USCIS Fee Hike 2024 – Premium Processing

USCIS Premium Processing Fee Hike in 2024: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced crucial updates that will significantly affect a wide range of visa applicants and petitioners. Effective from February 26, 2024, the USCIS will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. This change aligns with the USCIS Stabilization Act’s goal to adjust for inflation and enhance the efficiency of immigration processing.

Decoding the Fee Increase

Authorized by the USCIS Stabilization Act, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adjusts premium processing fees biennially. Reflecting inflation rates from June 2021 through June 2023, as per the Consumer Price Index, DHS is increasing fees across several forms:

• Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): Fees for H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status will now be $1,685, up from $1,500. Other classifications under Form I-129 will see an increase from $2,500 to $2,805.
• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): The fee for employment-based classifications rises from $2,500 to $2,805.
• Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status): Fees will increase from $1,750 to $1,965.
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): Certain F-1 students will see their fees rise from $1,500 to $1,685.

Why the Fee Increase?

This fee increase will enable USCIS to enhance premium processing services, streamline adjudication processes, and more effectively manage adjudication demands. It is a strategic effort to reduce processing backlogs and improve USCIS’s adjudication and naturalization services’ overall efficiency.

Important Information for Applicants and Petitioners

Importantly, applicants and petitioners must be aware that Form I-907 postmarked on or after February 26, 2024, with an incorrect filing fee, will be rejected. This also applies to filings sent via commercial couriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, where the postmark date on the courier receipt is crucial.

Eligibility for Premium Processing

However, it’s also important to remember that premium processing is only available for specific benefits as announced by USCIS. Keeping abreast of USCIS announcements is crucial.

Conclusion

At Taylor & Associates Law P.C., we recognize the challenges these fee increases may pose. However, the anticipated improvements in service efficiency are promising. We advise preparing for these changes to ensure smooth application processes. For personalized assistance or further queries, contact an experienced immigration attorney. Taylor & Associates Law P.C. is an experienced law firm, with a team skilled in immigration law and dedicated to guiding you through your immigration journey with expert advice and support.