Immigration costs extend far beyond USCIS filing fees. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what you'll actually spend on H-1B, O-1, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW - including hidden costs most people don't anticipate.
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Total immigration costs vary dramatically by visa type: H-1B ($5,000-$10,000, mostly employer-paid), O-1 ($8,000-$20,000), EB-1A ($15,000-$30,000), EB-2 NIW ($10,000-$25,000). These totals include filing fees, attorney fees, premium processing, evidence gathering, translations, and medical exams.
Hidden costs include credential evaluations ($200-$500), expert opinion letters ($500-$2,000 each), and time investment. Planning your budget 6-12 months ahead prevents financial surprises.
USCIS fees are just the beginning:
Attorney fees typically exceed government fees by 2-5x.
Premium processing adds significant cost:
$2,805 for O-1/H-1B, but often worth the speed and certainty.
Self-petitioned visas cost more upfront:
O-1, EB-1A, NIW require more evidence preparation than employer-sponsored visas.
Hidden costs add up:
Translations, credential evaluations, expert letters, medical exams, travel for interviews.
Employer-paid vs self-paid matters:
H-1B costs are typically employer-paid; O-1 and self-petitioned green cards may be self-funded.
Budget for contingencies:
RFEs, refilings, and appeals can add $5,000-$15,000 to any case.
USCIS fees are just the beginning:
Attorney fees typically exceed government fees by 2-5x.
Premium processing adds significant cost:
$2,805 for O-1/H-1B, but often worth the speed and certainty.
Self-petitioned visas cost more upfront:
O-1, EB-1A, NIW require more evidence preparation than employer-sponsored visas.
Hidden costs add up:
Translations, credential evaluations, expert letters, medical exams, travel for interviews.
Employer-paid vs self-paid matters:
H-1B costs are typically employer-paid; O-1 and self-petitioned green cards may be self-funded.
Budget for contingencies:
RFEs, refilings, and appeals can add $5,000-$15,000 to any case.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-129 base filing fee: $780
ACWIA fee (education/training): $750 (small employers) or $1,500 (large employers)
Fraud prevention fee: $500
Public Law 114-113 fee: $4,000 (if employer has 50+ employees and >50% on H-1B/L-1)
Asylum Program fee: $600
Total USCIS fees: $2,630-$7,380
Premium Processing (Optional):
Fee: $2,805
Benefit: 15-day decision
Attorney Fees:
New H-1B: $2,000-$5,000
H-1B transfer: $1,500-$3,500
H-1B extension: $1,500-$3,000
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation (foreign degrees): $200-$500
Translation of documents: $50-$200
Total H-1B Cost:
Without premium: $5,000-$10,000
With premium: $8,000-$13,000
Who pays: Employer pays filing fees and usually attorney fees. Some employers ask employees to pay premium processing.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-129 filing fee: $1,055
Asylum Program fee: $600
Total USCIS fees: $1,655
Premium Processing:
Fee: $2,805
Highly recommended for O-1 (faster, reduces uncertainty)
Attorney Fees:
O-1 petition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies based on case complexity and attorney reputation
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert opinion letters: $500-$2,000 each (if hiring experts to write)
Document compilation: $0-$500 (printing, binding)
Translation of documents: $50-$300
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Agent fee (if using agent petitioner): $500-$2,000
Total O-1 Cost:
Without premium: $7,000-$18,000
With premium: $10,000-$21,000
Who pays: Varies. Some employers pay; some employees pay partially or fully. If self-petitioning through agent, you pay everything.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-140 filing fee: $700
I-485 filing fee (adjustment of status): $1,225
Biometrics fee: $85
I-765 (work permit): $0 (included with I-485)
I-131 (travel document): $0 (included with I-485)
Total USCIS fees: $2,010
Attorney Fees:
I-140 preparation: $8,000-$20,000
I-485 preparation: $2,000-$5,000
Total attorney: $10,000-$25,000
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert opinion letters: $500-$2,000 each (typically need 5-8)
Citation analysis: $200-$500
Press clipping service: $100-$300
Document compilation: $200-$500
Total evidence: $3,000-$10,000
Medical Examination:
Required for I-485
Cost: $200-$500 (varies by location)
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Translations: $100-$500
Photos: $20-$50
Total EB-1A Cost:
Low estimate: $15,000
High estimate: $35,000
Typical: $20,000-$28,000
Who pays: You pay everything (self-petition).
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-140 filing fee: $700
I-485 filing fee: $1,225
Biometrics fee: $85
Total USCIS fees: $2,010
Attorney Fees:
I-140 preparation: $6,000-$15,000
I-485 preparation: $2,000-$5,000
Total attorney: $8,000-$20,000
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert letters: $500-$1,500 each (typically need 4-6)
Document compilation: $200-$500
Total evidence: $2,000-$6,000
Medical Examination:
Cost: $200-$500
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Translations: $100-$500
Total EB-2 NIW Cost:
Low estimate: $10,000
High estimate: $27,000
Typical: $15,000-$22,000
Who pays: You pay everything (self-petition).
PERM Labor Certification:
PERM filing fee: $0 (no government fee)
Attorney fee for PERM: $3,000-$6,000
Recruitment advertising costs: $1,000-$3,000
Total PERM: $4,000-$9,000
I-140 Petition:
Filing fee: $700
Attorney fee: $2,000-$4,000
Total I-140: $2,700-$4,700
I-485 Adjustment of Status:
Filing fee: $1,225
Biometrics: $85
Attorney fee: $2,000-$4,000
Medical exam: $200-$500
Total I-485: $3,500-$5,800
Total Employer-Sponsored Green Card:
Total: $10,000-$20,000
Timeline: 2-4 years (most countries), 15-20 years (India)
Who pays: Employer pays PERM and I-140. Employee often pays I-485 and medical exam.
1. Credential Evaluation ($200-$500) Required if your degree is from outside the U.S. Evaluates foreign education to U.S. equivalent.
2. Document Translation ($50-$300 per document) All non-English documents must be certified translated. Costs add up with multiple documents.
3. Expert Opinion Letters ($500-$2,000 each) For O-1 and EB-1A, you may need to pay experts to write detailed letters. Some write for free; others charge.
4. Medical Examination ($200-$500) Required for I-485 (green card adjustment). Must use USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
5. Travel for Consular Processing ($500-$5,000) If processing at U.S. consulate abroad, include flights, hotels, and time off work.
6. Expedited Passport Renewal ($200-$500) If your passport expires during process, you may need expedited renewal.
7. Photos and Copies ($50-$200) Passport photos, document copies, binding, and shipping.
8. Time Investment (Priceless but Real) Hours spent gathering evidence, coordinating with attorneys, attending appointments. Consider opportunity cost.
If You Get an RFE (Request for Evidence):
Attorney fee to respond: $1,500-$5,000
Additional evidence gathering: $500-$2,000
Expert letters: $500-$2,000 each
Total RFE response: $2,000-$8,000
If Your Case Is Denied:
Motion to Reconsider: $700 filing fee + $2,000-$5,000 attorney
Motion to Reopen: $700 filing fee + $2,000-$5,000 attorney
Appeal to AAO: $700 filing fee + $5,000-$10,000 attorney
Refiling new petition: Full cost again
Budget recommendation: Add 20-30% contingency to your budget for unexpected costs.
DIY (No Attorney):
Potential savings: $5,000-$20,000 in attorney fees
Risks:
Higher RFE/denial rates (evidence not properly framed)
Time investment (100+ hours learning process)
Mistakes that are hard to correct
Stress and uncertainty
When DIY might work:
H-1B transfer (straightforward, employer HR handles)
Simple cases with perfect evidence
You have immigration knowledge
When to hire attorney:
O-1 (evidence framing is critical)
EB-1A (complex, high-stakes)
EB-2 NIW (legal arguments required)
Any case where denial would have serious consequences
RFE responses
Appeals
Bottom line: For O-1 and self-petitioned green cards, attorney fees are usually worth the investment in approval rates and peace of mind.
When payments are typically due:
Attorney Fees:
50% at engagement (signing agreement)
50% at filing
Some offer payment plans
USCIS Fees:
Due at filing
Credit card, check, or money order
Premium Processing:
Optional, paid at filing
Can sometimes be added later (if available)
Medical Exam:
Due when completed (before I-485 filing)
Cash flow example (EB-1A):
Month 1: $5,000 attorney retainer
Month 2-3: $2,000 evidence gathering
Month 4: $10,000 attorney + $2,010 USCIS fees
Month 12-18: $1,225 I-485 fee + $500 medical exam
Total: ~$20,735 over 18 months
Cost Calculator: Input your visa type and situation. OpenSphere provides itemized cost estimate including: Filing fees, typical attorney fees, evidence costs, hidden costs.
Payment Timeline: OpenSphere shows when each cost is typically due, helping you plan cash flow.
DIY vs Attorney Analysis: Based on your case complexity, OpenSphere recommends whether attorney is worth the cost.
Contingency Planning: OpenSphere includes RFE probability for your case and recommends appropriate contingency budget.
Visa Type | USCIS Fees | Attorney Fees | Other Costs | Total Range |
H-1B | $2,600-$7,400 | $2,000-$5,000 | $500-$1,000 | $5,000-$13,000 |
O-1 | $1,655 | $5,000-$15,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $8,000-$22,000 |
EB-1A | $2,010 | $10,000-$25,000 | $3,000-$10,000 | $15,000-$35,000 |
EB-2 NIW | $2,010 | $8,000-$20,000 | $2,000-$6,000 | $12,000-$28,000 |
EB-2/3 PERM | $2,010 | $7,000-$14,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $11,000-$21,000 |
Want to know the exact costs for your specific immigration path - including hidden fees and contingency budget?
Take the OpenSphere evaluation. You'll get a detailed cost breakdown and payment timeline.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-129 base filing fee: $780
ACWIA fee (education/training): $750 (small employers) or $1,500 (large employers)
Fraud prevention fee: $500
Public Law 114-113 fee: $4,000 (if employer has 50+ employees and >50% on H-1B/L-1)
Asylum Program fee: $600
Total USCIS fees: $2,630-$7,380
Premium Processing (Optional):
Fee: $2,805
Benefit: 15-day decision
Attorney Fees:
New H-1B: $2,000-$5,000
H-1B transfer: $1,500-$3,500
H-1B extension: $1,500-$3,000
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation (foreign degrees): $200-$500
Translation of documents: $50-$200
Total H-1B Cost:
Without premium: $5,000-$10,000
With premium: $8,000-$13,000
Who pays: Employer pays filing fees and usually attorney fees. Some employers ask employees to pay premium processing.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-129 filing fee: $1,055
Asylum Program fee: $600
Total USCIS fees: $1,655
Premium Processing:
Fee: $2,805
Highly recommended for O-1 (faster, reduces uncertainty)
Attorney Fees:
O-1 petition: $5,000-$15,000
Varies based on case complexity and attorney reputation
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert opinion letters: $500-$2,000 each (if hiring experts to write)
Document compilation: $0-$500 (printing, binding)
Translation of documents: $50-$300
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Agent fee (if using agent petitioner): $500-$2,000
Total O-1 Cost:
Without premium: $7,000-$18,000
With premium: $10,000-$21,000
Who pays: Varies. Some employers pay; some employees pay partially or fully. If self-petitioning through agent, you pay everything.
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-140 filing fee: $700
I-485 filing fee (adjustment of status): $1,225
Biometrics fee: $85
I-765 (work permit): $0 (included with I-485)
I-131 (travel document): $0 (included with I-485)
Total USCIS fees: $2,010
Attorney Fees:
I-140 preparation: $8,000-$20,000
I-485 preparation: $2,000-$5,000
Total attorney: $10,000-$25,000
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert opinion letters: $500-$2,000 each (typically need 5-8)
Citation analysis: $200-$500
Press clipping service: $100-$300
Document compilation: $200-$500
Total evidence: $3,000-$10,000
Medical Examination:
Required for I-485
Cost: $200-$500 (varies by location)
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Translations: $100-$500
Photos: $20-$50
Total EB-1A Cost:
Low estimate: $15,000
High estimate: $35,000
Typical: $20,000-$28,000
Who pays: You pay everything (self-petition).
USCIS Filing Fees:
I-140 filing fee: $700
I-485 filing fee: $1,225
Biometrics fee: $85
Total USCIS fees: $2,010
Attorney Fees:
I-140 preparation: $6,000-$15,000
I-485 preparation: $2,000-$5,000
Total attorney: $8,000-$20,000
Evidence Gathering Costs:
Expert letters: $500-$1,500 each (typically need 4-6)
Document compilation: $200-$500
Total evidence: $2,000-$6,000
Medical Examination:
Cost: $200-$500
Other Costs:
Credential evaluation: $200-$500
Translations: $100-$500
Total EB-2 NIW Cost:
Low estimate: $10,000
High estimate: $27,000
Typical: $15,000-$22,000
Who pays: You pay everything (self-petition).
PERM Labor Certification:
PERM filing fee: $0 (no government fee)
Attorney fee for PERM: $3,000-$6,000
Recruitment advertising costs: $1,000-$3,000
Total PERM: $4,000-$9,000
I-140 Petition:
Filing fee: $700
Attorney fee: $2,000-$4,000
Total I-140: $2,700-$4,700
I-485 Adjustment of Status:
Filing fee: $1,225
Biometrics: $85
Attorney fee: $2,000-$4,000
Medical exam: $200-$500
Total I-485: $3,500-$5,800
Total Employer-Sponsored Green Card:
Total: $10,000-$20,000
Timeline: 2-4 years (most countries), 15-20 years (India)
Who pays: Employer pays PERM and I-140. Employee often pays I-485 and medical exam.
1. Credential Evaluation ($200-$500) Required if your degree is from outside the U.S. Evaluates foreign education to U.S. equivalent.
2. Document Translation ($50-$300 per document) All non-English documents must be certified translated. Costs add up with multiple documents.
3. Expert Opinion Letters ($500-$2,000 each) For O-1 and EB-1A, you may need to pay experts to write detailed letters. Some write for free; others charge.
4. Medical Examination ($200-$500) Required for I-485 (green card adjustment). Must use USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
5. Travel for Consular Processing ($500-$5,000) If processing at U.S. consulate abroad, include flights, hotels, and time off work.
6. Expedited Passport Renewal ($200-$500) If your passport expires during process, you may need expedited renewal.
7. Photos and Copies ($50-$200) Passport photos, document copies, binding, and shipping.
8. Time Investment (Priceless but Real) Hours spent gathering evidence, coordinating with attorneys, attending appointments. Consider opportunity cost.
If You Get an RFE (Request for Evidence):
Attorney fee to respond: $1,500-$5,000
Additional evidence gathering: $500-$2,000
Expert letters: $500-$2,000 each
Total RFE response: $2,000-$8,000
If Your Case Is Denied:
Motion to Reconsider: $700 filing fee + $2,000-$5,000 attorney
Motion to Reopen: $700 filing fee + $2,000-$5,000 attorney
Appeal to AAO: $700 filing fee + $5,000-$10,000 attorney
Refiling new petition: Full cost again
Budget recommendation: Add 20-30% contingency to your budget for unexpected costs.
DIY (No Attorney):
Potential savings: $5,000-$20,000 in attorney fees
Risks:
Higher RFE/denial rates (evidence not properly framed)
Time investment (100+ hours learning process)
Mistakes that are hard to correct
Stress and uncertainty
When DIY might work:
H-1B transfer (straightforward, employer HR handles)
Simple cases with perfect evidence
You have immigration knowledge
When to hire attorney:
O-1 (evidence framing is critical)
EB-1A (complex, high-stakes)
EB-2 NIW (legal arguments required)
Any case where denial would have serious consequences
RFE responses
Appeals
Bottom line: For O-1 and self-petitioned green cards, attorney fees are usually worth the investment in approval rates and peace of mind.
When payments are typically due:
Attorney Fees:
50% at engagement (signing agreement)
50% at filing
Some offer payment plans
USCIS Fees:
Due at filing
Credit card, check, or money order
Premium Processing:
Optional, paid at filing
Can sometimes be added later (if available)
Medical Exam:
Due when completed (before I-485 filing)
Cash flow example (EB-1A):
Month 1: $5,000 attorney retainer
Month 2-3: $2,000 evidence gathering
Month 4: $10,000 attorney + $2,010 USCIS fees
Month 12-18: $1,225 I-485 fee + $500 medical exam
Total: ~$20,735 over 18 months
Cost Calculator: Input your visa type and situation. OpenSphere provides itemized cost estimate including: Filing fees, typical attorney fees, evidence costs, hidden costs.
Payment Timeline: OpenSphere shows when each cost is typically due, helping you plan cash flow.
DIY vs Attorney Analysis: Based on your case complexity, OpenSphere recommends whether attorney is worth the cost.
Contingency Planning: OpenSphere includes RFE probability for your case and recommends appropriate contingency budget.
Visa Type | USCIS Fees | Attorney Fees | Other Costs | Total Range |
H-1B | $2,600-$7,400 | $2,000-$5,000 | $500-$1,000 | $5,000-$13,000 |
O-1 | $1,655 | $5,000-$15,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $8,000-$22,000 |
EB-1A | $2,010 | $10,000-$25,000 | $3,000-$10,000 | $15,000-$35,000 |
EB-2 NIW | $2,010 | $8,000-$20,000 | $2,000-$6,000 | $12,000-$28,000 |
EB-2/3 PERM | $2,010 | $7,000-$14,000 | $2,000-$5,000 | $11,000-$21,000 |
Want to know the exact costs for your specific immigration path - including hidden fees and contingency budget?
Take the OpenSphere evaluation. You'll get a detailed cost breakdown and payment timeline.
1. Can I negotiate attorney fees?
Sometimes. Flat fees are usually fixed, but you can ask about payment plans or reduced rates for straightforward cases.
2. Are immigration costs tax-deductible?
Generally no for personal immigration. Business-related immigration (employer-sponsored) may be deductible for the employer.
3. What's the most expensive part of the process?
Attorney fees typically exceed all other costs combined. For self-petitioned cases, attorney fees are 60-70% of total cost.
4. Can my employer reimburse my immigration costs?
Some employers reimburse some or all costs. This is negotiable and depends on company policy.
5. Is premium processing worth it?
For O-1: Almost always yes (reduces uncertainty). For H-1B: Depends on urgency. For green cards: Not always available.
6. What if I can't afford an attorney?
Consider nonprofit legal services (if eligible), law school clinics, or limited-scope representation (attorney reviews but doesn't prepare full case).
7. Do costs differ by attorney location?
Yes. Major metro attorneys (NYC, SF) typically charge more than attorneys in smaller markets.
8. What's the cheapest path to U.S. residence?
H-1B → employer-sponsored green card is cheapest (employer pays most costs), but takes 15+ years for Indians.
9. Can I use multiple attorneys for different parts?
Possible but not recommended. Handoffs between attorneys create gaps and miscommunication.
10. What happens to my fees if my case is denied?
USCIS fees are non-refundable. Attorney fees depend on engagement agreement (some offer partial refunds, most don't).
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