USCIS Fees Increase by Average of 20%
Current Fee Structure Changed to Impose
Specific Fees per Visa Category
Some USCIS Filing Fees to Increase 20%+ on Oct 2, 2020
By Isaul Verdin, VERDIN Founder and Managing Attorney |
New USCIS filing fees will go into effect on October 2, 2020. A new final rule was published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the Federal Register on August 3, 2020.
The updated rule raises fees by a weighted average of 20%. And it changes the current fee structure to require specific fees per visa category.
The USCIS final rule removes certain fee exemptions, limits fee waivers and alters premium processing time limits.
See Announcement pdf: USCIS Fee Schedule Changes Announcement, 8-3-20
The final rule is effective on October 2, 2020. Any application, petition, or request postmarked on (or after) this date must be accompanied with the fees established by the final rule.
Assess Immigration Status and Filing Needs ASAP
VERDIN Law recommends to carefully assess all immigration law needs in advance of October 2, 2020. In some cases, the USCIS fee increases are substantial.
| Form | Current Fee | New Fee | % Change |
| NONIMMIGRANT | |||
| I-129 H2B (Named Beneficiaries) | $460 | $715 | 55% |
| I-129 H-2B (Unnamed Beneficiaries) | $460 | $385 | -10% |
| I-129L (includes L-1A, L-1B and L blankets) | $460 | $805 | 75% |
| I-129O | $460 | $705 | 53% |
| I-129E & TN & I-129 CW (includes E-1, E-2, E-3, TN and CW) | $460 | $695 | 51% |
| I-129 MISC (includes H-3, P, Q, R) | $460 | $695 | 51% |
| I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant status (Online Filing) | $370 | $390 | 5% |
| I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant status (Paper Application) | $370 | $400 | 8% |
| E Visas (Business Visas) | $460 | $695 | 51% |
| IMMIGRANT | |||
| I-140, Immigrant Visa Petition | $700 | $555 | -21% |
| I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur | $3,675 | $4,010 | 9% |
| I-485, Application to Adjust Status | $1,140 | $1,130 | -1% |
| I-485, Application to Adjust Status for applicant under the age of 14 | $750 | $1,130 | 51% |
| I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (Non-DACA) | $410 | $550 | 34% |
| I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (DACA) | $410 | $410 | 0% |
| I-131, Application for Travel Document | $575 | $590 | 3% |
| Biometrics Fee (NON-DACA) | $85 | $30 | -65% |
| Biometrics Fee (DACA) | $85 | $85 | 0% |
| Total Fees for Adjustment of Status Applications – I-485 with I-765, and I-131 | $1,225 | $2,270 | 85% |
| I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (online filing) | $455 | $405 | -11% |
| I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (paper filing) | $455 | $415 | -9% |
| CITIZENSHIP | |||
| N-400, Application for Naturalization (online) | $640 | $1160 | 81% |
| N-400, Application for Naturalization (paper filing) | $640 | $1170 | 83% |
For general informational purposes only. If you have any questions or need legal assistance, please Contact VERDIN Law.
Immigration Questions? Please Contact VERDIN Law
Isaul VERDIN has extensive experience advising multinational companies and entrepreneurs on complex US immigration matters involving investments.
Mr. VERDIN focuses on advising companies on structuring entities, acquisitions, and strategic expansion to satisfy US immigration E-1, E2, L1A, L1B, or EB-1 objectives in a variety of fields; including real estate, aviation, technology, manufacturing, retail, luxury goods, and professional services. Additionally, he litigates deportation defense matters throughout the US.
From its inception, VERDIN has gained a reputation for prevailing in even the most complicated immigration matters.
“As a Board Certified, Immigration Lawyer (Texas Board of Legal Specialization) with over 17 years of experience, my passion is immigration law. We will listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and expertly guide you through your immigration process.” ~ Isaul VERDIN, Founder and Managing Attorney
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