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DHS Proposes New Fee Increases in the Midst of Lengthy CIS Service Delays

11 May

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a proposed rule to increase the fees for immigration benefits by a weighted average of 21%. The proposed fee increase comes in the midst of some of the longest CIS adjudication times in recent memory, with H-1B extensions often taking 7 months. The proposed fee increase is open for public comment until July 5, 2016; however, historically DHS fee increases typically go into effect as proposed or with very little change after the required comment period. In anticipation of these substantial fee increases, applicants are advised to submit petitions and applications as soon as possible.

Comparison of Select Current and Proposed Fees

Form/Benefit Current Fee Proposed Fee Fee Increase Percentage Increase
I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker $325 $460 $135 42%
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $290 $370 $80 28%
I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker $580 $700 $120 21%
I-485 Application to Adjust Status $985 $1,140 $155 16%
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization $380 $410 $30 8%
I-131 Application for Advance Parole Travel Document $360 $575 $215 60%
I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $420 $535 $115 27%
I 751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence $505 $595 $90 18%
N-400 Application for Naturalization $595 $640 $45 8%
N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship $600 $1,170 $570 95%

Public comments may be submitted electronically online by entering “USCIS-2016-0001” in the search box, and clicking on the “Comment Now!” button, or by email to uscisfrcomment@dhs.gov referencing “DHS Docket No. USCIS-2016-0001” in the subject matter line.

Foster will continue to provide updates on proposed and final fee increases in future Foster Immigration Updates© and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.