The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a final rule regarding adjustments to application fees for specific immigration benefits, slated to take effect on April 1, 2024. Notably, some fee hikes, including those for premium processing, will be implemented as early as February 26, 2024. Additionally, there will be an increase in H-1B lottery registration fees for the 2024 lottery. The bulk of these fee adjustments predominantly impact employment-based and family-based applications. Furthermore, USCIS has introduced fee exemptions for numerous humanitarian applications, such as those for VAWA, U-visa, and T-visa, filed after April 1, 2024, thereby waiving the need for payment to the Department of Homeland Security.Related: Fiance Visa VS Spouse Visa

Employment-Based Petitions

Employers will be subject to the updated fee requirements for employment-based and related applications as of April 1, 2024.Application TypeCurrent FeeNew FeeH-1B lottery registration$10$215 (effective for 2024 lottery registration)H-1B (Form I-129)$460$780H-1B for small employers (25 or fewer employees) and nonprofits$460$460L (Form I-129)$460$1,385L for small employers (25 or fewer employees) and nonprofits$460$695O$460$1,055O for small employers (25 or fewer employees)$460$530E-1, E-2, E-3, TN, P, R $460$1,015E-1, E-2, E-3, TN, P, R for small employers (25 or fewer employees)$460$510Dependent Application to Change/Extend nonimmigrant status (I-539)$370$470I-360 (Religious green cards)$435$515I-140 (Employment-Based Immigrant Petition)$700$715I-485 (Adjustment of Status)$1,140$1,440I-765 (Employment Authorization) $410$520I-131 (Advance Parole)$575$630Citizenship (N-400)$640$760

Family-Based Applications and Citizenship

Family-Based petitioners and applicants will be subject to the updated filing fees starting April 1, 2024.Application TypeCurrent FeeNew FeeI-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) $535$675I-130$535$675I-485 (Adjustment of Status with biometrics)$1,225$1,440I-765 (paper) (Employment Authorization based on pending adjustment application)N/A$520 I-131 (Advance Parole based on pending adjustment of status application)N/A$630I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (including biometrics)$680 $750Citizenship (N-400)$640$760

Humanitarian Applications (VAWA, U, T-Visas)

Most humanitarian and related applications will be fee exempt starting April 1, 2024.Application TypeCurrent FeeNew FeeI-360 VAWAN/AN/AI-485 (Adjustment of Status) for humanitarian applications including VAWA/T/U$1,225N/AI-765 (paper) Employment Authorization filed based on a pending adjustment of status application for humanitarian casesN/AN/AI-131 (Advance Parole) based on pending adjustment of status application for humanitarian casesN/AN/AT nonimmigrant status (Form I-914)N/AN/AU nonimmigrant status (Form I-918) N/AN/AI-192 Inadmissibility Waiver (Usually associated with U and T visas)$930N/AI-751 Waiver of Joint Filing Requirement in Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence due to Battery or Extreme Cruelty$680N/A** Biometrics fees are now incorporated into nearly all case types.

Unlock Enhanced Efficiency and Savings in Immigration Filings

The new 2024 changes to immigration fees present both challenges and opportunities for applicants. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can navigate these changes effectively with the support of Agarwal Law Group. Together, we can ensure timely filings, maximize cost savings, and achieve immigration goals efficiently.Partner with Agarwal Law Group today to ensure prompt filings and cost-effective solutions before April 1. Explore fee exemptions for humanitarian applications starting April 1, but note that delaying certain filings until April 1, 2024, may impact work and travel authorizations.Related: Can A Green Card Holder Sponsor A Parent?