Fees & Payment Information
Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees. We believe you deserve to know exactly what your legal services will cost before you commit.
Important Fee Disclosure
Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 requires that attorney fees be reasonable and clearly communicated. All fees are determined based on the complexity of your case, time required, and attorney expertise.
No Guarantees: Payment of legal fees does not guarantee specific outcomes. Immigration case results depend on individual circumstances, government policies, and other factors beyond our control.
Our Pricing Philosophy
We believe in transparent, predictable pricing that allows you to budget with confidence. Most of our immigration services use flat-rate fees, so you know the total cost upfront before we begin work on your case.
During your initial consultation, we'll provide a detailed fee agreement outlining all costs, what's included, payment schedules, and any additional expenses you should anticipate.
Typical Fee Ranges by Service
Change of status (B-2 to F-1), reinstatement, and related student visa matters.
Employment authorization for F-1 graduates, including STEM extensions and Cap-Gap guidance.
Marriage-based green cards, I-130 petitions, adjustment of status, and consular processing support.
I-539 change/extension of status, I-485 adjustment of status, and related applications.
Note: These are typical fee ranges for straightforward cases. Complex cases requiring extensive documentation, RFE responses, or additional legal work may incur higher fees. Your specific fee will be clearly outlined in your written retainer agreement.
What's Included in Our Legal Fees
When you hire us for immigration representation, our flat-rate legal fees typically include:
- Initial Consultation: Comprehensive case assessment and strategy discussion
- Case Preparation: Gathering required documentation, preparing forms, and compiling evidence
- Legal Research: Analyzing applicable laws, regulations, and policies for your case
- Document Drafting: Preparing petitions, applications, supporting letters, and legal briefs
- Filing Services: Completing, reviewing, and submitting forms to USCIS or other agencies
- Communication: Correspondence with USCIS, follow-up on case status, and regular updates
- Client Portal Access: Secure MyCase platform for document sharing and case tracking
- RFE Response: Response to one Request for Evidence (if applicable to case type)
- Interview Preparation: Guidance and preparation for USCIS interviews (when applicable)
Additional Costs NOT Included in Legal Fees
The following costs are separate from our legal fees and are paid directly by you:
Government Filing Fees
USCIS charges filing fees for immigration applications and petitions. These fees are set by the government and subject to change. Common filing fees include:
- I-539 Change/Extension of Status: $420 (as of 2026)
- I-765 Employment Authorization (OPT): $410
- I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: $535
- I-485 Adjustment of Status: $1,140 - $1,440 (depending on age)
We will inform you of all applicable government fees before filing.
Third-Party Expenses
- Translation Services: Professional translation of foreign documents ($25-75 per page)
- Document Certification: Certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.
- Medical Examinations: USCIS-approved civil surgeon exam for adjustment of status ($200-500)
- Photographs: USCIS-compliant passport photos
- Courier/Mailing: Express delivery for time-sensitive filings
- Background Checks: FBI clearances, police certificates from other countries
Cost Estimates: During your consultation, we'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of anticipated government fees and third-party expenses for your specific case.
Payment Options & Policies
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- Bank transfers (ACH)
- Checks (personal or business)
Payment Plans Available
We understand that legal fees can be a significant investment. We offer flexible payment plans for qualifying cases, allowing you to spread payments over time while we work on your case.
Payment plan options are discussed during your consultation and specified in your retainer agreement.
Retainer Requirement
Most cases require an initial retainer (advance payment) before we begin work. The retainer amount varies based on the service and is applied toward your total legal fees. Representation begins only after:
- A written retainer agreement is signed by both parties
- The initial retainer payment is received and cleared
- You receive written confirmation that representation has commenced
Refund Policy
If you decide to terminate representation before work begins, you may be entitled to a full refund of your retainer, minus any administrative costs incurred.
Once work on your case has commenced, refunds are calculated based on the work completed and costs incurred. Our retainer agreement includes specific refund provisions compliant with Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5.
Factors That Affect Legal Fees
Under Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5, attorney fees must be reasonable. We determine fees based on several factors:
Case Complexity
- Straightforward cases with complete documentation require less time and cost less
- Complex cases with missing documents, prior visa denials, or complicating factors require more work
- Cases requiring extensive legal research or novel legal arguments may incur additional fees
Time and Effort Required
- Document collection and preparation time
- Legal research and analysis
- Communication with government agencies
- Responding to RFEs or handling unexpected complications
Attorney Experience and Expertise
- Specialized knowledge in student and family immigration law
- Connecticut bar membership and professional qualifications
- Track record and experience handling similar cases
Urgency and Time Constraints
- Standard processing cases are priced at regular rates
- Expedited or rush cases requiring immediate attention may incur premium fees
Free 15-Minute Initial Consultation
We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your immigration matter, evaluate your options, and provide an accurate fee estimate for your case.
During this consultation, you'll:
- Speak directly with Attorney Aakash Sharma (not a paralegal or assistant)
- Discuss your immigration goals and current situation
- Receive an honest assessment of your case prospects
- Get a clear fee quote with no obligation to hire
- Learn about payment options and next steps
No pressure, no hidden agendas—just honest legal guidance.
Get Your Free Fee Consultation
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your case and receive a transparent, no-obligation fee quote.
Book Free Consultation