I'm not surprised that she spent so much, because I spent even more :) I understand that you didn't apply for this visa, that's why you have such a reaction. All that money just comes from: attorney fees (often $6,000-$20,000), government filing fees ($2,000), and potential recruiter fees ($5,000-$20,000). I found this information about EB-3 total expenses on the eb3work website, you can check it out as well. By the way, how long ago did your friend get this visa? I finally got it a week ago and I haven't even had time to come to the U.S. yet because I've been spending the last few days with friends saying goodbye because I don't know when I'll be coming home.