Immigrating to the United States requires one to obtain a visa, a process that can attract substantial costs. These costs, which often vary depending on the type of visa sought, are generally twofold: application fees and legal fees. The fees charged by the U.S. Department of State for processing visa applications are relatively standard. For instance, most visitor visa applications require a fee of $160, while employment visas may cost as much as $190. However, more specialized visas, such as the EB-5 investor visa, can demand up to $3,675.
On the other hand, legal fees are much more fluid and significantly costlier. Given the complications involved in visa applications, many individuals prefer to solicit the services of immigration lawyers. Depending on the level of complexity, a lawyer may charge anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, unexpected events like procedural delays or demands for additional documentation can considerably drive up costs. Therefore, it is vital to consider these potential expenses when planning to secure a U.S. visa.