Quick Look:
- USCIS is considering increasing immigration fees due to revenue loss during the pandemic, aiming to cover operational costs.
- Proposed fee hikes include a 2050% increase for the H-1B E-registration fee and a 70% increase for filing an H-1B visa application.
- Other changes include higher fees for L visas, EB-5 investor visas, citizenship applications, employment authorization, and green card adjustments.
As you plan your journey to the United States, understanding the changes in immigration fees is crucial for a smooth process. Recently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken a step that might affect many aspiring immigrants and visa holders. Let’s break it down in more straightforward terms what these changes are all about.
The USCIS, due to the hit its revenue took during the pandemic, has considered increasing fees across various immigration services. This decision is a response to a pressing need for the agency to review its fee structure comprehensively. The aim is to ensure that USCIS can continue to cover the full cost of its operations, something it has struggled with since 2016.
During the comment period, which lasted two months, over 6,000 individuals and organizations shared their opinions, many expressing concerns over the proposed increases. But what does this mean for you?
Imagine walking into a store and seeing the price of your favorite snack has suddenly spiked; that’s similar to what’s happening with the cost of US immigration processes. For instance, the H-1B E-registration fee, which is just $10, is proposed to jump to $215, a significant 2050% increase. The fee for filing an H-1B visa application is also planned to increase by 70%, from $460 to $780.
USCIS defends these fee hikes by emphasizing the need to balance their workload and prevent future backlogs, ensuring that they can continue to provide timely services.
Here are some of the proposed changes:
- H-1B Visa: The registration fee might leap from $10 to $215, and the petition fee from $460 to $780.
- L Visa (Intra-company Transfer): The fee could go from $460 to $1,385.
- EB-5 Investor Visa: Investors might see their I-526 petitions surge from $3,675 to $11,160 and I-829 petitions from $3,835 to $9,525.
Even those seeking US citizenship need to be prepared for an increase. The application fee for citizenship is slated to rise by 19% from $640 to $760. That’s not all—applications for employment authorization and green card adjustments are also on the list to go up.
Ultimately, these changes are a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the immigration process to the US. It’s expected that these new fees will be finalized around December 2023 or January 2024, with an effective date within 60-90 days after finalization.
For detailed and up-to-date information on the fee structure and other immigration-related matters, you can always visit the official USCIS website.
Moving to another country is no small feat, and cost planning plays a significant role in making the experience as smooth as possible. If your plans include working or becoming a citizen in the US, it’s essential to be aware of these potential fee changes and budget accordingly. As always, thorough preparation is your best ally in navigating the intricate world of immigration.
Well, folks, those proposed immigration fee increases by the USCIS might leave your wallet feeling emptier than a deleted browser history. Picture paying $215 instead of $10 for an H-1B E-registration fee. Ouch! But fear not, my tech-savvy friends, for there’s hope yet. Get the juicy details and stay one step ahead with VisaVerge.com. Trust me, it’s like having a tech-savvy friend on speed dial. Happy exploring!
Pocket Piece:
Planning to immigrate to the US? Brace yourself for potential fee increases. USCIS is considering raising fees to cover operational costs, impacted by the pandemic. Proposed changes include an over 2000% increase in the H-1B E-registration fee and a 70% increase in H-1B visa application fees. Stay informed on the USCIS website.
Did you Know?
Did You Know?
- The United States has been a popular destination for immigrants for centuries. In fact, between 1820 and 2021, over 106 million people legally immigrated to the US, making it the country with the highest number of immigrants in the world.
Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, served as the main immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954. During this time, it processed over 12 million immigrants. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the American immigration experience.
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act, brought significant changes to US immigration policy. It abolished the national origins quota system, which had prioritized immigrants from certain European countries, and introduced a preference system based on family reunification and job skills.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 granted amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants who had been living and working in the United States. It also toughened penalties for employers who knowingly hired unauthorized workers.
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program that offers a chance for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the US to obtain permanent residency. Each year, around 50,000 diversity visas are available. However, the program is highly competitive, with millions of applicants vying for a limited number of slots.
Immigrants have played a significant role in shaping American culture and society. From food and music to literature and art, immigrants have brought diverse traditions and perspectives that have enriched the fabric of American life.
The United States has a long history of refugee resettlement. The Refugee Act of 1980 established a formal process for admitting refugees to the US. Since then, millions of refugees escaping persecution, violence, and other dangers have found safety and new opportunities in the US.
The United States is home to the largest population of international students in the world. Each year, hundreds of thousands of students from around the globe come to the US to pursue higher education, contributing to the cultural and intellectual diversity of American campuses.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of unauthorized immigrants in the United States did not enter the country illegally. Instead, they entered legally on a valid visa but overstayed their authorized period of stay. This highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses both border security and visa overstays.
Immigrants have made significant contributions to the US economy. According to a report by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants have founded or co-founded nearly half of all US billion-dollar startup companies, creating jobs and driving innovation in various sectors.
Remember, immigration is a complex and multifaceted topic, and these facts only scratch the surface. Exploring the history, laws, and stories of immigrants can provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of the United States’ diverse society.
Learn Today: Key Terms Explained
Glossary
1. USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services: The government agency responsible for administering and processing immigration benefits in the United States.
2. Immigration Fees – The charges imposed by USCIS for immigration-related services, such as visa applications, petitions, and naturalization applications.
3. Revenue Loss – The decrease in income or funds earned by USCIS due to a decline in the number of immigration applications or other financial setbacks, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. H-1B Visa – A non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. The proposed fee hikes include significant increases for the H-1B E-registration fee and the H-1B visa application fee.
5. L Visa – A non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer their employees to the U.S. branch of the company. The fee for filing an L visa application is expected to increase.
6. EB-5 Investor Visa – A program that provides a path to obtaining U.S. permanent residence for foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in a new commercial enterprise. The proposed changes include higher fees for I-526 and I-829 petitions related to the EB-5 program.
7. Citizenship Application – The process of applying to become a U.S. citizen. The application fee for citizenship is slated to rise by 19%.
8. Employment Authorization – The authorization granted to non-U.S. citizens to work legally in the United States. The fee for employment authorization is also expected to increase.
9. Green Card Adjustment – The process of changing an individual’s immigration status from a temporary visa holder to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). The fee for green card adjustments is also on the list to go up.
10. Comment Period – A designated period during which the public can provide feedback or opinions on proposed changes to immigration policies, regulations, or fees.
11. Backlogs – A situation where there is a delay in processing immigration applications, resulting in a large number of pending cases.
12. I-526 Petitions – A form filed by EB-5 investors to petition for an immigrant visa based on their investment in a qualifying U.S. business.
13. I-829 Petitions – A form filed by EB-5 investors to petition for the removal of conditions on their permanent resident status.
14. Finalization – The process of completing or making final changes to proposed immigration fees or regulations.
15. Effective Date – The date on which the newly proposed immigration fees or regulations will come into effect.
16. Immigration Process – The series of steps and requirements an individual must fulfill to legally enter and stay in a country as a permanent resident or citizen.
17. Budget Accordingly – Plan finances in a way that appropriately accounts for potential fee increases and other expenses related to immigration.
18. Tech-Savvy – Knowledgeable or skilled in using or understanding technology.
19. Tech-Savvy Friend on Speed Dial – Refers to having someone knowledgeable about technology readily available for assistance or advice.
