EB-2 NIW Cost (2026): Government Fees, Premium Processing and the Green Card Step
For the NIW petition itself, budget roughly $1,000 in government fees. Premium processing is optional and adds $2,805. The green card step then costs $1,440 per adult inside the U.S. Our own legal fee is flat and quoted in full up front.
Key takeaways
- Petition fees: $715 I-140 plus a $300 program fee for most self-petitioners.
- Premium processing is $2,805 and optional, for a decision in 45 business days.
- Green card step: $1,440 per adult filing Form I-485 inside the U.S.
- Our legal fee is flat and quoted in full before any work starts.
Government fees for the I-140 petition
The petition stage has two required USCIS charges and one optional one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| I-140 filing fee | $715 |
| Asylum Program Fee | $300 for most self-petitioners |
| Premium processing (optional) | $2,805 for a 45-business-day decision |
Want a clear budget for your NIW case?
Request a ConsultationFlat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.
The green card step and family
The final step has its own fees. Once your priority date is current, adjustment of status (Form I-485) is $1,440 per adult inside the U.S., or consular processing fees apply abroad.
Each family member pays their own final-step fees, which is where family budgets grow.
Legal fees and other costs
We charge a flat fee for NIW work, quoted in full before we begin. Also plan for translations, evaluations of foreign degrees, and courier costs.
Compared with the EB-5’s $800,000+ investment, the NIW is the budget path to a self-sponsored green card. Our EB-2 NIW page shows where each step fits.
Ready to talk through your NIW case?
Request a ConsultationFlat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is premium processing worth $2,805 for the NIW?
Often, yes, as a planning tool. A decision in 45 business days tells you quickly whether to commit to this path or change course. It speeds nothing else: the visa bulletin queue still applies.
How are attorney fees structured for an NIW?
At Harari Law the fee is flat and quoted in full before we begin, so you know the total up front. Filing without counsel saves that fee, but the three-prong argument is where NIW cases are won and lost.
Does my spouse add much cost?
Not at the petition stage, because the I-140 covers you alone. At the green card step, each family member pays their own I-485 or consular fees.
This article is general information from Harari Law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and agency policy change; outcomes depend on individual facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.