Permanent Residence Legal and USCIS Filing Fees

The total cost of a permanent residence (PR) case depends on the type of process:

• EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability or Outstanding Professor/Researcher)
• PERM-based (EB-2 or EB-3)

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) will work with SUNY-approved immigration counsel to evaluate the case and confirm the most appropriate path.

EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability or Outstanding Professor/Researcher)

For EB-1 cases, costs may be paid by:

• The department
• The employee
• Or a combination of both
  
  

Typical Costs

• Legal fee (I-140 petition): $4,400
• USCIS filing fee (Form I-140): $715
• Optional premium processing: $2,965

If the employee applies for adjustment of status:

• Legal fee (I-485):
  • $1,650 for the employee
  • $1,100 per dependent
• USCIS filing fee (Form I-485):
  • $1,440 per person
  • $950 per child under age 14
    
    

PERM-Based (EB-2 or EB-3)

This process includes multiple stages. Certain costs must be paid by the sponsoring department, as required by law.

Stage 1: PERM Labor Certification

• Legal fee: $2,100
• Recruitment/advertising costs: required

These costs must be paid by the department and cannot be paid by the employee.

Stage 2: I-140 Petition

• Legal fee: $1,575
• USCIS filing fee (Form I-140): $715
• Optional premium processing: $2,965

Stage 3: Adjustment of Status (I-485)

• Legal fee:
  • $1,650 for the employee
  • $1,050 per dependent
• USCIS filing fee (Form I-485):
  • $1,440 per person
  • $950 per child under age 14

Important Notes for Departments

• Costs may change based on USCIS updates or case complexity
• Departments should confirm funding sources in advance
• Payment responsibilities should be clearly discussed with the employee at the outset