USCIS Proposes Increases to Filing Fees

USCIS has proposed a new fee structure – raising certain fees, keeping certain fees at their current level, and even lowering some fees.  As part of its bi-annual review, USCIS determined that what it was receiving in user fees was insufficient to allow it to continue its current operations (USCIS receives very little from the general budget (and what it does get is for special projects) and is almost entirely funded by user fees).

The proposed increases that we feel are of importance are as follows:

FORM NUMBER	PREVIOUS FEE	NEW FEE
I-90 – Replace PR Card	$365	$455
I-129 – Nonimmigrant Worker	$325	$460
I-130 – Relative Petition	$420	$535
I-131 – Re-entry Permit	$360	$575
I-140 – Employment based Green Card Application	$580	$700
I-290B – Appeal	$630	$675
I-485 – AOS	$985	$1140
I-539 – Extend/Change Status	$290	$370
I-751 – Remove Conditions	$505	$595
I-765 – Work Authorization	$380	$410
N-400 –  Naturalization	$595	$640
N-600 – Cert. Of Citizenship	$600	$1170

It should be noted that the above do not include the biometrics fee of $85 (which will remain the same) where needed.  In addition to the above, the USCIS Immigration Fee (paid when you enter the US on an Immigration Visa) is being raised from $165 to $220.

USCIS does do its best to keep its fees down on most of the important applications.  The application fees that were raised the most are those related to the Alien Entrepreneur Visa.  The I-526, Application for Alien Entrepreneur went from $1500 to $3675 and the I924 Application for Regional Center Designation went from $6230 to $17,795.  There is a sixty day comment period after which USCIS will publish the final rule with a date for implementation of the new fees.  We will, of course, update you when that happens.

Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.