Get ready for a change in the immigration landscape! On April 1, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement significant fee increases for a variety of immigration and naturalization benefits. This change, announced in January 2024, aims to help USCIS recover its operating costs more fully and support timely processing of new applications.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Affected categories: The fee increases span across family, humanitarian, and employment-based immigration benefits. This includes applications for citizenship, green cards, work visas, and more.
- Fee hikes: Increases vary depending on the specific form and filing method (online or paper). Some notable examples include:
- Form N-400 (Naturalization): 11% increase for online filing, 19% for paper filing.
- Form I-129 (H-1B visa): $460 to $780 for most employers, with an additional $600 Asylum Program Fee (APF) for most cases.
- Form I-129 (L visa): $460 to $1,385 for most employers, with an APF of $600.
- Form I-129 (O visa): $460 to $1,055 for most employers, with an APF of $600.
- Exceptions: Some categories, such as small employers and nonprofits, may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions from the APF.
- Impact: These changes will likely impact application costs for individuals and businesses seeking immigration benefits.
Resources:
Important notes:
- This is just a summary. For specific information about your situation, consult with an immigration attorney or advisor.
- Consider filing applications such that USCIS receives them before April 1st to avoid the new fees.
- Explore potential fee waiver options if you qualify based on financial hardship.
Remember, understanding these changes can help you plan accordingly and navigate the immigration process more effectively.
