USCIS Visa Fee Structure Update: New Filing Fees & Asylum Program Fee

Dive Right Into

Key Takeaways:

USCIS filing fee changes effective April 1, 2024; fees vary per visa category; special considerations for small employers.
New USCIS fee schedule sees H-1B increase to $780; small employers pay $460; L-1 rises to $1,385.
Introduction of $600 Asylum Program Fee in April 2024; potential impact on applicants and sponsoring entities.

Understanding the Upcoming USCIS Filing Fee Changes

Starting April 1, 2024, individuals and businesses applying for visas in the United States will face a revamped visa fee structure, as announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This change is significant for anyone planning to file visa applications soon, as fees will vary depending on the visa category. Moreover, a special consideration for small employers and non-profit entities has been introduced, reflecting a nuanced approach to the fee adjustments.

USCIS Visa Fee Structure Update: New Filing Fees & Asylum Program Fee

What Are the New USCIS Filing Fees?

The new fee schedule introduces different rates for various visa categories. For example, the H-1B visa, popular among professionals seeking employment in specialty occupations in the U.S., will see its filing fee increase from $460 to $780. However, there’s a silver lining for small employers and non-profit organizations, as they will continue to pay the current rate of $460.

Let’s take a closer look at some examples:

H-1B Visa Fee: Increases from $460 to $780. For small employers and non-profits, the fee remains at $460.
L-1 Visa Fee: Goes up from $460 to $1,385, with a reduced fee of $695 for small employers and non-profits.
O-1 Visa Fee: Rises from $460 to $1,055. In the case of small employers and non-profits, the new fee is $530.

Notably, the definition of small employers for the purposes of these fees includes those with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

What’s New Besides the Increased Fees?

April 2024 will also mark the introduction of a new $600 Asylum Program Fee. This fee is applicable to employers filing I-129, Nonimmigrant Visa Petitions, as well as all I-140, Immigrant Visa Petitions. The rationale behind this fee is to allocate funds towards the costs associated with asylum processing, which continues to be free for applicants.

There’s a notable viewpoint concerning this new fee:
“It remains to be seen whether this fee will be challenged as employers explore options due to a view that law-abiding employers should not be forced to shoulder the costs of solving a problem they did not create and do not benefit from.”

This encapsulates the broader discussions and potential controversies surrounding the Asylum Program Fee.

Why Are These Changes Significant?

The updates to the USCIS filing fees and the introduction of the Asylum Program Fee represent a substantial shift in the financial responsibilities of visa applicants and their sponsors. These changes could impact the decisions of both individual applicants and sponsoring organizations, particularly small businesses and non-profits, which are usually more sensitive to fee increases.

How Can Applicants Prepare?

For those looking to apply or sponsor applicants for U.S. visas, it’s crucial to understand these new fees and budget accordingly. Since the fees vary significantly by visa type and employer size, accurate information is key to effective planning.

For detailed and official information on visa types and associated fees, visiting the official USCIS website is highly recommended. This resource provides authoritative and up-to-date information, ensuring that applicants and their sponsors can make informed decisions.

In Conclusion

The USCIS’s decision to revise its filing fees, including the introduction of the Asylum Program Fee, requires potential applicants and their sponsors to rethink their application strategies and financial planning. By staying informed and preparing for these changes, individuals and organizations can navigate the updated fee structures more effectively, ensuring a smoother application process.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Understanding USCIS’s New Filing Fees
USCIS will implement altered visa fees from April 1, 2024. Noteworthy changes include varied rates based on visa type. For instance, the H-1B visa fee will rise to $780, while small employers and non-profits retain the $460 rate. A $600 Asylum Program Fee will also debut. Prepare by visiting the official USCIS website for detailed information.