Here are some experiences with regards to my entire track from NIW I-140 petition to I-485 approval. I had somewhat of an unique case, so if anyone here is in the same boat, this may be of help to you. I have done the entire process by myself, without an attorney, and long hours of research in the law library on U.S.C. Section 8.
Arrived to US in 1991 on J-1, not subject to section 212e, changed to F-1 on arrival. Became an H-1 in 2001 and filed for NIW in March of 2002, case was backlogged due to 9-11.
Based on the advice of some of the members at immigrationportal and being an eternal optimist, I went to Vermont Service center on Aug 23rd taking a dayoff. The lady in the counter told me that my file is in queue for FP scheduling. I told her that I got the same reply even two months back when I made senatorial enquiry.
Today I had my interview conducted, and passport stamped as the final result. I finally can draw a closure for this 27-month-long journey. Honestly and surprisingly, I was extremely calm when I arrived USCIS office 4 am today. I was reading one of my favorite authors' (Ann Quindlen) bestseller " One True Thing" while I was waiting in the waiting room so concentratedly that when my name was called, I realized that my eyes were full of tears (yeah, the story's very touching and real. ) Anyway, here's my detail report to all of you who are still waiting:
| Fee Type | Amount | Payable To | Responsible for Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal fee | $2,200 |
Fee schedule for B-1/B-2 visa classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
Note: For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
| 1. |
Legal Fees: In consideration of professional services rendered and to be rendered, employer and/or beneficiary agree to pay legal fees as follows: Stage 1: PERM (Labor Certification) |
The fee schedule for Green Card through Extraordinary Ability Alien, Outstanding Researcher/Professor, and Multinational Manager (fees are payable by personal checks) is as follows:
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
The fee schedule for EB-3 (Schedule A) NURSES:
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
Note: The fee schedule for J visa (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
Note: If the case is likely to be complicated, we may charge higher amounts for legal fees.
For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s).
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
-----------------------------------
Fee schedule for TN classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
Fee schedule for O classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees
---------------------------------
Fee schedule for P classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees
The fee schedule for R classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…