Immigration Costs in Illinois

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

🛡️ Sanctuary State

$300/hr

Avg Hourly Rate

$2,500

Simple Case

$9,500

Complex Case

38,000

Pending Cases

About Immigration in Illinois

Chicago immigration court. Illinois Trust Act limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Driver's licenses available. Strong legal aid sector in Chicago. Mid-to-high attorney costs.

Immigration courts:1

Driver's licenses:✓ Available

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

Marriage-Based Green Card (Spouse in US)

15–24 months (immediate relative)

$4,100 – $8,715

Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa (Spouse Abroad)

12–36 months

$3,548 – $7,802

K-1 Fiancé Visa

15–24 months total (visa + adjustment)

$4,870 – $9,998

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

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

$9,449 – $23,413

Naturalization (Become a US Citizen)

8–24 months

$760 – $3,378

Asylum Application

2–7+ years (severe backlog)

$2,727 – $11,455

H-1B Work Visa

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

$5,317 – $12,468

Green Card Renewal (I-90)

12–24 months (USCIS processing)

$562 – $1,118

Immigration FAQs for Illinois

How much does an immigration attorney cost in Illinois?

Immigration attorneys in Illinois typically charge $250–$380 per hour. For flat-fee representation, expect $2,500 for simple cases and $9,500 for complex cases.

How many immigration courts are in Illinois?

Illinois has 1 immigration court with approximately 38,000 pending cases.

Is Illinois a sanctuary state?

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

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

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