USCIS Announces Proposed Rule for Fee Increases

Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule to adjust specific immigration and naturalization benefit request fees charged by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The last fee change was in November of 2010. Currently, the USCIS is primarily funded by immigration and naturalization benefits fees charged to hopeful applicants and petitioners.

After a biennial review, the USCIS concluded the current fee amounts are insufficient to recover the full cost of activities. The USCIS plans to adjust fees by a weighted average increase of 21%. In addition to increasing fees, the DHS proposes to establish a new fee of $3,035 to recover the full cost of processing Employment Based Immigrant Visas, Fifth Preference (EB-5) and Form 1-924A. Additionally, the DHS has proposed a three-level fee system for Applications for Naturalization (Form N-400).

• Fees for Form N-400 would increase from $595 to $640.
• The DHS will continue to charge No Fee for applicants who meet the requirements of section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.
• A reduced fee of $320 will be charged for applicants with family income greater than 150% but not more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Hopefully, the fee increases allow for faster processing times and more efficient interview scheduling by providing more resources for the USCIS to utilize. If you or a family member have plans to immigrate to the United States, you should contact an experienced Malden immigration attorney. While the DHS is proposing some fees only go up a few dollars, others could see a 50% increase. Get your applications in with our trusted Malden immigration lawyer before the fee increase goes into effect.

Don’t wait! – Call to schedule a free consultation today.