Have you heard about the recent changes made by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? On January 30, the agency published new updates related to fees and other issues for some of its immigration services. This comes as no surprise, as the changes have been on the cards since 2023 was announced.
Interestingly, this is the first time in almost 8 years that the agency has readjusted its rates. If you're curious about what these USCIS changes entail, you should definitely check out Immigration Café's post. We provide all the necessary information to keep you updated on everything related to immigration in the United States!
Why did USCIS change its fees?
Given the increase in requests, the agency finds itself in an obvious bottleneck in its processing. Those who are waiting for answers to immigration procedures with USCIS know that waiting times have been excessively prolonged and USCIS seems to be unable to cope with its management.
The agency itself, in a publication made on January 30, explained that “with the new revenues the rule will generate, USCIS will continue using innovative solutions to improve customer experience and stem backlog growth.”
The basis for this measure dates back to January 2023 when the government initiated a review of USCIS fees. The conclusion revealed insufficiency to cover operational costs, salary increases, staffing requirements, and other associated expenses. Consequently, an adjustment in processing fees was deemed necessary to counterbalance against inflation.
What changes did USCIS to adjust immigration issues?
In addition to new fees for immigration procedures, the agency has made a series of adjustments to make operations viable without affecting the most vulnerable population. Therefore, one of the important steps it has taken is the extension of fee exemptions.
The Fee Waiver is a procedure that is requested to reduce government costs in immigration procedures to 0, and that is approved only for certain people. To apply, it was necessary to demonstrate solvency below the United States poverty line. Now USCIS extends this facility also to the following cases:
- Special Immigrant Youth
- Victims of human trafficking, crime and domestic violence
- US military service members and Afghan allies
- Families seeking international adoptions.
Another favorable change has been a reduction in the price of the procedure to obtain the Employment Authorization, for those users who are already in the process of requesting a Green Card Status Adjustment. That is, if you are processing your Green Card, you will now pay half the price for a Work Permit.
In addition, USCIS implements a $50 discount for those who complete their procedure online. The agency also includes special discounts for nonprofit organizations and small business employers.
Latest USCIS Fees: What Do They Entail?
The new rates include the following changes (taken directly from the page of USCIS):
Specific changes from the proposed rule that are also in the final rule include:
- Incorporating biometric services costs into the main benefit fee and removing the separate biometric services fee in most cases (Temporary Protected Status and the filings accepted on behalf of the Executive Office for Immigration Review are exceptions, where the rule proposes a separate biometric services fee of $30 instead of the current $85);
- Eliminating the $30 returned check fee;
- Requiring separate filing fees for Form I-485 (adjustment of status), Form I-131 (travel document), and Form I-765 (employment authorization), whether or not they are filed together;
- Establishing separate fees for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, by nonimmigrant classification;
- Limiting the number of named beneficiaries on certain petitions for nonimmigrant workers to 25;
- Revising the premium processing timeframe interpretation from calendar days to business days;
- Clarifying that USCIS will not redeposit payments returned as unpayable for a reason other than insufficient funds;
- Stating that fees paid to USCIS using a credit card are not subject to dispute, chargeback, forced refund, or return to the cardholder for any reason except at the discretion of USCIS;
- Revising certain USCIS processes for adoptions from countries that are not party to the Hague Adoption Convention (orphan cases) to align them with the processes for adoptions from countries that are party to that Convention;
- Providing fee exemptions for adoptees filing applications for Certificates of Citizenship and naturalization based on adoption; and
- Revising regulations related to genealogy searches, including establishing a fee for Form G-1566, and Request for Certificate of Non-Existence.
Further Insights into the Recent USCIS Measures for Immigration Procedures
USCIS has introduced online processes for various procedures, aiming to save time and streamline bureaucratic tasks. Attorneys and accredited representatives can now process payments for the EOIR-29 (Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals of DHS Officer Decision) through links in emails or text messages from the USCIS Contact Center.
Following the payment, they must mail the EOIR-29, EOIR-2, EOIR-27 (Notice of Appearance as Attorney or Representative before the Board of Immigration Appeals), and the Pay.gov receipt to the local office.
It's important to note that not everyone may be eligible for this online option, and individuals are advised to stay informed about the specific details of their cases.
USCIS Recommendations for the New Immigration Processing Fees
The new rates under the final rule will take effect on April 1, 2024. USCIS encourages applicants and petitioners, their attorneys, and accredited representatives to carefully read the filing instructions to ensure that their applications meet the new requirements. It also announces that it will return any incorrect applications.
Inmigreat is aware of all new processes, and we are constantly evolving to offer you notarial services with the highest quality for the lowest price. Don't miss the opportunity to now access easier procedures in your native language with a price adjusted to your needs!
