| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple / straightforward | $80–$100 |
| Standard complexity | $186–$303 |
| Complex / contested | $294–$477 |
| High-stakes litigation | $500+ |
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| Visa Type | Government Fee | Attorney (if needed) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (B-1/B-2) | $185 | $0–$500 |
| Student (F-1) | $185 + $350 SEVIS | $0–$500 |
| Work (H-1B) | $460–$2,460 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Green card (family-based) | $1,760 | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Green card (employment-based) | $1,760–$2,500 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| K-1 fiancé visa | $535 + $1,225 | $1,500–$4,000 |
H-1B work visas are employer-sponsored (the employer pays most fees), subject to an annual lottery with ~25% selection rate, and take 6–12 months to process. Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees a response within 15 business days. Tourist visas are straightforward — apply at your nearest US embassy, attend an interview, and receive a decision usually within 1–2 weeks. ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) for citizens of 40 allied countries costs just $21 and is processed online in minutes.
Visa costs are driven primarily by complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple, uncontested matters with clear documentation can often be handled at flat-fee rates. Once disputes arise, costs shift to hourly billing and become much harder to predict.
Geography matters more than most people realize. Attorney rates in New York or San Francisco can be 2–3 times higher than in smaller markets for the same type of work. If your matter does not require a local attorney, hiring outside a major metro can save substantially without sacrificing quality.