Immigration Costs in District of Columbia
Attorney rates, USCIS fees, and local data — updated 2024
$400/hr
Avg Hourly Rate
$3,500
Simple Case
$15,000
Complex Case
18,000
Pending Cases
About Immigration in District of Columbia
Washington DC immigration court. Full sanctuary jurisdiction. Driver's licenses available. Highest attorney rates nationally. Concentration of nonprofit and legal aid organizations. Many government and embassy workers with complex immigration situations.
Immigration courts:1
Driver's licenses:✓ Available
Total Immigration Costs in District of Columbia(USCIS fees + District of Columbia attorney rates)
Marriage-Based Green Card (Spouse in US)
15–24 months (immediate relative)
$4,762 – $10,915
Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa (Spouse Abroad)
12–36 months
$4,319 – $9,991
K-1 Fiancé Visa
15–24 months total (visa + adjustment)
$5,952 – $12,789
Employment-Based Green Card (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3)
2–10+ years (country-specific backlog, especially India/China)
$11,885 – $30,504
Naturalization (Become a US Citizen)
8–24 months
$760 – $4,251
Asylum Application
2–7+ years (severe backlog)
$3,636 – $15,273
H-1B Work Visa
Lottery in April; starts Oct 1. Premium: 15 business days.
$6,784 – $16,319
Green Card Renewal (I-90)
12–24 months (USCIS processing)
$569 – $1,311
Immigration FAQs for District of Columbia
How much does an immigration attorney cost in District of Columbia?
Immigration attorneys in District of Columbia typically charge $350–$480 per hour. For flat-fee representation, expect $3,500 for simple cases and $15,000 for complex cases.
How many immigration courts are in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has 1 immigration court with approximately 18,000 pending cases.
Is District of Columbia a sanctuary state?
Yes, District of Columbia is a full sanctuary state with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license or driving privilege card.
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