Best Immigration Lawyers in New York, NY (2026)

How we ranked: Our editorial team evaluated candidates based on four weighted criteria. We assigned 35% weight to practice focus and specialization signals, 30% to online reputation indicators including peer recognition and directory presence, 20% to accessibility markers such as multi-borough service and client communication channels, and 15% to breadth of services spanning family-based immigration, employment visas, asylum, and deportation defense. Rankings reflect our independent editorial judgment of which firms stood out across these dimensions based on publicly available information.

1. Wildes & Weinberg, P.C.

Wildes & Weinberg, P.C. is our top editorial pick for 2026 based on the firm's prominent positioning in the New York immigration law market. The firm presents itself as a leading immigration practice with offices specifically dedicated to serving the NYC area. What stood out to us was the breadth of services indicated, spanning family-based immigration, employment cases, asylum matters, O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, and EB-5 investor programs. The firm's multiple directory listings and strong online presence suggest sustained recognition within the legal community. We selected Wildes & Weinberg for the top spot because the combination of service breadth, established reputation, and accessibility through dedicated New York offices aligned most closely with our weighted criteria for 2026.

2. Shautsova Immigration Law

Shautsova Immigration Law, led by Alena Shautsova, earned our second position for its strong accessibility profile. Operating from both Brooklyn and Syosset locations, the firm appears positioned to serve clients across multiple New York boroughs and Long Island. The descriptor "top-rated" appears consistently in available information, and the practice indicates it handles all types of immigration matters. We were impressed by the geographic reach combined with what appears to be a personalized practice model. The firm's presence in our research suggested a strong reputation among clients seeking immigration assistance, and the multi-location strategy stood out as a practical advantage for New Yorkers facing varied immigration challenges across different case types.

3. Pozo Goldstein, LLP

We selected Pozo Goldstein, LLP as our third-ranked firm based on the notable combination of experience depth and stated fee accessibility. The firm advertises 50+ years of combined experience among its attorneys, which in our editorial assessment suggests substantial institutional knowledge. What particularly caught our attention was the explicit mention of reasonable fees, a consideration that matters significantly to many immigration clients facing already substantial filing costs. The trust-building language in their public materials and the emphasis on New York-specific practice suggested a firm that has built its reputation through sustained local presence. The balance of experience markers and client-focused positioning made Pozo Goldstein stand out in our ranking methodology.

4. Khunkhun Law

Khunkhun Law secured our fourth position based primarily on its award recognition profile. The firm states it has been voted among the 10 best immigration attorneys in New York "year after year," and describes itself as an award-winning practice. While we cannot independently verify specific rankings, the consistent presence in competitive assessments speaks to peer and client recognition. The firm's self-description that attorneys "live and breathe immigration" suggests a focused practice dedication. In our editorial judgment, the sustained recognition over multiple years indicated a practice that has maintained quality standards and client satisfaction. The 25+ years of experience mentioned further reinforced our decision to place Khunkhun Law in the upper tier of our 2026 ranking.

5. Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch

The Law Offices of Michael H. Markovitch earned our fifth spot based on the veteran expertise signal. Michael H. Markovitch is described as one of the most preeminent immigration and nationality attorneys in the USA, with 40 years of experience in the field. In our assessment, four decades of focused practice represents substantial depth of knowledge across changing immigration law environments. We interpreted the nationality law emphasis as suggesting expertise in citizenship matters beyond standard visa processing. The longevity of practice in a complex and frequently changing legal area stood out as a meaningful differentiator. While we cannot verify superlative claims, the length of practice and continued active status in 2026 suggested to us a practice that has successfully served clients through multiple immigration policy eras.

6. Feiner & Lavy

We selected Feiner & Lavy as our sixth-ranked firm based on its apparent focus on corporate and employment immigration services. The firm describes itself as providing legal immigration services to individuals, employers, and corporations in NYC and internationally. This tri-level service model stood out in our editorial review as suggesting capability in complex employment-based visa matters, which often require coordination between corporate HR departments and individual beneficiaries. The New York City location positions the firm well for corporate clients in finance, technology, and other sectors with significant immigration needs. In our judgment, practices that successfully serve both individual and institutional clients demonstrate versatility in handling different case complexities and stakeholder requirements.

7. Berardi Immigration Law

Berardi Immigration Law, led by Rosanna Berardi, appears in the Best Lawyers directory for New York immigration practitioners. This peer-review recognition platform gave us confidence in including the firm in our top 10. While we have limited additional information from the search results, the Best Lawyers inclusion itself represents a meaningful credential, as that directory relies on attorney peer assessments. In our editorial view, peer recognition often correlates with professional competence and ethical practice standards. The firm's presence in a competitive New York market alongside this directory recognition suggested to us a practice worth highlighting. We ranked it seventh based on the single strong credential balanced against less extensive public information compared to higher-ranked selections.

8. C.T. Lee & Associates

C.T. Lee & Associates, founded by Corey Lee, presents itself as NYC's premier immigration, real estate, and business litigation attorney. We included this firm in our ranking at eighth position based on the multi-practice capability. While some clients prefer immigration-only specialists, others value the ability to address related legal needs through the same firm relationship. The combination of immigration with real estate law could benefit clients seeking investment-based visas or dealing with property matters concurrent with immigration status changes. Business litigation capability similarly suggests the firm can handle employment disputes or contract issues that sometimes arise in immigration contexts. In our assessment, this service breadth represents a potential advantage for certain client profiles, though the divided focus may appeal less to those seeking exclusive immigration specialization.

9. Kats Immigration Law

Kats Immigration Law, led by Alina Kats, secured our ninth position based on its self-description as dedicated immigration attorneys with a team of experts. The emphasis on finding "the best immigration lawyer near you in New York City" suggests a client-focused marketing approach and local accessibility. The team structure indicated in the materials suggests capacity to handle multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining quality attention. In our editorial judgment, practices that invest in building dedicated teams rather than solo operations often demonstrate commitment to growth and client service. While we ranked Kats Immigration Law in the back half of our top 10, the team approach and dedicated immigration focus represent strengths that may appeal to clients who value having multiple attorneys familiar with their case rather than relying on a single practitioner.

10. Kenepaske & Scott, PLLC

Kenepaske & Scott, PLLC rounds out our top 10 based on the client-centered service emphasis apparent in available materials. The firm's description highlights speaking with "an experienced attorney who cares about your well-being and resolving your immigration matters," which in our editorial assessment suggests a practice philosophy focused on personal attention. For many immigration clients, the emotional and personal stakes of cases make attorney accessibility and empathy important selection factors. While we have less extensive information about this firm compared to some higher-ranked selections, the explicit emphasis on client well-being stood out as a differentiator. We placed Kenepaske & Scott in the tenth position because the client-care messaging, combined with New York City presence, met our ranking criteria even as the firm's broader profile appeared less prominent than others in our top tier.

FAQ

How much do immigration lawyers typically charge in New York City?

Immigration attorney fees in New York vary widely based on case complexity and firm positioning. Simple cases like family-based green card applications might range from $2,000 to $5,000 in attorney fees, while complex business immigration matters, asylum cases, or deportation defense can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Many attorneys offer initial consultations for $150 to $400, and some provide free initial assessments. Fee structures may be flat-rate for defined services or hourly for ongoing matters. Government filing fees are separate from attorney fees and can add hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the application type.

What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney?

Priority factors include verified experience in your specific case type, clear fee structures with written agreements, membership in professional organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and accessibility for questions during your case. Check for attorney disciplinary records through state bar websites, read available client reviews, and assess whether the attorney or support staff will handle most of your case work. During consultations, evaluate whether the attorney explains options clearly and provides realistic timelines. Avoid practitioners who guarantee results or pressure immediate payment, as immigration outcomes depend on individual circumstances and government adjudication.

Do I need a lawyer for my immigration case or can I file myself?

Many immigration applications can legally be filed without an attorney, and USCIS provides forms and instructions for self-filing. However, attorney representation becomes more valuable as case complexity increases. Consider legal help if your situation involves prior immigration violations, criminal history, previous denials, employer sponsorship complications, or deportation proceedings. Attorneys add value by identifying eligibility issues you might miss, preparing stronger evidence packages, and handling procedural requirements that could delay or derail applications if done incorrectly. For straightforward cases with no complicating factors, some applicants successfully self-file, though even simple errors can cause expensive delays.

How long do immigration cases typically take in New York?

Processing times vary dramatically by case type, service center, and current USCIS workload. Employment-based green card applications might take one to three years depending on category and country of origin. Family-based cases range from one year for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to many years for preference categories with visa backlogs. Naturalization applications currently average eight to twelve months. Asylum cases face significant backlogs, often taking several years. Cases requiring interviews at the New York field office may face longer waits than those processed at service centers. Attorneys cannot control government processing times but can help ensure complete applications that avoid delays from requests for additional evidence.

Editorial opinion only. Rankings reflect our independent assessment based on the criteria above, drawn from publicly available information current as of 2026-05-14. No firm paid for placement or editorial review.