Comparison
Quick answer
Immigration attorneys are licensed lawyers who can provide legal advice, represent clients before USCIS and immigration courts, and handle complex cases. Visa consultants — sometimes called notarios — are unlicensed and cannot legally provide immigration advice in the US, yet many charge significant fees. Understanding this distinction can protect you from fraud.
Never use an unlicensed visa consultant for immigration matters in the United States. The term 'notario' carries legal authority in Latin America but has no equivalent meaning in US law, and fraudulent notarios have destroyed thousands of immigration cases. Always verify that your immigration representative is a licensed attorney or an accredited representative through the BIA. For any case with legal complexity, a qualified immigration attorney is essential.
Hourly rate
$150–$400/hr
Standard for licensed immigration attorneys and experienced consultants
Per session
$150–$350
For a 60-minute strategy or options assessment consultation
Per case (full filing)
$1,500–$10,000
Varies widely by visa type — startup visas and EB-1 cost more than standard work visas