Immigration Costs in California

Attorney rates, USCIS fees, and local data — updated 2024

🛡️ Sanctuary State

$350/hr

Avg Hourly Rate

$3,000

Simple Case

$12,000

Complex Case

285,000

Pending Cases

About Immigration in California

Largest immigration court system in the US with 9 courts including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. California is a full sanctuary state. Driver's licenses available for all regardless of status. Highest attorney rates nationally but many nonprofit legal services available.

Immigration courts:9

Driver's licenses:✓ Available

Total Immigration Costs in California(USCIS fees + California attorney rates)

Marriage-Based Green Card (Spouse in US)

15–24 months (immediate relative)

$4,431 – $9,815

Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa (Spouse Abroad)

12–36 months

$3,933 – $8,897

K-1 Fiancé Visa

15–24 months total (visa + adjustment)

$5,411 – $11,393

Employment-Based Green Card (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3)

2–10+ years (country-specific backlog, especially India/China)

$10,667 – $26,958

Naturalization (Become a US Citizen)

8–24 months

$760 – $3,815

Asylum Application

2–7+ years (severe backlog)

$3,182 – $13,364

H-1B Work Visa

Lottery in April; starts Oct 1. Premium: 15 business days.

$6,050 – $14,393

Green Card Renewal (I-90)

12–24 months (USCIS processing)

$565 – $1,215

Immigration FAQs for California

How much does an immigration attorney cost in California?

Immigration attorneys in California typically charge $300–$430 per hour. For flat-fee representation, expect $3,000 for simple cases and $12,000 for complex cases.

How many immigration courts are in California?

California has 9 immigration courts with approximately 285,000 pending cases.

Is California a sanctuary state?

Yes, California is a full sanctuary state with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in California?

Yes, California allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or driving privilege card.