Embarking on the journey to secure a US Green Card through the EB1A (Extraordinary Ability) or EB2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) pathways is a monumental step. At LegitJapa, we believe that genuine guidance starts with radical transparency, especially when it comes to finances. Unlike many consultancies that offer vague “packages,” we’re here to give you a clear, honest breakdown of the true costs you’ll face in 2025. No guesswork, no hidden fees—just verified information to empower your decision.

Why Understanding the Full Cost is Critical

The travel consultancy space is riddled with misleading packages and overpriced services for tasks you could potentially do yourself. A common pitfall is agents quoting a single “legal fee” while obscuring the multitude of other government and ancillary costs. This lack of comprehensive guidance from start to finish leaves applicants financially unprepared. The true cost isn’t just one number; it’s a combination of government fees, legal expenses, and often-overlooked preparation costs.

Breaking Down the Costs: Government Fees (The Non-Negotiable Core)

These are fees paid directly to the U.S. government. They are mandatory and subject to change, though the figures below are projected for 2025 based on current trends.

1. Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

• Filing Fee: $700
• Premium Processing (Optional but highly recommended for EB1A/NIW): $2,805
• What it is: This is the core petition that proves your eligibility for the EB1A or EB2 NIW category. Premium Processing guarantees a response from USCIS within 45 calendar days, providing crucial peace of mind and speeding up the overall timeline.

2. Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application

• Filing Fee: $345 (per applicant)
• What it is: After your I-140 is approved, if you are applying from outside the US, you will file this form to apply for the immigrant visa.

3. USCIS Immigrant Fee

• Fee: $220
• What it is: This fee is paid after your visa is approved but before you travel to the US. It covers the cost of producing your Green Card.

Breaking Down the Costs: Legal and Professional Fees

This is where the value of a knowledgeable guide becomes apparent. While you can theoretically file yourself, the complexity of building a compelling EB1A or NIW case makes professional assistance a wise investment. Beware of agents who have never navigated this process themselves.

• Typical Range for Experienced Immigration Law Firms: $8,000 – $20,000+
• What it covers: This fee is for the legal strategy, petition letter drafting, evidence organization, and communication with USCIS. The cost varies significantly based on the firm’s reputation, the complexity of your case, and the level of hand-holding provided.
• Our Approach at LegitJapa: We operate on a transparent, pay-as-you-go model. Instead of a daunting lump sum, our initial personalized discovery conversation (50,000 NGN) helps us assess your profile and recommend the optimal path. We then connect you with vetted legal partners or provide a detailed roadmap, ensuring you pay for value, not empty promises.

The “Hidden” Costs Most Agents Won’t Tell You About

This is the lack of expertise that plagues the industry. A true consultant prepares you for these inevitable expenses.

• Document Translation & Certification: $500 – $2,000 (Depending on the volume of academic or professional documents requiring official translation).
• Expert Recommendation Letters: While you don’t pay experts to write letters, there are often costs associated with obtaining official documents from universities or employers to send to your recommenders. Courier fees can add up.
• Medical Examinations: $200 – $500 per person. Required for all applicants and must be performed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon.
• Courier/Postage Fees: $100 – $300 for sending large petition packages via tracked international courier.

EB1A vs. EB2 NIW: Is There a Cost Difference?

Generally, the government filing fees are identical. The primary difference lies in the legal fees. An EB1A petition, which requires demonstrating “extraordinary ability,” often demands a more extensive and prestigious body of evidence (major international awards, high salary, judging the work of others, etc.), which can lead to higher legal costs for evidence gathering and petition drafting. The EB2 NIW, while still rigorous, focuses on proving that your work is of “substantial merit and national importance” and that you are well-positioned to advance it, which can sometimes be a slightly less intensive process to document.

Total Estimated Cost Range for a Single Applicant in 2025

Let’s be transparent and add it all up:

Cost Category	Low-End Estimate	High-End Estimate
Government & Filing Fees (with Premium Processing)	~$4,070
Legal Fees	$8,000	$20,000
Ancillary “Hidden” Costs	$800	$2,800
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST	~$12,870	~$26,870

Note: This does not include costs for dependents (spouse, children), which will add significant government fees and medical costs.

Why This Transparency Matters

At LegitJapa, we leverage real experience and a vast network to deliver verifiable information. We’ve seen too many people misled by fraudulent agents promising the world for a flat fee, only to be left with rejected applications and empty pockets. The path to “Japa” legally is complex, but it’s navigable with the right, honest guidance.

Understanding the true cost is the first step in a successful journey. It’s not just about having the funds; it’s about knowing where every dollar is going.

Ready to get genuine, step-by-step guidance tailored to your unique profile? Contact LegitJapa today for a personalized discovery session. We provide the roadmap, the insider knowledge, and the transparent process you need to turn your American dream into a reality.

Genuine Guidance. Transparent Process. Real Results.