USCIS Fees are about to be increased as per the latest announcement. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced a substantial fee increase for various immigration applications, marking the first significant adjustment since 2016.
This decision comes as a response to the operational and financial challenges faced by the agency, aiming to ensure its sustainability and ability to provide essential services.
The new fee structure is scheduled for April 1, 2024. Any applications postmarked after this date will be subject to the revised, higher costs.
This change particularly impacts family-based immigration applications, among other categories. Let’s get into the details of the new USCIS fee structure for 2024 and its implications.
USCIS Updated Immigration Fees:
The fee adjustments encompass various immigration benefits, affecting applicants differently based on the type of application. Here’s an overview of some fundamental changes:
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): This form, commonly used for family reunification purposes such as marriage green cards, will see a 26% increase. The fee for paper filing will be $675, while online filing will cost $625.
Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): Essential for individuals planning to bring their fiancé(e) to the U.S., the fee will rise from $535 to $675, reflecting a 26% increase.
The standalone application fee for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), which is required for those applying for a green card or permanent residency, will increase by 18% from $1,225 to $1,440.
Additionally, two formerly free applications within the adjustment of status process, namely employment authorization and advance parole, will now cost an extra $260 and $630, respectively.
How to Calculate the Increased USCIS Fee:
To better understand how these USCIS fee adjustments might impact your application, you can refer to the following chart detailing the current and new fees for various immigration benefits:
| Immigration Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| CR-1 Spousal Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) | $1,225 | $1,440 | $215 |
| Adjustment of Status Form I-765 | $0 (when filed with I-485) | $260 | $260 |
| Adjustment of Status Form I-131 | $0 (when filed with I-485) | $630 | $630 |
| Adjustment of Status with Form I-130 + Work and Travel Permits | $1,760 | $3,005 | $1,245 |
Employment-Based USCIS Fee Changes:
The fee increases aren’t limited to family-based immigration, work visa categories, and employment-based green cards, which will also experience cost escalations. Here’s a glimpse of the new filing costs for work visa holders and U.S. employers sponsoring foreign workers:
| Immigration/Visa Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
| Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers): H-1 Classification | $460 | $780 | $320 |
| Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) – H-2A Classification | $460 | $1,090 | $630 |
| Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers): H-2B Classification | $460 | $1,080 | $620 |
| Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers): L Classification | $460 | $1,385 | $925 |
| Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers): O Classification | $460 | $1,055 | $595 |
| Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) | $700 | $715 | $15 |
| Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) | $2,500 | $2,805 | $305 |
Strategies for Applicants to Minimize the Cost
As the USCIS fees are set to increase on April 1, 2024, prospective applicants must strategize to navigate the immigration process effectively and minimize costs. Here are some key strategies:
- Submit applications before April 1: Take advantage of the lower fees by submitting applications before the deadline.
- Ensure accuracy and completeness: Avoid delays or rejections by thoroughly reviewing and accurately completing application forms.
- Stay informed: Keep abreast of any updates or changes in USCIS policies and procedures so that you can adapt your strategy accordingly.
These strategies will help applicants mitigate the impact of the fee increase and streamline their immigration journey.
Reasons Behind the USCIS Fee Increase:
USCIS gets most of its money from the fees people pay when they apply for immigration, not taxes or government money. Sometimes, they must change these fees to ensure they have enough money to keep working.
Since 2016, the money they get from these fees has yet to be enough to pay for everything they need to do.
The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse because fewer people applied for immigration stuff, so they had even less money. Also, they have too many applications to deal with, and providing good service to everyone takes a lot of work.
Read More:
- Latest Policies Adopted by the USCIS to Help with Immigration
- Recent Biden and Trump Border Visits may bring change to US Immigration Policy
- USCIS Announces H-2B Cap and Filing Dates 2024
Conclusion:
While the USCIS fee increase may pose financial challenges for applicants, understanding the new fee structure and its implications is essential for navigating the immigration process effectively.
Applicants are encouraged to stay informed and seek assistance from reputable sources to ensure a smooth application process amidst these changes.
FAQs on the USCIS Fee Increase:
Why are USCIS fees increasing?
USCIS is raising fees to cover its operational costs. Since 2016, the fees have yet to be enough to pay for everything the department needs to do.
How will the fee increase affect me if I’m applying for immigration benefits?
The fee increase will impact anyone applying for immigration benefits after April 1, 2024. You’ll have to pay the new, higher fees for your application. It’s essential to be aware of these changes and budget accordingly when planning your immigration process.
Can I still apply with the current fees if I submit my application before April 1, 2024?
You can take advantage of the lower fees if you submit your application before April 1, 2024. Planning and submitting your application early is advisable to avoid any last-minute rush and potential delays.
New Minimum Wage In Canada and 5 Provinces, Effective April 1