UPDATE (October 1, 2020): The USCIS filing fee increase has been enjoined following a lawsuit that was recently filed against the government. Until the case is fully heard in the courts, the increase in fees is being brought to an immediate halt. If you have any questions, please contact us today.
In late 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed to adjust its fee schedule for certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests. Despite opposition to this change, it is likely to move forward this summer. This will impact you if you are seeking any of the following:
- Adjustment of status/Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card)
- DACA renewals
- Asylum
- Naturalization
The fees associated with these processes are likely to increase considerably and fee waivers, which allow many vulnerable immigrants to complete the immigration process, will be eliminated.
Let’s take a closer look at the price increases that have been proposed.
Adjustment of Status
The current fees for adjustment of status total $1225. Under the new rule, the fees would be $2195. This is a 79% increase.
DACA Renewals
The current fees for DACA renewal total $495. Under the new rule, the fees would be $765. This is a 55% increase.
Asylum
There is currently no fee for asylum seekers. Under the new rule, asylum seekers would face a fee of $50.
Naturalization
The current fees for naturalization total $640. Under the new rule, the fees would be $1170. This is an 83% increase.
Elimination of Fee Waivers
Under the new rule, most fee waivers will be eliminated, making it more difficult for immigrants in vulnerable circumstances or with low income to complete the immigration process. However, some waivers will remain because they are enumerated by statute. These include fee waivers for VAWA self-petitioners, battered spouses of certain nonimmigrants, U visa applicants, T visa applicants and TPS applicants.
If you are interested in learning more about the proposed fee increases and waiver eliminations, you can read the complete proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security here. If you have questions about the ins and outs of this change or how it will impact your specific case, the Rotella & Hernandez team is here to help.