The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced a significant update that will impact many individuals and families navigating the immigration process. Starting April 1, 2024, USCIS will implement a new fee schedule for the majority of its applications, marking a pivotal change in the cost of immigration-related services.
Overview of the Fee Increase
The announcement of the fee increase did not come as a surprise, as USCIS had previously discussed plans to adjust its fee structure. The new fee schedule, set to take effect in April 2024, aims to address the financial needs of the agency, ensuring it can continue to provide services effectively. Applicants submitting their forms before April 1 will still be subject to the current fees, but any applications filed on or after April 1 must include the new fees and be submitted using the updated application versions available on the USCIS website.
Key Changes and Fee Adjustments
The final fee schedule introduces several notable changes, including different fees for online versus paper filings in some cases, indicating a clear preference for online submissions. Here are some of the significant adjustments:
Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) will now cost $675.
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)Â has a new fee of $625 for online filings and $675 for paper filings.
Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document)Â new fee will be $630.
Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)Â Fee after April 1st 2024, $1,440.
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)Â will see a paper filing fee of $520. However, when filed as part of an adjustment of status application, the fee is reduced to $260.
Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)Â will cost $750.
Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)Â fees will be $710 for online filings and $760 for paper filings.
Form I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition)Â is set at $590.
Important Notes and Recommendations
Biometrics Fees Included:Â The new fee structure incorporates biometrics fees into the final fee calculations, eliminating the need for separate payments.
Employment Authorization and Advance Parole Fees:Â Unlike before, filing for employment authorization (EAD) and advance parole (AP) as part of an adjustment of status application will no longer be free. The EAD fee is reduced to $260 when filed with an adjustment of status packet, but the AP fee adjustment was not specified.
Fee Reductions for Naturalization:Â USCIS has expanded the fee reduction eligibility for N-400 applicants with household incomes between 150% and 400% above the poverty guidelines, offering a 50% discount to those who qualify.
The USCIS fee increase represents a significant change for applicants, potentially affecting their ability to afford the immigration process. While the agency encourages online filings and has included biometrics fees in the total cost, the overall increase may pose challenges for many. Applicants are advised to plan accordingly, considering the new fees in their immigration journey.
For those affected by these changes, staying informed and preparing for the financial impact is crucial. As always, consulting with immigration professionals and/or using platforms like Top Green Card for guidance and support can help navigate these updates more smoothly.
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