How Much Does an I-130 Family Petition Cost in Florida?
The I-130 petition is how a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a family member for a green card. Attorney fees depend on the petitioner's status, the relationship, prior immigration history, and whether complications like prior marriages or prior I-130 filings are involved.
I-130 attorney fees in Florida typically run $1,500–$4,000. A straightforward immediate-relative I-130 (USC petitioning for a spouse or child) sits near the low end. Cases involving prior divorces, prior marriage fraud findings, or a prior I-130 filed for a different person require more documentation and legal analysis, pushing fees higher.
What Drives the Cost
- Petitioner status — USC petitions are simpler; LPR petitions involve priority dates and longer wait times
- Relationship category — immediate relatives are simpler than preference categories
- Prior marriage complications — prior divorces or a prior marriage fraud finding require extensive documentation
- Prior I-130 filings — filing a second I-130 after a prior denied or withdrawn petition adds complexity
- Beneficiary location — consular processing abroad vs. beneficiary already in the U.S. with status
What's Included in the Attorney Fee
- Preparation and review of the I-130 petition and all supporting documents
- Cover letter and legal brief explaining any complications
- Coordination with NVC (National Visa Center) for consular processing cases
- Response to any RFEs (Requests for Evidence)
- Guidance on supporting documentation requirements
Government Fees (Not Included)
The USCIS filing fee for the I-130 is currently $535 per petition (subject to change). If the case goes to consular processing, NVC fees and the immigrant visa application fee (DS-260) are additional. These fees are paid directly to USCIS/DOS and are not included in the attorney fee.
How Location Affects the Fee
The I-130 is filed with USCIS by mail or online — no court appearances are required for most petitions. Travel surcharges are rarely applicable to I-130 work unless in-person USCIS interviews are required and the USCIS field office is far from Tampa.
Get Your Exact Estimate
Answer a few questions about your petition and get a personalized fee range in under 2 minutes.
Attorney Advertising. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fee ranges shown are estimates only and do not represent a binding offer. Legal representation is subject to a written engagement agreement.