USCIS Announces Fee Increases For First Time In Six Years

USCIS has announced the publication of a final rule in the Federal Register increasing USCIS fees for the vast majority of USCIS petitions and applications. This is the first time in 6 years that USCIS has adjusted its fees.

The fee changes will become effective on Friday, December 23, 2016. All applications received on or after December 23, 2016 must contain the new fee amount or the application will be rejected by USCIS.

The most notable changes include:

• The fee for Form I-129 (used for H-1B and L-1A petitions, among other classification types) is increasing from $325 to $460.
• The fee for Form I-485 is increasing from $985 to $1,140. As the Biometrics fee is remaining at $85, the total fee for most Adjustment of Status applicants will increase from $1,170 to $1,225.
• The fee for Form I-140 is increasing from $580 to $700.
• The fee for Form I-130 is increasing from $420 to $535.
• The fee for Naturalization (N-400) has increased from $595 to $640. Additionally, USCIS has effectively created a 3-tier fee system for the N-400. USCIS is offering a “reduced” fee of $320 for those who my do not qualify for a complete fee waiver but cannot afford the full fee. Those applying for the reduced fee will need to file the new Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee with the N-400.