US may hike the fee for a critical H-1B visa step by 2050% in 2024; make green cards applications costlier

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Key Points

In a move that could impact various immigration processes, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed substantial fee increases..

The USCIS, facing revenue challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, has acknowledged the need for a comprehensive fee review..

CategoryCurrentProposed (%hike)H-1B E-registration fee$10$215 (2050%)Petition (application) for a H-1B visa$460$780 (70%)Petition for a L visa (intra-company transfer)$460$1,385 (201%)Petition by an EB-5 investor (investment-linked green card)$3,675$11,160 (204%)Petition by EB-5 investor to remove conditions on permanent resident status (with biometric services)$3,835$9,525 (148%)Application for Employment Authorization (online) - Online$410$555 (35%)Application for Employment Authorization (paper filing)$410$650 (59%)Application to adjust to green card status (with biometric services)$1,225$1,540 (26%)Application for citizenship (online or paper filing)$640$760 (19%)..

While the USCIS contends that these fee adjustments are essential for sustaining agency operations, many immigration attorneys anticipate only minor tweaks to the proposed fees..

Additionally, individuals seeking US citizenship or a green card are encouraged to explore early filing options to mitigate the impact of higher fees.. with TOI inputs.

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The changes bring notable adjustments to fees for temporary and permanent work visas. Registration fees for H-1B specialty occupation visas are expected to rise by 40% to $215. The burden of fee hikes will likely be borne by employment-based visa petitioners. The final impact of these proposed changes will be revealed once the rule is officially published.