Want Green Card? Get Ready To Pay $6K Now

The green card facility is one of the sought after accompaniments for the Indian community in the United States. A green card applicant recently shared that their immigration lawyer quoted $6,000 to handle a marriage-based Adjustment of Status filing, and they’re unsure whether this price is reasonable.

The contract did not clearly list the specific services included, like filing forms I-130 or I-485, and even charged extra for basic phone and email communication.

Some immigration experts say $6,000 is too high for what is largely paperwork and form submission. In straightforward cases with no legal complications, applicants can file on their own or shop around for much lower attorney fees. Many relatively simple green card applications cost significantly less in attorney fees plus government filing costs.

However, other attorneys argue that the fee could be justified if the case is complex, involves legal issues, or requires careful review to avoid potential denials. For example, if someone has a criminal history or unusual circumstances, having strong legal support can make a big difference in outcomes.

Regardless of the cost, it’s critical for anyone hiring a lawyer to ask for a clear written breakdown of what services are included — such as interview prep and responses to Requests for Evidence — so you know exactly what you are paying for.