In a move that could reshape the financial landscape of immigration to the United States, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is contemplating a substantial fee increase for H1B workers, with figures reaching an eye-watering 2050%. Additionally, the cost of green card applications is set to surge, as the USCIS grapples with financial challenges intensified by the ongoing pandemic.
USCIS Proposal Sparks Controversy Amid Revenue Challenges
Acknowledging the need for a comprehensive fee review to address revenue challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, the USCIS has put forth a proposal that encompasses a wide array of immigration processes. This includes H-1B visas and green card applications, prompting commentary and critique from more than 6000 individuals and organizations during the two-month comment period.
The proposed fee rule is slated for finalization in December or January 2024, with an effective date set 60-90 days thereafter. The primary objective is to bridge the shortfall in recovering the full cost of agency operations, a gap that has persisted since 2016.
Breakdown of Current and Proposed Fees
The fee adjustments, if implemented, will impact various immigration categories. Here’s a breakdown of the current and proposed fees for key immigration processes:
- H-1B E-registration Fee:
- Current: $10
- Proposed: $215 (2050% increase)
- Petition (Application) for an H-1B Visa:
- Current: $460
- Proposed: $780 (70% increase)
- Petition for an L Visa (Intra-Company Transfer):
- Current: $460
- Proposed: $1,385 (201% increase)
- Petition by an EB-5 Investor (Investment-Linked Green Card):
- Current: $3,675
- Proposed: $11,160 (204% increase)
- Petition by EB-5 Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status (with Biometric Services):
- Current: $3,835
- Proposed: $9,525 (148% increase)
- Application for Employment Authorization (Online) – Online:
- Current: $410
- Proposed: $555 (35% increase)
- Application for Employment Authorization (Paper Filing):
- Current: $410
- Proposed: $650 (59% increase)
- Application to Adjust to Green Card Status (with Biometric Services):
- Current: $1,225
- Proposed: $1,540 (26% increase)
- Application for Citizenship (Online or Paper Filing):
- Current: $640
- Proposed: $760 (19% increase)
As the USCIS grapples with fiscal challenges, the proposed fee hikes aim to align agency capacity with projected workloads and mitigate potential future backlogs in immigration processes. The implications of these proposed changes, if implemented, could significantly impact individuals and organizations navigating the intricate landscape of US immigration.
