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.
We understand that immigration cases are significant investments, so we offer flexible payment options. 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.
Contact Russian-speaking immigration attorney Ekaterina Fitenko. Consultations available in English and Russian.
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