The USCIS has shared an update to make the immigration process more straightforward and affordable, for applicants by eliminating the additional biometrics fee from most applications beginning on April 1st of 2024. Here are the key points of the revisions;
What are Biometrics?
Biometric data, like fingerprints and photos, are gathered to confirm a person’s identity and maintain safety, in immigration procedures.
What’s Changed?
- No Separate Fee: No extra charge is needed for biometrics now as it has been merged into the filing fee, for immigration requests. A change, from the past when applicants had to pay an additional fee specifically for biometrics processing.
- Applications Affected: This change applies to applications like:
- Green Cards (Form I-485): Adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.
- Work Permits (Form I-765): Authorization to work in the U.S.
- Travel Documents (Form I-131): Permission to travel outside the U.S. and return.
- Naturalization (Form N-400): Application for U.S. citizenship.
- Other Forms: Many other immigration forms will also no longer require a separate biometrics fee.
Exceptions
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or certain cases handled by the Executive Office for Immigration Review will still need to pay a small $30 biometrics fee due to specific processing requirements or additional security checks.
Why the Change?
The goal is to simplify the application process, reduce costs, and make immigration services more accessible. USCIS is consolidating the biometrics fee into the main filing fee, enhancing efficiency and improving cost recovery, while keeping the process streamlined and affordable for applicants.
This change reflects USCIS’s efforts to create a more transparent and user-friendly immigration experience.
