USCIS Increases Filing Fees for 2024
U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) introduced significant changes impacting immigration and naturalization benefit request fees, form editions and the premium processing service period.
This marked the first substantial adjustment to fees since 2016 and was driven by a comprehensive review by USCIS that revealed that the previous rates were insufficient to cover the cost of agency operations fully.
The new fees are in effect as of April 1, 2024.
USCIS Filing Fee Chart for 2024
Premium processing fees, like those for H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN, have increased from $2,500 to $2,805.
Additionally, USCIS implemented a new asylum program fee, set at $600 for Form I-129 and I-140 filings, with a reduced fee of $300 for small employers with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees in the U.S. The fee change aims to cover agency operation costs previously largely covered by Congress.
USCIS also introduced separate fees for the I-131 Advance Parole (travel) and the I-765 Employment Authorization applications, previously covered under the I-485 application fee. This change sought to align fees with specific services and aims to enhance transparency in cost allocation.
USCIS Premium Processing Timeframe
In another procedural shift, USCIS extended the Premium Processing service timeline, transitioning from counting calendar days to business days. The adjustment provides adjudicators sufficient time for thorough decision-making. USIC also feels it will ensure consistency and predictability for petitioners.
USCIS Premium Processing Fee
Under this same announcement, USCIS increased filing fees associated with Form I-907, Request for premium processing, to adjust for inflation with fees ranging from $1,685 to $2,805, depending on form type. The increase took effect on February 26, 2024.
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Envoy is pleased to provide you with this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Ashley Knowland, who is a Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., a U.S. law firm who provides services through the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firm”).
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
