Immigration Costs in New York

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

🛡️ Sanctuary State

$375/hr

Avg Hourly Rate

$3,500

Simple Case

$15,000

Complex Case

245,000

Pending Cases

About Immigration in New York

New York City courts handle one of the highest caseloads nationally. Full sanctuary state. Driver's licenses available. Highest attorney rates nationally. Extensive nonprofit legal aid sector (Legal Aid Society, NYLAG, etc.). Massive backlog — some cases pending 5–10 years.

Immigration courts:4

Driver's licenses:✓ Available

Total Immigration Costs in New York(USCIS fees + New York attorney rates)

Marriage-Based Green Card (Spouse in US)

15–24 months (immediate relative)

$4,597 – $10,365

Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa (Spouse Abroad)

12–36 months

$4,126 – $9,444

K-1 Fiancé Visa

15–24 months total (visa + adjustment)

$5,682 – $12,091

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

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

$11,276 – $28,731

Naturalization (Become a US Citizen)

8–24 months

$760 – $4,033

Asylum Application

2–7+ years (severe backlog)

$3,409 – $14,318

H-1B Work Visa

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

$6,417 – $15,356

Green Card Renewal (I-90)

12–24 months (USCIS processing)

$567 – $1,263

Immigration FAQs for New York

How much does an immigration attorney cost in New York?

Immigration attorneys in New York typically charge $325–$455 per hour. For flat-fee representation, expect $3,500 for simple cases and $15,000 for complex cases.

How many immigration courts are in New York?

New York has 4 immigration courts with approximately 245,000 pending cases.

Is New York a sanctuary state?

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

Can undocumented immigrants get a driver's license in New York?

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