The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a substantial fee increase for a variety of immigration applications, marking the first major adjustment since 2016. Set to begin April 1, 2024, this new fee structure reflects the agency’s efforts to address operational costs and financial pressures. Notably, these changes will significantly impact family-based applications, one of the most commonly used immigration categories. Below, we outline the new fees, how they’ll affect different applications and strategies for applicants to potentially avoid the higher costs.
Key Fee Changes for Common Immigration Forms
Here’s a quick look at some of the notable fee increases:
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The fee for this family reunification form (including marriage green cards) will increase by 26%, from $535 to $675 for paper filing and to $625 for online filing.
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): Essential for bringing a fiancé(e) to the U.S., this form will increase from $535 to $675 (26%).
- Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status): Used by those seeking a green card, the fee will rise by 18% for standalone applications, from $1,225 to $1,440. Previously free applications for employment authorization and advance parole within the adjustment process will now cost $260 and $630, respectively.
How to Calculate Your Application’s Cost
The table below outlines some of the significant immigration benefits and their new fees. Use the “New Fee” column as a guide for what to expect after April 1, 2024.
| Immigration Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
| K-1 Fiancé Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| CR-1 Spousal Visa | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) | $1,225 | $1,440 | $215 |
| Work Permit (Form I-765) | $0 | $260 | $260 |
| Travel Permit (Form I-131) | $0 | $630 | $630 |
| Adjustment of Status with I-130 + Permits | $1,760 | $3,005 | $1,245 |
Increases in Employment-Based Fees
In addition to family-based applications, USCIS will also increase fees for work visas and employment-based green cards:
| Immigration/Visa Benefit | Current Fee | New Fee (April 2024) | Fee Increase |
| Form I-129 (H-1 Classification) | $460 | $780 | $320 |
| Form I-129 (L Classification) | $460 | $1,385 | $925 |
| Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) | $700 | $715 | $15 |
| Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) | $2,500 | $2,805 | $305 |
Strategies for Avoiding Higher Fees
If you’re considering applying, it’s wise to do so before April 1 to take advantage of the current fees. Here are some additional strategies:
- Submit Before the Deadline: Complete your application and ensure it’s postmarked before April 1, 2024, to avoid the fee increase.
- Use USCIS’s Fee Calculator: USCIS provides a fee calculator on its website, allowing applicants to estimate their costs under the new structure.
- Check for Fee Waivers: USCIS continues to offer waivers for certain forms if you meet specific income criteria. Visit the USCIS website for eligibility information.
Why Did USCIS Raise Fees?
USCIS is largely funded by the fees it collects from immigration applications. Unlike many other government agencies, it does not rely heavily on taxpayer dollars. This funding model has put a strain on USCIS’s operations, especially since application volumes fell sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, backlogs and customer service challenges have driven the agency to adjust fees to ensure it has the resources needed to process applications efficiently.
Common Questions About the USCIS Fee Increase
- When will the new fees apply?
New fees go into effect on April 1, 2024. Applications postmarked on or after this date will be subject to the higher fees. - Will fee increases impact processing times?
USCIS aims to reduce backlogs and improve processing times by using the additional revenue, though various factors can affect the results. - Are fee waivers available?
Yes, fee waivers are still available for specific applications based on financial need.
For a complete list of new fees and other updates, it’s best to check the official USCIS website regularly. With these changes coming soon, acting quickly and staying informed is essential for anyone involved in the immigration process.
