Transparent flat-fee pricing for most immigration services. Attorney fees vs USCIS filing fees explained. Know full cost upfront.
At Fitenko Law, we believe that understanding the cost of legal representation should never feel like a guessing game. That is why most of our immigration services are handled on a flat-fee basis, giving you the full cost upfront before any work begins. Our fee structure is designed to be transparent, predictable, and free of hidden charges. Before we take on your case, you will receive a written fee agreement clearly outlining the scope of representation, payment terms, and what is included. This approach allows you to plan financially with confidence, knowing exactly what you are paying your immigration attorney and why.
One of the most common sources of confusion for clients is the difference between attorney fees and government filing fees. Attorney fees cover our professional legal services — strategy, document preparation, filings, correspondence with USCIS, and representation throughout your case. Government filing fees, on the other hand, are paid directly to USCIS, the State Department, or other agencies. Forms such as the I-130, I-485, I-140, and N-400 each carry their own fixed government filing fees set by USCIS. These fees are separate from and not included in our firm's attorney fees. We always itemize both clearly so there is no confusion about where your money is going.
Several factors determine the flat fee for your case. The type of visa or petition is the starting point — an investor visa, family-based green card, or naturalization application each involves different workloads. Complexity matters as well: a criminal history, prior denials, requests for evidence, or multiple family members can increase preparation time. Urgency, such as premium processing or tight deadlines, may also affect pricing. Extensive document preparation, translations, and supporting affidavits add to the work involved. More complex cases generally carry higher flat fees, but the fee remains flat and locked in from day one.
While the vast majority of our immigration matters are handled on a flat-fee basis, there are limited situations where hourly billing is more appropriate. These typically include federal court litigation, complex deportation defense, motions to reopen, or cases where the scope of work is genuinely unpredictable. In such situations, we clearly disclose the hourly rate upfront, provide an estimated range of total hours, and keep you informed of accrued time as the case progresses. You will never be surprised by a bill. Any shift between flat-fee and hourly arrangements is discussed and agreed to in writing before any additional work begins.
Immigration cases are a significant expense, so the fee is fixed in writing before the work starts and can be paid in stages. Most engagements begin with an initial retainer followed by milestone payments tied to specific stages of your case — for example, upon filing, upon receipt of interview notice, or upon approval. Before any legal work begins, you and Attorney Fitenko will sign a written fee agreement that details the scope, payment schedule, and obligations of both parties. We also offer secure online payment options, making it simple to manage your account from anywhere in the world.
After your initial consultation, we prepare a detailed fee proposal tailored to your specific situation. Every line item is explained in plain English — or Russian, if you prefer — so you understand exactly what you are paying for and why. There is no surprise billing, no vague "administrative charges," and no last-minute add-ons. If your case evolves and additional services are needed, we discuss and document any changes before proceeding. To learn more about our fees for specific services, contact us for a consultation, or explore our practice areas such as investor visas and family green cards.
The figures below are the flat fees this firm charges and the government fees you pay on top of them. They are the same numbers quoted in the written fee agreement you sign before any work begins.
Attorney fees are a flat $2,000 to $4,000: $2,000 for the I-130 petition alone, and $4,000 when the case includes adjustment of status. Separately, USCIS government filing fees are currently around $3,005 for a combined I-130/I-485 with biometrics.
H-1B attorney fees in Florida typically range from $2,000 to $3,500 for the initial cap petition, and under USCIS regulations the employer customarily pays them. Government fees are also the employer's: the I-129 base fee ($780), the ACWIA training fee ($750 to $1,500 depending on employer size), the Fraud Prevention fee ($500), and the Asylum Program fee ($600). Premium processing, which puts USCIS on a 15-day clock, costs an additional $2,805.
E-2 attorney fees in South Florida typically range from $5,500 to $9,500, reflecting the complexity of the business case. Government fees are comparatively small: a $315 DS-160 fee per applicant at the consulate, plus a reciprocity fee that depends on nationality — $4,440 for Mexican nationals, $0 for many European ones. Renewals every two years carry lower attorney fees, $2,500 to $4,000, because the business is already established.
The initial consultation is 30 minutes for $200, and the $200 is credited toward your legal fee if you retain the firm.
Contact Russian-speaking immigration attorney Ekaterina Fitenko. Consultations available in English and Russian.
Schedule Now (305) 315-3425Verified on August 19, 2026. Filing fees, priority dates and USCIS policy change without notice. Confirm every figure against the official source before you file.