ALERT: USCIS Fee Increases for Immigration Applications & Petitions
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has ruled to adjust the fees for most applications and petitions for the first time in six years. This adjustment will result in an increase for most applications and petitions by a weighted average of 21% (much more for others!). This new increase in fees has been deemed justified to cover the costs of services such as fraud detection, national security, case processing, and providing free services to refugee and asylum applicants, along with others that are eligible for fee waivers or exemptions.
The final rule will come into effect on December 23, 2016. USCSIS Director, Leon Rodriguez, acknowledged that the fee increases will impact many customers, which was the reason why USCIS decided against raising fees, as recommended, after the 2012 and 2014 fiscal year fee reviews. However, Director Rodriguez further states, “as an agency dependent upon users’ fees to operate, these changes are now necessary to ensure we can continue to serve our customers effectively.” Applicants with limited means are offered a reduced filing fee.
The final rule was prepared after consideration of all 436 comments received during the 60-day public comment period for the proposed rule published on May 4, 2016. A stakeholder teleconference with the Director will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm (Eastern) to address the final rule and answer questions.
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Highlights and Specifics:
I-924: Application for Regional Center Designation Under the Immigrant Investor Program: Fee increase from $6,230 to $17, 795.
I-924A: Annual Certification of Regional Center – This form previously had no fee. Now a new fee of $3,035 is required.
I-526: Immigration Petition by Alien Entrepreneur – Fee increase from $1,500 to $3,675.
N -400: Application for Naturalization – A small fee increase of $45 (8%) from $595 to $640. For applicants with family incomes greater than 150 % and no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, USCIS will offer a reduced filing fee of $320. Those, who wish to apply for a fee reduction, must fill out the new Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee.
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A complete breakdown of all fees required can be found on USCIS’ website.