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The Federal Register and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced new USCIS application fees for 2024. These changes will affect the cost of various applications and petitions, and applicants should prepare accordingly. The fee changes affect multiple documents and many different aspects of the immigration process. What new USCIS fees in 2024 should you watch out for?
Immigration law is a complex area, one you should not approach alone. Instead, get the guidance of a skilled Omaha immigration law attorney to help you navigate the process with confidence and optimism for your new life. The attorneys at Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling are available to assist you. Contact us today for an initial consultation.
Overview of the New USCIS Fees for 2024
USCIS implemented a new fee schedule and final rule on January 1, 2024, to better align with its operational costs. The fees cover a wide range of services, including applications for naturalization, adjustment of status, employment authorization, and family-based petitions. This fee increase aims to ensure that USCIS can continue to process applications efficiently while maintaining the quality of its services.
Why the Fee Increase?
Breakdown of USCIS New Fees for 2024
Different applications and processes have seen different fee increases. Here’s what you can expect on USCIS filing fee increase 2024, according to the USCIS:
- Naturalization Fees – One of the biggest changes is the naturalization application fee, which increased from $640. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, now costs $760 for a paper filing and $710 for an online filing. The increase reflects the growing demand for naturalization services and the associated costs of processing these applications.
- Adjustment of Status Fees – The fee for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, has also increased. The new paper fee is $1,440. This fee includes the cost of biometric services, which are essential for the background checks required during the adjustment of the status process. Adjustment applicant’s new fees take effect on April 1, 2024.
- Employment Authorization Fees – Applicants seeking employment authorization will also experience higher fees. The fee for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, has increased to $520 for paper filing and $470 for online filing. This change covers the administrative costs of processing employment authorization documents (EADs).
- Family-Based Petition Fees — The price of Family-based petitions, such as Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, has also increased. The new fee for Form I-130 is $675 for paper filing and $625 for online filing. This increase helps USCIS manage the high volume of family-based immigration petitions it receives annually.
Other Notable Fee Changes
Form I-129 and Form I-485 are not the only forms that increased fees. In addition to the above, there are several other fee changes worth noting:
- Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, has increased to $1015 for most employers and $510 for small employers.
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is now $715.
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status is $470 for a paper filing fee and $420 for an online filing fee.
These increases reflect rising costs and the need for USCIS to sustain its operations through fee-based revenue.
Financial Implications on Applicants and Petitioners
The new USCIS fees for 2024 will hit applicants in the pocketbook. Those planning to file multiple forms or sponsoring family members must budget for these increased costs. Factoring in these new fees when planning immigration-related applications is essential to avoid financial surprises.
Processing Times and Service Quality
The fee increases should support USCIS operations and improve processing times, but how effectively these additional funds will be utilized remains to be seen. Applicants can hope for reduced backlogs and faster processing times, but they must stay informed about any updates from USCIS regarding their improvements.
Preparing for the New Fees
Immigration applicants should plan their finances carefully because of the fee changes. The fee changes are merely one expense for applicants. In addition to the new USCIS fees, applicants should budget for potential legal assistance, translation services, and additional costs that may arise during the immigration process. Applicants should identify all the forms they need to file and calculate the total cost under the new fee schedule. This step ensures they are aware of the new expenses.
Applicants would also be wise to set money aside in a rainy day fund in case of unexpected expenses, which often crop up during any legal process. This fund can cover expedited processing fees or additional documentation requirements. The deadlines for immigration applications are stringent, and applicants should consider that when considering fees.
Another crucial aspect of preparation is seeking the guidance of an immigration attorney. A skilled attorney can advise clients on what to expect financially throughout the application process, help them navigate the complexities of fee changes, and file forms correctly and timely. This guidance can prevent costly mistakes and delays in the immigration process.
Finally, applicants should stay informed about future changes to USCIS fees or policies by regularly checking the USCIS website and consulting with their attorney. By taking these proactive steps, applicants can better manage the financial impact of the new USCIS fees and confidently move forward with their immigration plans.
Concerns About the New Fees?
Still don’t know what new USCIS fees in 2024 you should watch out for? The new USCIS fees for 2024 represent a significant change in the cost of immigration services in the United States. While these increases aim to support USCIS operations and improve service delivery, they pose financial challenges for applicants. By understanding the new fee structure, budgeting accordingly, and staying informed, you can handle the immigration process more effectively.
Another way to help yourself during this process is to contact a skilled Omaha immigration attorney. Consulting an attorney will save you the expensive mistake of filing the wrong form. Our team of lawyers at Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling can assist you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our firm at 402-999-9000 if you need assistance with immigration fees in 2024.
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