In a significant update to immigration services, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has finalized a new rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. This marks the first significant adjustment in these fees since 2016 and will take effect on April 1, 2024. The changes are designed to help USCIS recover a substantial portion of its operational costs and support more efficient application processing.
The final rule includes a variety of updates and changes:
- Decreased Cost Recovery: USCIS has reduced its annual cost recovery requirement by approximately $730 million, partially due to expected efficiency improvements.
- Expanded Fee Exemptions and Discounts: The rule introduces expanded fee waivers for certain groups, such as Special Immigrant Juveniles, victims of human trafficking and crime, military service members, Afghan allies, and families pursuing international adoption. It also provides fee discounts for nonprofit organizations and small business employers and a 50% discount on Employment Authorization Document applications for specific applicants.
- Naturalization Fee Reductions: There is an expansion in the eligibility for a 50% fee reduction for naturalization applications, now available to individuals with household incomes between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Online Filing Incentives: A standard $50 discount is being implemented for online filers.
- Limit on Fee Increases: The final rule limits fees to no more than 26% for most individual filers, which aligns with the Consumer Price Index increase since the last fee rule in 2016.
You can review the new fee schedule and FAQs Here.
The new fees are expected to generate additional revenue for USCIS, allowing the agency to innovate, improve customer experience, and manage application backlogs more effectively. However, the agency will still require congressional funding to fully address the increased volume of caseloads, especially those associated with recent border crossers.
A grace period from April 1, 2024, to June 3, 2024, will be in place, during which USCIS will accept both previous and new editions of certain forms filed with the correct fee. However, there will be no grace period for new forms revised with a new fee calculation.
This update has substantial implications for various immigration applications, especially for family-based immigration applications, which are among the most affected categories. For instance, the fee for Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) will increase by 53% to $820, and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) will see a 35% increase to $720.
Take Action and File Now
For those considering immigration applications, submitting applications before the April 1 deadline is advisable to avoid higher fees. Complete and accurate submissions are crucial to prevent delays or rejections as the deadline approaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the USCIS fee adjustments set to take effect in April 2024 represent a significant shift in the financial landscape of U.S. immigration services. While these changes aim to enhance the efficiency of USCIS operations and address backlog issues, they also underscore the need for applicants to stay informed and prepared. Whether you are seeking naturalization, applying for family-based immigration, or pursuing other immigration-related services, understanding these fee changes is crucial.
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Citations
- USCIS Issues Final Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration and Naturalization Fees
- New Fee Chart and Frequently Asked Questions on the USCIS Fee Rule
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