Question:
"We will not be able to assist you with the financial aspect of the
green card process, but we will be able to help situate the paperwork
that is required."
I would like to know how much would be the cost for greencard
processing..?
Answer:
You can probably count on around $1000 for a straightforward case.
Depends on a number of factors. You should probably expect around $2000 or
so in government fees (depends on your family size), around $1000 or so in
advertising cost, and around $10,000 in lawyer's fees. You may also incur
travel expenses.
You don't have to pay all that at once, but will be able to spread it over
several years.
I'm in the same position with my employer, and my wife and I are just
starting the application process right now (we currenly hold L1 and L2
visas respectively).
Having researched, total costs we're anticipating are in the region of
$4-5K, made up of attorney's fees ($3K), filing fees (around $1K) plus
cost of medicals, photographs etc.
Don't forget the cost of advertising the job. That could be > $1k. Then
there is the credentials evaluation. If you qualify for L-1A, your employer
may not need to advertise, but you will need to provide evidence that you
qualify. Travel expenses, especially if you choose consular processing.
Also, other incidentals can add up. I think your number would be on the very
low end.
Don't forget the cost of advertising the job. That could be > $1k. Then
there is the credentials evaluation. If you qualify for L-1A, your
employer
may not need to advertise, but you will need to provide evidence that
you
qualify. Travel expenses, especially if you choose consular processing.
Also, other incidentals can add up. I think your number would be on the
very
low end.
Ah. Sorry - suppose I should've mentioned I already have an L1A. My
immigration lawyer hasn't mentioned any other potential expenses other
than the ones I've outlined above.
