The Cost of Immigration

Immigrating to the USA can be a costly affair, and the expenses have changed significantly over the years.

https://www.uscis.gov/

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf

Historical Context

In the early 1900s, immigration costs were relatively low. The Ellis Island era (1892-1924) saw millions of immigrants arrive in the US, with minimal costs involved. The main expenses were transportation to the US and a small fee for processing, which was around $4-5 per person. There were no immigration lawyers or complex paperwork involved, making it relatively easier for people to immigrate ¹.

Current Costs

Fast forward to 2025, and the costs have skyrocketed. The total cost of immigrating to the US can range from $6,000 to $12,000 or more, depending on the type of visa, legal fees, and relocation costs.

Immigration Lawyer Costs

Hiring an immigration lawyer can add significant expenses to your immigration journey. The average cost of an immigration lawyer ranges from $150 to $350 per hour, with some lawyers charging flat fees for specific services.

Here are some estimated costs for common immigration services:

• Green Card Petition for Relative: $1,000 to $3,500
• Adjustment of Status Application: $2,000 to $5,000
• Deportation Defense: $4,000 to $12,000
• Citizenship Application: $800 to $2,500
• Asylum Application: $1,000 to $7,000
• Employment-based Visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1): $2,000 to $6,000+

Additional Costs

Besides lawyer fees, you’ll also need to consider other expenses, such as:

• USCIS Filing Fees: $500 to $5,000+
• Medical Exam: $400 to $1,000
• Translation Services: $100 to $500
• Court Costs: $100 to $1,000
• Travel and Relocation: varies

Keep in mind that these costs are estimates, and your actual expenses may vary depending on your specific situation and location.

More examples of the costs associated with immigration:

Immigrating to the USA involves various costs, which I’ll break down for you. Keep in mind that fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the official USCIS website for updates.

Common Immigration Forms and Fees

• N-400 (U.S. Citizenship): $760 (paper) or $710 (online)
• I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 (paper) or $625 (online)
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $1,440
• I-765 (Work Permit): $520 (paper) or $470 (online)
• I-131 (Advance Parole/Travel Document): $630 (paper) or $580 (online)

Additional Costs

• Medical Examination: $200-$500
• Attorney Fees: $2,000-$15,000 (varies by case complexity)
• Document Translation: $20-$100 per page
• Travel Expenses: $500-$5,000 (varies by location and frequency)

New Fees Effective July 22, 2025

• Asylum Application (I-589): $100 (new fee)
• Annual Asylum Fee: $100 (for pending applications)
• Employment Authorization (I-765): $550 (initial) or $275 (renewal)
• Special Immigrant Juvenile (I-360): $250 (new fee)

Fee Waivers and Exemptions

• Fee waivers available for low-income applicants or those receiving public benefits
• Some humanitarian applications (e.g., asylum, refugee benefits) are exempt from fees

For the most up-to-date information and to calculate your specific costs, visit the USCIS website or use their Fee Calculator tool