Cost of lawyers for EB2 NIW petitions

Let’s explore what you can expect to pay for legal fees, discuss whether hiring an attorney is necessary, and examine the growing trend of DIY immigration filings. This is a summary of one of my YouTube videos, you can watch the full video here to get all the info straight from me. Keep in mind I cannot possibly cover all immigration attorneys out there, this is just a selection of the most popular ones.

What Are EB2 NIW and EB1A Green Cards?

Before we dive into the financial aspects, it’s important to understand the differences between the EB2 NIW and EB1A green cards.

• EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This is a green card category for individuals whose work is in the national interest of the United States. Unlike typical EB2 petitions, the NIW waives the requirement for a job offer and a labor certification. It is often used by professionals in fields like science, research, and the arts, who can demonstrate that their work benefits the country as a whole.

• EB1A Extraordinary Ability: This category is reserved for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field, whether that be science, business, athletics, or the arts. The EB1A is highly selective and requires significant documentation to prove sustained national or international acclaim.

Both categories allow applicants to self-petition, meaning you don’t need an employer to sponsor you. This opens the door to filing on your own, without the help of a lawyer—though, as we’ll see, many people still prefer professional legal assistance.

The Costs of Hiring an Immigration Attorney

Legal fees for immigration attorneys vary greatly depending on several factors, including the law firm’s reputation, the complexity of your case, and the level of service you require. For an EB2 NIW or EB1A green card petition, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 in legal fees alone.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with some of the most popular law firms specializing in EB2 NIW and EB1A petitions:

1. Arkell Immigration Team:

   • Cost: Starting at $4,000.
   • Who They Serve: Known for taking on academic and research profiles. If you have publications and citations, they might be a good fit.
   • Refund Option: For some cases, if your petition is denied, they offer a full refund of attorney fees or the option to refile at no extra cost.
   • Website: https://www.nationalinterestwaivers.com/

2. Chen Immigration (WeGreened.com):

   • Cost: Around $5,000.
   • Who They Serve: Focuses on research-heavy profiles with a high likelihood of success. If you’re a junior scientist or in an industry position, they might not take your case.
   • Refund Option: For strong profiles, they offer an approval or refund scheme.
   • Website: http://wegreened.com

3. Raju Law:

   • Cost: $5,000 for EB2 NIW petitions, including letters of recommendation and assistance with requests for evidence (RFE).
   • Who They Serve: Their pricing includes RFE responses, which can be a big plus if USCIS requires additional information to process your application.
   • Website: https://rajulaw.com/

4. Ellis Porter:

   • Cost: $7,000 for EB2 NIW petitions for researchers, and $15,000 for non-research profiles.

   • Who They Serve: Offers both EB2 NIW and EB1A services with different pricing structures based on the applicant’s background.

   • Website: https://www.highskilledimmigration.com/

5. Robert Webber (Webber Arredondo Oja)
   • Cost: Around $5,000 
   • Who They Serve: Offers both EB2 NIW and EB1A services and takes cases beyond research/academia.
   • Website: https://www.webberimmigration.com/
6. Waypoint Immigration
   
   • Cost: $7,800 for EB-2 NIW and $10,000 for EB-1A
   • Who They Serve: Offers both EB2 NIW and EB1A services and takes cases beyond research/academia.
   • Website: https://waypointimmigration.org/

7. Colombo & Hurd:

   • Cost: Around $15,000.
   • Who They Serve: Open to all disciplines, including non-research profiles. However, many clients report that their services come with a hefty price tag.
   • Website: https://abogadocolombo.com/

Is Hiring a Lawyer Necessary?

The biggest question applicants often face is whether they really need to hire an immigration lawyer for their EB2 NIW or EB1A petition. The answer largely depends on your personal circumstances.

Advantages of Hiring a Lawyer:

• Expertise: Immigration law can be complex, and hiring a lawyer ensures that you have someone knowledgeable handling your case. They can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as missing deadlines or failing to submit the right documentation.
• Tailored Strategy: A lawyer can craft a personalized strategy for your petition, making sure it highlights your strengths and addresses any potential weaknesses.
• Time-Saving: Let’s face it—preparing a green card petition is time-consuming. Lawyers can streamline the process and help you meet deadlines.

Drawbacks:

• Cost: As mentioned earlier, legal fees can be steep. If you’re on a tight budget, the expense of hiring a lawyer could be prohibitive.
• Not Always Necessary: If you have a straightforward case and feel confident in your ability to gather the necessary documentation, you may not need a lawyer at all. In our online course we teach you how to DIY your own EB2 NIW case so you can save money and yet be confident about what you re doing.