EB-2 Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a EB-2 visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a EB-2 visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
$6,905 – $10,405
Mandatory USCIS fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the EB-2
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a EB-2 application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $715 | — | Official ↗ |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600 | $300 for employers with ≤25 full-time employees; $0 for nonprofits. Paid by the petitioning employer. | Official ↗ |
| PERM Labor Certification | $0 | No DOL filing fee; employer pays recruitment and attorney costs. | Official ↗ |
| Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) | $325 | Consular processing only. | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$2,000 – $5,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Premium Processing (Form I-907): $2,965
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the EB-2
- 1
PERM: prevailing wage determination
Employer requests a wage determination from the Department of Labor (roughly 4–8 months).
- 2
PERM: recruitment
Employer conducts required recruitment to test the U.S. labor market.
- 3
File ETA-9089
If no qualified/willing U.S. worker is found, the employer files the labor certification application.
- 4
File Form I-140
Once PERM is certified, the employer files the immigrant petition; the beneficiary later files for adjustment of status or consular processing once a visa number is current.
Typical processing time: Total PERM-to-I-140 timeline runs roughly 2–2.5 years on average; visa-bulletin backlogs (notably India and China) can add years beyond adjudication.
Documents you'll need
- Approved PERM labor certification (ETA-9089)
- Prevailing wage determination
- Evidence of the beneficiary's advanced degree or exceptional ability
- Employer ability-to-pay documentation
- Job offer letter matching the PERM-certified job requirements
Common mistakes to avoid
- Employer unable to demonstrate financial ability to pay the offered wage
- Beneficiary's education/experience not matching the certified PERM job requirements
- Recruitment or PERM audit issues that delay or invalidate the labor certification
- Job duties on the I-140 not matching what was advertised and certified on ETA-9089
Sources: Boundless — The EB-2 Visa Explained
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $1,640 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $3,640 – $6,640 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $6,905 – $10,405 |
How to save money on your EB-2
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,000–$5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
EB-2 cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a EB-2 visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a EB-2 visa in 2026 ranges from about $3,640 to $10,405, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the EB-2 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a EB-2 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a EB-2 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a EB-2 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a EB-2 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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