Immigration Costs in New York
Attorney rates, USCIS fees, and local data — updated 2026
$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.
Immigration Resources
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