On January 3, Biden’s Administration proposed a rule which would increase the application fee for employment-based visas. If passed, employer sponsors will have to submit an additional $600 payment with their application.
Some of the USCIS application fee increases outlined in the proposal are as follows:
- H1-B visa application fees will be $780
- Petitioners will need to pay $215 in pre-registration
- EB-5 visa application fees be $11,160
- Immigrant visa petition for family sponsorship application fees will be $710
- Fiancé(e) sponsorship application fees will be $720
- Adjustment of Status application fees will be $1,540
This ruling will not have a significant impact on other citizenship and humanitarian immigration benefits. It will also codify and expand application fee waivers for specified individuals including victims of serious crimes, veterans, and those with low-income thresholds.
The ruling will not be enacted until after a 60-day public comment period is complete and a final rule is set.
Impact on the Asylum Program
Amidst the surge of asylum applications, these changes would help fund the USCIS asylum program which has historically relied on these fees, as it does not collect these payments from their own applicants. While application fees have remained the same since 2016, the pandemic has created major financial burdens.
The restructured fees will give the asylum program the budget to use towards the screening of applicants, operational costs, and the hiring of additional personnel. These measures are intended to reduce the backlogs and speed up the process at large.
Ideally, employment-based visas and similar categories of visas have the funds to pay these fees which will help those who are not as financially stable.
Contact An Employment-Based Immigration Lawyer
Here at Reeves Immigration Law Group, we understand that visa applications can be intimidating, especially with the ever-changing updates and best practices for filing. Whether you are an employer submitting an H1-B sponsorship application or a family seeking asylum, our team of immigration attorneys have many years of experience and knowledge to successfully advocate on your behalf.
Speak with an employment-based immigration attorney today to discuss your application process and how the USCIS application fee increase may impact your filing. Let us make your immigration experience as seamless as possible!
