The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant overhaul in the fee structure for numerous immigration procedures through its latest ruling, marking the first comprehensive revision of its fee schedule since 2016. The modifications, addressing the agency’s fiscal and operational exigencies, are scheduled to be implemented from April 1, 2024. Consequently, any applications received after this date will incur the updated, elevated charges.
Strategies to Navigate the Upcoming USCIS Fee Increase
These adjustments are poised to particularly impact family and business based immigration applications. For example EB-1 fees went up $6000 and EB-5 went up nearly $10k. This piece delves into the adjustments in application fees, the implementation schedule, and offers insights on strategies for prospective applicants to circumvent these escalated charges.
For those looking to avoid the surge in immigration fees, it’s advisable to finalize and submit your application before the April 1, 2024 deadline. If you’ve done so you’ll avoid paying the fee increase.
Immigration Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
K-1 Fiancé Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
CR-1 Spousal Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
Form I-485 | $1,225 | $1440 | $215 |
Form I-765 | $0 | $260 | $260 |
Form I-131 | $0 | $630 | $630 |
Form I-130 | $1,760 | $3005 | $1,245 |
Form I-129 (H-1) | $460 | $780 | $320 |
Form I-129 (H-2A) | $460 | $1090 | $630 |
Form I-129 (H-2B) | $460 | $1080 | $620 |
Form I-129 (L) | $460 | $1385 | $925 |
Form I-129 (O) | $460 | $1055 | $595 |
Form I-140 | $700 | $715 | $15 |
Form I-907 | $2,500 | $2805 | $305 |
THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE FEE INCREASE AT USCIS
Unlike most federal agencies, USCIS operates primarily on the funds it generates from application fees rather than tax dollars or congressional funding. This fee-for-service model necessitates regular fee updates to keep the agency operational.
Since the last adjustment in 2016, the existing fee structure has fallen short of covering the operational expenses of USCIS. The situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a marked decrease in the number of applications and, consequently, revenue. Moreover, USCIS has faced challenges in managing its growing backlog of applications while striving to maintain high levels of customer service.
Conclusion
As the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prepares to implement its significant fee adjustments effective April 1, 2024, it’s crucial for prospective applicants, especially those seeking family-based immigration, to act swiftly. The fee revision, the first of its kind since 2016, aims to address the agency’s financial and operational challenges, ensuring its capacity to process applications efficiently and maintain quality customer service.
This development underscores the importance of early and accurate application submissions to mitigate against the financial implications of the new fee structure. USCIS, reliant almost entirely on application fees for its funding, finds these adjustments necessary to sustain its operations, particularly in the face of setbacks such as the reduced application submissions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.