The USCIS has recently announced a final rule implementing changes to filing fees for most immigration benefits that will go into effect on April 1, 2024. According to the Service, this “final rule will allow USCIS to recover a greater share of its operating costs and support more timely processing of new applications.”
As per the USCIS, the final fee rule includes several important updates since the initial rulemaking after notice and comment by the public, such as:
Lowers the agency’s required annual cost recovery by $727 million, in part by considering the budget effects of improved efficiency measures;
Expands fee exemptions for Special Immigrant Juveniles and victims of human trafficking, crime, and domestic violence; U.S. military service members and our Afghan allies; and families pursuing international adoption;
Provides special fee discounts for nonprofit organizations and small business employers;
Allows for half-price Employment Authorization Document applications for applicants for adjustment of status and a reduced fee for adjustment of status applicants under the age of 14 in certain situations;
Expands eligibility for a 50% fee reduction for naturalization applications, available to individuals who can demonstrate household income between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and
Implements a standard $50 discount for online filers.
USCIS will use the postmark date of a filing to determine which form version and fees are correct but will use the receipt date for purposes of any regulatory or statutory filing deadlines.
For more information, please see the links below:
Comments