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?
Immigration procedures gather biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, to verify a person’s identity and ensure safety.
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.
Financial Relief for Applicants
The recent removal of certain application fees by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) represents a significant shift in immigration policy aimed at providing financial relief to applicants. This change is particularly beneficial for low-income individuals and families who may have previously struggled to afford the costs associated with the immigration process.
Streamlining the Application Process
By eliminating fees for specific forms, USCIS aims to streamline the application process. This reduction in financial barriers can lead to increased participation in various immigration programs, making it easier for individuals to navigate the complexities of the system. The simplified process encourages more applicants to pursue their immigration goals without the added stress of financial constraints.
Encouragement for More People to Apply
The removal of fees, therefore, serves as an encouragement for more individuals to apply for immigration benefits. As a result, with lower costs, more people may feel empowered to seek permanent residency, work permits, or other immigration-related services. Furthermore, this increase in applications can contribute to a more diverse and vibrant society, ultimately enriching communities across the United States.
Application Categories Affected
The fee removal applies to several key application categories, including:
- Family-Based Petitions: The U.S. government has eliminated fees for certain family-based petitions, making it easier for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their relatives.
- Employment-Based Applications: Many employers and employees can now navigate the visa process without incurring significant costs, as the government has also affected many employment-based applications.
- Asylum Applications: The removal of fees for asylum applications encourages individuals fleeing persecution to seek refuge in the U.S. without worrying about application costs.
Examples of Common Scenarios
- Family Reunification: A U.S. citizen sponsoring their spouse or children can now do so without the financial burden of application fees, facilitating quicker reunification.
- Work Authorization: An immigrant seeking employment-based status may find it easier to apply for necessary work permits without the associated fees, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.
- Asylum Seekers: Individuals fleeing violence or persecution can apply for asylum without the fear of incurring additional costs that could deter them from seeking safety.
The Impact on Applicants
Benefits for Low-Income Applicants
- Increased Accessibility: The removal of fees significantly increases accessibility for low-income applicants who might otherwise be unable to afford application costs. This change allows them to pursue their immigration goals without financial strain.
- Encouragement to Apply: With reduced financial barriers, low-income individuals are more likely to apply for benefits they may have previously deemed unattainable due to cost.
Faster or More Accessible Processing for Specific Groups
- Streamlined Applications: Removing fees allows USCIS to speed up processing times by increasing the number of applications that can be submitted and processed efficiently without financial barriers.
- Targeted Support: Specific groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers, benefit from faster processing times as the removal of fees encourages them to apply without concern for costs.
Potential Drawbacks or Limitations
- Increased Demand: While removing fees can encourage more applications, it may also lead to an overwhelming number of submissions that could strain USCIS resources and potentially slow processing times in the long run.
- Limited Scope of Fee Removal: Not all forms or categories are included in this fee removal policy, which means some applicants may still face financial barriers when applying for certain immigration benefits.
- Administrative Challenges: USCIS may face challenges in managing increased application volumes while maintaining efficiency and accuracy in processing.
Historical Context
Previous Cost of Biometrics Fees
Before the recent changes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charged a separate biometrics fee of $85 for most applications requiring biometric services, such as fingerprints and photographs.
Comparison with Fees in Other Countries
In comparison to other countries, the U.S. biometrics fee was relatively high. For example, Canada charges a flat fee for processing applications that include biometric collection, while the United Kingdom has a similar integrated fee structure. The high cost of the U.S. biometrics fee often deterred low-income applicants from pursuing their immigration goals.
Why USCIS Made This Change Now
USCIS decided to eliminate the separate biometrics fee as part of a broader effort to simplify the immigration process and make it more accessible. This change reflects feedback from stakeholders who expressed concerns about the financial burden imposed by multiple fees. By incorporating biometric costs into the main application fees, USCIS aims to streamline the application process and reduce confusion among applicants.
Steps to Apply After the Change
Updated Fee Structure for Affected Applications
As of April 1, 2024, applicants will no longer need to pay a separate biometrics fee for most applications. Instead, the cost of biometrics will be included in the overall filing fee for various forms, such as:
- Form I-485: Application for Adjustment of Status
- Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
- Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
However, exceptions remain for certain cases, such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants, who may still incur a small biometrics fee.
Steps to Check Eligibility
- Review USCIS Guidelines: Applicants should familiarize themselves with the updated guidelines on USCIS’s website regarding which forms are affected by the fee removal.
- Determine the application type: Identify the application you will submit and ensure it falls under the categories where the biometrics fee has been eliminated.
- Consult Legal Resources: If uncertain about eligibility or application procedures, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Resources for Assistance
Applicants can access various resources to help navigate the application process:
- USCIS Website: The official USCIS website provides comprehensive information on application procedures and updated fees.
- Community Organizations: Nonprofit organizations often offer free or low-cost legal assistance and workshops on immigration processes.
- Legal Aid Services: Seek help from legal aid services that specialize in immigration law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Was the Biometrics Fee Removed for Certain Cases?
The removal of the biometrics fee aims to reduce financial barriers for applicants and streamline the immigration process. By incorporating the cost into main application fees, USCIS aims to make it easier for individuals to apply for immigration benefits without facing multiple fees.
Do Applicants Still Need to Attend Biometrics Appointments?
Yes, USCIS may still require applicants to attend biometrics appointments if they determine that biometrics are necessary for their specific case. However, applicants filing under categories where the fee has been waived will not need to attend unless USCIS specifically notifies them.
Will This Lead to Processing Delays or Speed Up Applications?
Removing the separate biometrics fee aims to simplify processes, but it is uncertain how this will impact processing times overall. In theory, by reducing administrative burdens related to collecting multiple fees, processing could become more efficient; however, increased application volumes might lead to delays.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
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