what to expect financially.
Contact U.S. Law Center Today
For many years, our team has been helping individuals and families navigate immigration law and achieve green cards, naturalization, and citizenship. We understand the complex laws and challenges of these scenarios, and we are here to help you. For more information, contact U.S. Law Center today.
ES