2024 USCIS Fee Increase
If you are planning to file a visa in 2024, you may want to do it BEFORE April 1st when USCIS will increase visa fees!
On January 31, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a notice in the Federal Register detailing a significant fee hike starting April 1, 2024.
Amongst the Major Changes:
Fiancé Visas:
If you plan to file a visa for your fiancé (Form I-129F), then plan to pay $675 rather than $535.
Green Card Petitions:
Both family-sponsored and employment-based green card applicants will experience elevated filing fees. The adjustment impacts primary applicants as well as dependents. The new fees for a paper family-sponsored petitions (Form I-130) will rise from $535 to $675, while employment-based petitions (Form I-140) will increase from $700 to $715. Where the fee for an Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) has been raised from $1225 to $1440.
Employment Authorization Documents (EADs):
The fee for filing a paper Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-765) with biometrics has been raised from $495 to $520.
Asylum Program Fee:
DHS proposed a new Asylum Program Fee of up to $600 to be paid by employers who file either a nonimmigrant (Form I-129) or immigrant work visa petition (Form I-140) for employees. The fee will be $0 for nonprofits; $300 for small employers (defined as firms or individuals having 25 or fewer FTE employees); and $600 for all other filers of Forms I–129 and I–140.
Nonimmigrant Work Visas:
The E-registration fee for H-1B visas will be raised from $10 to $215 per registration while an H-1B petition (I-129) will increase from $460 to $780. This is a 70% increase! Similarly, L-1 visas will be raised from $460-$1385. Finally, O-1 visas will be raised from $460 to $1055, which is a 129% increase!
Investor Visa Fee:
The EB5 green card investor fee will be raised from $3,675 to $11,160!
Implications and Considerations:
Financial Impact: The fee hikes could potentially impose a considerable financial burden on applicants and their families. It is important for individuals to plan their immigration journeys with these increased costs in mind.
Potential Delays: The higher fees may result in delayed applications as individuals and families adjust to the new financial requirements. This emphasizes the importance of early planning and seeking legal counsel.
Exemptions and Alternatives: Some applicants may be eligible for fee waivers or exemptions. Exploring alternative pathways or seeking professional advice can help individuals navigate the fee increases more effectively.
Updated Forms and Procedures: With the fee changes, USCIS is likely to introduce updated forms and procedures. It is crucial for applicants to use the latest versions and stay informed about any changes in the application process.
As we approach the April 1, 2024, implementation date for the USCIS fee hike, immigrants, applicants, and employers should proactively educate themselves on the changes and adapt their plans accordingly. By staying informed, seeking professional advice, and planning ahead, individuals can better navigate the evolving landscape of immigration fees and continue their journeys towards achieving legal status in the United States.
To view the USCIS Federal Register notice, see: Federal Register :: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements
If you are interested in filing for a visa before USCIS raises the fees, please contact us at (970)333-8352 or http://www.aspirevisaattorneys.com. Our attorneys are authorized to practice immigration law in all 50 states and represent clients around the globe!
*Please be advised that this is not intended to be legal advice nor does engagement with this post create an attorney-client relationship.
**Current as of February 2, 2024