U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published its final rule and is moving forward with significant fee increases for various immigration applications. This change represents the first major fee adjustment since 2016 and addresses the agency’s operational and financial challenges. The new prices are set to take effect April 1, 2024, meaning all applications postmarked after this date will be charged the new, higher costs.
This increase has substantial implications, particularly for family-based immigration applications, among the most affected categories. This article outlines new application costs, the timeline, and strategies to avoid higher fees for prospective applicants.
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HOW TO CALCULATE THE INCREASED USCIS COSTS
The chart below outlines expected immigration benefits and their associated application fees. To understand how the price increase could impact your application, reference the “New Fee” column.
| Immigration Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| CR-1 Spousal Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| Adjustment of Status without Work or Travel Permits | $1,225 | $1,440 | $215 |
| Adjustment of Status Work Permit (Optional) | $0 when filed with an Adjustment of Status | $630 | $630 |
| Adjustment of Status Travel Permit (Optional) | $0 when filed with an Adjustment of Status | $260 when filed with an Adjustment of Status | $260 |
| Adjustment of Status with Work and Travel Permits | $1,760 | $3,005 | $1,245 |
STRATEGIES FOR APPLICANTS
Prospective applicants, especially those considering family-based immigration, should submit their applications before the April 1 deadline to capitalize on the current, lower fees. Accuracy and completeness in application submissions are vital to prevent delays or rejections, particularly as the deadline nears. Boundless can help make sure your application is timely and correct.
BACKGROUND OF THE USCIS FEE INCREASE
USCIS is unique among federal agencies in that it is primarily fee-funded, which means its budget comes from application fees, not taxes or Congress. This self-sustaining model makes periodic fee revisions crucial to the agency’s functioning.
Since 2016, the fee structure of USCIS hasn’t been enough to meet its running costs. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse by causing a significant decrease in immigration applications, which led to less money coming in. On top of this, the agency has been struggling to deal with a growing pile of applications and to keep providing good customer service.
STAY UPDATED:
For the full list of fee changes and the latest information, it’s best to check the USCIS website directly. This update is vital for anyone involved in the immigration process, highlighting the importance of acting quickly and being well-informed.
