What You Need to Know About USCIS’s Latest Fee Adjustments for Immigration and Naturalization

Learn About the USCIS Fee Increase of 2024 in Ogden, Utah

If you’re navigating the U.S. immigration or naturalization process in Ogden, Utah, it’s important to stay informed about the recent USCIS fee increase in 2024. These adjustments, effective April 1, 2024, will impact certain filing fees as well as related processes like biometric services and fee exemptions. At Richards & Richards Law Firm, we want to help you understand how these changes might affect your case and guide you through the process seamlessly.

Where to Find Filing Fee Changes

Starting April 1, 2024, USCIS form instructions will no longer list filing fees. Instead, the updated fees are available on the Form G-1055 Fee Schedule. Use this document or the newly updated Fee Calculator to confirm the total costs for your filing. Before proceeding, check if you qualify for fee exemptions or waivers based on individual circumstances, such as humanitarian-based applications. The updated fee schedule is essential for ensuring your application is filed correctly. Incorrect fee payments can lead to rejections and delays in processing.

Discounts for Online Filings

USCIS is encouraging applicants to file online by offering a $50 discount for many benefit requests. This applies to forms submitted through their online portal, except in situations where the fees are already discounted or capped, like Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Filing online is not just cost-efficient but also often faster.

Changes to Biometric Fees

Separate biometric service fees are largely eliminated under the new rules. For most applications, these fees are now bundled with the form filing fees. Exceptions include some specific cases like TPS applications, where a biometric fee of $30 will apply instead of the previous $85. This adjustment simplifies the payment process and reduces overall costs for some applicants, but ensure you verify whether your application requires a biometric fee before filing.

Payments: What to Keep in Mind

Ensure all immigration payments are accurate and separate to avoid possible rejection of filings. USCIS has updated its payment policies significantly. Working with an immigration attorney helps you know that the correct fees are paid on time. Some key points include:

• No single combined payments are allowed. For example, if you’re submitting multiple applications simultaneously, each requires a separate check or money order.
• There’s no longer a $30 returned check fee. However, fees paid via credit card can only be refunded at USCIS’s discretion.

Form Revisions, Grace Periods, and Deadlines

With the new fee schedule, USCIS has revised various forms effective April 1, 2024. While most old and updated forms are both acceptable through June 3, 2024, certain forms (like I-129 and I-140) must use the updated versions starting immediately. Additionally, USCIS will use the postmark date to determine whether you’ve submitted the proper form version and fee amount.

Fee Exemptions

The revised fee schedule expands exemptions for humanitarian cases. These include applicants such as Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJs), T or U visa petitioners for victims of trafficking or crimes, and applicants under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Others include refugees, asylum seekers, and certain applications related to the Cuban Adjustment Act or DACA.

Fee Waivers

Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship. Eligibility is determined by income levels below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) or receipt of public benefits. Supporting evidence, along with Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver), must accompany your application.

Adjustment of Status and Fee Unbundling

The fee for most Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications will increase to $1,440, with a reduced rate of $950 for children under 14 filing with a parent. However, interim benefits like employment authorization (Form I-765) and travel documents (Form I-131) are no longer bundled with the adjustment fee. For applicants seeking both adjustment of status and employment authorization, the I-765 application fee is half-price at $260. Travel document applications cost $630. If applying for these services together, plan your budget accordingly.

Naturalization Fee Reductions

There is good news for naturalization applicants. The reduced fee eligibility threshold for Form N-400 will expand. Applicants whose income is less than 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for reduced fees. The updated Form N-400 will also simplify the application process by embedding the reduced fee request into the form itself. Also, naturalization applicants will no longer have to pay separate biometric fees, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

New Forms and Deadlines for Employment-Based Immigration

For businesses filing on behalf of foreign workers, new fees apply to employment-based petitions like Form I-129 and Form I-140. Employers should note the additional $600 asylum program fee for certain petitions, including H-1B and L-1 categories, though small employers and non-profits may qualify for reduced rates.

What About the Asylum Program Fee?

While individual asylum applicants are not charged a petition fee, employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitioners must pay the $600 asylum program fee. This cost helps fund asylum services provided by USCIS.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About USCIS Fee Adjustments

Navigating the USCIS fee increase for 2024 may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Richards & Richards Law Firm, we specialize in immigration law and help individuals, families, and businesses in Ogden, Utah, successfully handle their immigration filings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your filings comply with the new USCIS fee adjustments.