Expected USCIS Filing Fee Increases

As highlighted in last month’s newsletter, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule which would make changes to the USCIS fee schedule. DHS proposes to adjust USCIS fees by a weighted average increase of 21%, add new fees, and make other changes.  The proposed changes include new and/or increased fees for adjustment of status, asylum, DACA renewals and naturalization. The proposed rule also seeks to eliminate critical fee waivers that allow vulnerable immigrants to maintain their status and progress in their immigration journey.

The following is a sample of proposed fee increases and changes to the Green Card and Naturalization process:

Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Residency- Currently, an adjustment of status application costs $1,225 for most applicants. The current fee includes the cost of concurrently filed applications for work and travel authorization. USCIS is proposing to separate the filing fees for these applications and increase the total price of that package to $2,195.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA - USCIS is proposing to include a new fee for DACA renewals of $275. Currently, renewing DACA requesters pay $410 for employment authorization and $85 for biometrics. However, USCIS is proposing to raise the employment authorization fee to $490 and to roll the biometrics fee into the proposed $275 I-821D fee. Thus, the cost of a DACA renewal will increase from $495 to $765, an overall increase of 55%.  

Fee Waivers - USCIS is proposing to slash existing fee waivers except for those enumerated by statute (i.e., VAWA self-petitioners, battered spouses of certain nonimmigrants, U visas, T visas and TPS). Among the fee waivers largely eliminated are those for applications for naturalization, adjustment of status, green card replacement and renewals (Form I-90) and employment authorization.

Naturalization - USCIS is proposing to increase the naturalization applications (Form N-400) fee 83%, raising the fee from $640 to $1,170. Additionally, USCIS is proposing to eliminate the Form N-400 Reduced Fee as well as fee waivers for the N-400. This will increase the burden on low-income immigrants seeking to naturalize, delaying their access to citizenship.

Please contact Iandoli Desai & Cronin PC if you have questions applying for benefits that you may be eligible for now in preparation of the proposed fee increases taking effect.