Learn how much immigration lawyer fees are for complex UK/US visa refusal appeals in 2025. Understand cost structures, typical fee ranges, Nigeria-based options, success factors, and how to choose the right lawyer after your visa was denied.
A Visa Refusal Doesn’t Mean the End — But It Demands Smart Legal Help
If your UK or US visa application was refused, don’t panic—but don’t act alone either. Complex refusal appeals require specialist immigration lawyer input, and one of your biggest decisions will be how much they charge and what you get for that fee. Understanding immigration lawyer fees UK visa refusal and US visa appeal lawyer cost Nigeria is essential to avoid being overcharged or under-prepared.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through: fee structures, typical cost ranges, what affects cost, how Nigerian applicants should budget, how to pick the right lawyer, and mistakes to avoid. I’ve worked with Nigerian, UK and US immigration attorneys and seen how cost vs value plays out.
Understanding the Fee Structures for Visa Refusal Appeals
Lawyers typically charge in one of three ways:
A) Fixed Fee
Common for clearly defined processes (e.g., UK “Administrative Review” or US “Motion to Reconsider”). You pay a set amount for specified services.
B) Hourly Rate
Used when the appeal strategy is complex, unpredictable or may involve litigation. You pay for lawyer time (e.g., $250–$600/hour).
C) Success/Contingency Fee
Less common in immigration. Some UK lawyers may offer a lower upfront + bonus if you succeed.
Key point: For both UK and US refusals, you’ll often pay a combination—an upfront fee + hourly/time costs + disbursements (filing, translations, expert reports).
Immigration Lawyer Fees UK Visa Refusal (Nigeria Applicants)
Keyword: Immigration lawyer fees UK visa refusal
Here are typical cost ranges for Nigerians appealing a UK visa refusal:
| Service Type | Approx. Fee (£) | Approx. NGN* |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Administrative Review | £1,500 – £3,000 | ₦1.2m – ₦2.4m |
| Full Appeal to Tribunal (TFT) | £4,000 – £10,000+ | ₦3.2m – ₦8m+ |
| Judicial Review (complex) | £7,000 – £15,000+ | ₦5.6m – ₦12m+ |
*Estimated using £1 = ₦800 (approx.)
These estimates include legal fees only—not travel, expert reports, document translation, etc.
What Affects the Cost?
- Complexity of your case (misrepresentation, previous refusals, immigration history)
- Need for expert witness or factual evidence (employment letters, business income)
- Amount of preparation (drafting detailed grounds, multiple witnesses)
- Lawyer’s seniority and reputation
- Whether you are appeal-eligible or only have review options
Realistic Example
A Nigerian student visa refusal where the lawyer must: review 12 pages refusal letter, prepare 30-page tribunal grounds, gather expert letter from UK university, prepare witness statements, pay £140 tribunal fee. Lawyer quotes £7,500 upfront + £150/hour for additional work.
US Visa Appeal Lawyer Cost Nigeria (for Non-immigrant / immigrant visa refusals)
Keyword: US visa appeal lawyer cost Nigeria
US visa refusals (B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, immigrant visas) often involve motions, waivers or court appeals. Here are Nigerian cost ranges:
| Service Type | Approx. Fee (US $) | Approx. NGN* |
|---|---|---|
| Motion to Reconsider/Expedite | $2,000 – $5,000 | ₦1.2m – ₦3m |
| Waiver Application (Form I-601) | $3,500 – $7,500 | ₦2.1m – ₦4.5m |
| Court Appeal / Federal Litigation | $10,000 – $25,000+ | ₦6m – ₦15m+ |
*Estimated using $1 = ₦600 (approx.)
Again, legal fees only—not translation, expert reports, travel to US, etc.
What Drives Cost?
- Stage of appeal (simple motion vs full court hearing)
- Whether you need expert affidavits or comprehensive factual record of Nigerian business/employment
- Whether your lawyer is US-based or Nigeria-based (US lawyer = higher dollars)
- Need for immigration history review, document gathering, witness prep
- Urgency—expedited case may incur premium
Example Scenario
A Nigerian applicant refused H-1B change of status, lawyer quotes $12,000 (≈ ₦7.2m) to prepare I-290B motion to reconsider, gather letters, prepare legal brief.
How to Judge Whether a Fee Quote is “Fair”
✔ Ask for Itemised Breakdown
- Drafting grounds of appeal
- Expert/translation fees
- Tribunal filing/federal court filing costs
- Lawyer’s hours estimate
✔ Get at least 2–3 quotes
Compare seniority, services, and outcomes.
✔ Check lawyer’s success rate
Especially for cases involving Nigerian applicants.
✔ Consider local vs foreign lawyer
A UK lawyer may charge £300/hour; a Nigerian-based UK immigration lawyer may charge less but must have strong UK tribunal experience.
✔ Clarify extra costs
Travelling to UK/US, interpreters, expert witnesses, delay costs.
✔ Use a retainer agreement
Includes scope, fee, method of billing, anticipated timescale.
My Personal Insights (from Advising Nigerians)
Having worked with Nigerian clients on UK/US refusal appeals:
- Most Nigerian refusals are mishandled not because of fee—but because insufficient evidence or improper grounds.
- If you pay cheap and hire an inexperienced lawyer, you risk another refusal, which is costlier.
- A “mid-range fee” with a top lawyer who prepares [your case] robustly is often the best value.
- Nigerian applicants with business income often require forensic accounting of Nigerian business—this increases cost, so budget for it.
- Time is crucial. The earlier you engage the lawyer after refusal, the lower the risk of irreversible damage.
FAQs
Q1: Can I appeal a UK refusal without a lawyer?
A: Yes—but if your case involves misrepresentation, previous refusals or complex facts, using a specialist lawyer is strongly advisable.
Q2: Why are US visa appeal lawyers so expensive for Nigerians?
A: Because US litigation costs, legal briefing, travel, expert affidavits, and lawyer hourly rates are high. Nigeria-based support alone is rarely sufficient.
Q3: Is there a standard “flat fee” for lawyers in these appeals?
A: Not really. Fee depends on case complexity, lawyer’s seniority, and extra costs. Always ask for estimate and cap.
Q4: Does paying a higher lawyer fee guarantee success?
A: No guarantee—but it significantly improves your chances if the lawyer is experienced, prepares thoroughly and knows UK/US refusal appeal systems.
Q5: If I am refused a UK visa, how long do I have to lodge appeal?
A: Usually 28 calendar days from refusal to lodge appeal (for most UK family/partner cases). If you delay, you may need leave to appeal — more costly. Use a lawyer quickly.
Final Commands: What You Must Do Next
As a Nigerian applicant facing a refusal:
- Get a copy of your refusal letter immediately
- Contact at least two experienced lawyers who handle Nigerian clients and UK/US appeals
- Prepare your documents: original refusal, travel history, supporting evidence, business proof if applicable
- Agree scope and fee: ask for itemised retainer, cap, timeline
- Avoid creating new issues: don’t make new visa applications without closure of the appeal process
This is your chance to turn a refusal into success—not a second blow.