Recently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. This increase in fees will affect various immigration-related applications, including naturalization, green card renewals, and work permits. The fee hike comes as a part of the government’s plan to recover the full cost of processing immigration applications and to maintain the quality of immigration services.
As a result of this change, it is imperative that immigrants and applicants take advantage of the current fee structure and file their applications as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could result in significant financial costs upwards of thousands of dollars because the new fees will be significantly higher than the current fees. For example, the fee for filing an I-130 petition for an immediate relative, which includes bringing a spouse to the U.S., will increase from $535 to $820. The fee for filing an I-485 petition to adjust status will increase from $1,760 to $3,640. If you are thinking about filing an immigration petition, now is the time to do it! If you file your petition before the new fees go into effect, you will save yourself a significant amount of money.
Filing your application before the fee increase means saving a lot of money. Filing fees are already quite expensive, and any increase will only make the process more expensive. By filing before the fee increase, applicants can save hundreds of dollars on their application fees, which can be quite significant for those who are already struggling financially, especially when most individuals require the assistance of lawyers to prepare and file the petitions on their behalf.
Furthermore, filing before the fee increase ensures that the application will be processed before the new fees go into effect. USCIS processing times can be quite lengthy, and there is always the risk of a delay in processing. Filing early guarantees that the application will be processed before the new fees take effect, and applicants will not have to worry about paying the increased fees.
Another essential point to consider is that there are many benefits to having an application approved sooner rather than later. If an applicant is approved for a green card or work permit, for example, they can start working and building a life for themselves and their families in the United States. The longer the application process takes, the longer it will take for the applicant to start their new life in the United States.
Lastly, it is important to remember that immigration policies and laws are constantly changing. Filing early can provide peace of mind and ensure that the application is filed under the current policies and laws. Waiting too long to file could result in the application being filed under different policies, which could significantly impact the outcome of the application.
In conclusion, the impending increase in USCIS filing fees means that it is more important than ever to file your application as soon as possible. By filing early, applicants can save money, ensure timely processing, start building their lives in the United States, and file under the current policies and laws. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take advantage of the current fees and file your application today.
If you are thinking about filing an immigration petition, now is the time to do it. If you file your petition before the new fees go into effect, you will save yourself a significant amount of money.
If you have any questions about the new USCIS filing fees, please contact our office. We can help you determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver and we can help you file your petition before the new fees go into effect.
The above statements are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice regarding a specific situation or issue. Every case is different and is evaluated on its own merits and facts. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.