In a significant development, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing substantial fee increases for various immigration applications effective April 1, 2024. This marks the first major adjustment since 2016, addressing the agency’s operational challenges. To ensure you don’t incur higher immigration fees, submitting your complete application before the impending deadline is crucial. At Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, we are here to guide you through the process and help you take advantage of the current lower fees.
Understanding the Impact: The fee adjustments will notably affect family-based immigration applications, particularly those involving green cards and fiancé visas. Here’s a glimpse of the upcoming changes:
Updated Immigration Fees at a Glance:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): 26% increase to $675 (paper filing) and $625 (online filing).
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): 26% increase from $535 to $675.
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): 18% increase from $1,225 to $1,440. Additionally, once free, employment authorization and advance parole will now cost an additional $650 and $630, respectively.
Strategies for Applicants: Prospective applicants, especially those in family-based immigration, are encouraged to submit their applications before the April 1 deadline to take advantage of the current, lower fees. Accuracy and completeness in submissions are crucial to avoid delays or rejections. Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can assist in ensuring your application is both timely and correct.
Background of the USCIS Fee Increase: USCIS, unique in its fee-funded model, relies on application fees for its budget. Periodic fee revisions are essential for its functioning. Since 2016, the fee structure has struggled to cover costs, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in applications.
With USCIS processing times decreasing and application costs rising, acting promptly is essential. Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here to help you save both money and time. Check your eligibility and get started now to secure your immigration goals before the fee increase takes effect. Stay informed, stay ahead.
This is a partial list of forms and fees. For a complete list of forms and fee changes, refer to the Federal Register.