The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recommended a significant hike in fees for various immigration processes to the US. The USCIS has prepared a proposal and acknowledged the need for a thorough fee review in light of the pandemic’s increased revenue challenges.
The Hindustan Times reports that the proposal, which includes H-1B visas and green card applications, drew criticism from more than 6000 people and organisations.
The proposed fee rule, expected to be completed next year, should resolve the gap that has existed since 2016 in recovering the entire cost of agency operations.
There could be a startling 2050% increase in the H-1B E-registration fee, from $10 to $215. It is also planned to raise the petition fee for an H-1B visa application from $460 to $780, a 70% increase. To avoid future backlogs, the USCIS contends that these increases are necessary in order to balance agency capacity with anticipated workloads.
The cost of applying for citizenship (naturalisation) will rise from $640 to $760, a 19% increase. For EB-5 investors taking part in the investment-linked green card programme, the biggest increases are suggested. I-829 petitions to remove conditions on permanent resident status may see a 148% increase to $9,525 while initial I-526 petitions could see a 204% increase to $11,160.
Box
H-1B E-registration fee (Source Hindustan Times):
Present: $10, Recommended: $215 (2050%)
Petition (application) for an H-1B visa:
Present: $460, Recommended $780 (70%)
Petition for an L visa (intra-company transfer):
Present: $460, Recommended $1,385 (201%)
Petition by an EB-5 investor (investment-linked green card):
Present: $3,675, Recommended $11,160 (204%)
Petition by EB-5 investor to remove conditions on permanent resident status (with biometric services):
Present: $3,835, Recommended $9,525 (148%)
Application for Employment Authorization (online) – Online:
Present: $410, Recommended $555 (35%)
Application for Employment Authorization (paper filing):
Present: $410, Recommended $650 (59%)
