In early 2024, United states Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the filing fees for certain immigration and naturalization forms and released new versions of several forms. USCIS states that the new fees will help to cover more of its operating costs and support faster processing of new applications.
These updated fees and forms will become effective on April 1, 2024. USCIS will accept prior editions of most forms during a grace period from April 1, 2024, through June 3, 2024. But, some of the new forms with revised fees will not have a grace period. For a full list of revised forms and fees, visit: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule.
Notable USCIS Updates Related to Filing Fees & Forms
April 1, 2024:
USCIS will only accept applications or petitions with the new filing fees after April 1, 2024.- Online filing discount available: A $50 discount is now available for filing an application online if online filing is available.
- Separate filing fees apply for work authorization and travel documents: when filed with a green card application.
- New fee exemptions announced for certain categories: The new fee exemptions for certain categories include Special Immigrant Juveniles, victims of human trafficking, U.S. military service members, and families pursuing international adoption.
- Expansion of a reduced fee for naturalization applications: The expansion of a reduced fee for naturalization applications applies to individuals who demonstrate their household income is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Biometric fees: Biometric fees will no longer be charged separately (except for TPS- and EOIR-filed applications).
- Fee discounts available for: Nonprofit organizations, small business employers, and specific applicant groups may receive fee discounts.
- A new Asylum Program fee: A new asylum program fee will be required of employers filing either a Form I-129, Form I-129CW, or Form I-140.
- Processing timeline change: A change has been made to how fast USCIS must process premium processing applications from calendar days to business days.
KPPB LAW’s Immigration Practice is based in Gainesville, Virginia, and led by KPPB LAW Partner Beeraj Patel. KPPB LAW provides business-focused immigration law services, both to companies seeking to bring workers to the United States and to investors applying directly. The visa application process can be complicated, and denials are common. An experienced immigration attorney can guide you through immigration processes that help you to hire the talented employees or to secure your own presence as an active or passive investor. Our attorneys are experienced in the business aspects of immigration law, and have a history of success in immigration law cases and visa applications related to H1B, L1A, L1B, L2, E Visas — Treaty Trader or Investor, EB1-A, EB1-B, EB1-C — Permanent Resident Visas, EB2/EB3 Labor Certification, EB4, EB5 — Investor Visas (Green Cards), B1 — Business Visitor Visas and B2 Visas. Contact Beeraj Patel to discuss your immigration matter.
KPPB LAW is celebrating 20 years of providing legal services to small and mid-size companies. We are also certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Visit kppblaw.com
