How USCIS Fee Changes Impact Business Immigration Strategies
At the beginning of April, USCIS changed the filing fees for certain immigration and naturalization applications for benefits. It also released new versions of several government forms that are filed by employers and foreign nationals. According to USCIS, the new fees will offset some of its operating costs and help the agency process applications more quickly.
These updated fees and forms became effective April 1, 2024. USCIS will accept prior editions of most forms during a grace period from April 1 to June 3, 2024. But some of the new forms (both employment-based and otherwise) with revised fees will not have a grace period. USCIS provided a full list of revised forms and fees subject to the recent changes.
Key updates you should be aware of:
- USCIS will only accept applications and petitions with the new filing fees.
- Petitioners can redeem a $50 discount for filing certain applications online.
- There are separate filing fees for work authorization and travel documents when filed with a green card application.
- USCIS added new fee exemptions for certain categories, including Special Immigrant Juveniles, victims of human trafficking, U.S. military service members, and families pursuing international adoption.
- The agency expanded the reduced fee for naturalization applications for individuals who can demonstrate their household income is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Biometric fees will no longer be charged separately (except for TPS- and EOIR-filed applications).
- There are fee discounts for nonprofit organizations, small business employers and specific applicant groups.
- Employers filing either a Form I-129, Form I-129CW or Form I-140 must pay a new Asylum Program Fee.
- USCIS changed the timeframe it must process premium processing applications in from calendar days to business days.
Contact Brandon Davis, Laura Buck or any member of Phelps’ Immigration team if you have questions or need advice and guidance.
