The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking that will adjust U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Examinations Fee Account fee schedule.

DHS will increase fees by a weighted average of 21%.

According to Global Immigration Associates, the proposal contains some major changes. Applicants will now have to pay for I-765 and I-131 filing fees, plus I-485s. Additionally, there is a large hike in nonimmigrant visa filing fees.

Another notable aspect of this proposed rule is that USCIS would separate Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, into different forms. DHS is proposing different fees for these forms.

The final rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register in November.

Why Are Fees Increasing?

DHS says that current fees do not "recover the full costs of providing adjudication and naturalization services."

Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Gordie Rosoklija, who is a Managing Attorney at Global Immigration Associates, P.C. (www.giafirm.com), Envoy's affiliated law firm.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.