USCIS Increases Fees in 2020

The USCIS is fee funded unlike other government agencies. After their biennial fee review, the agency is adjusting their fees “to help meet operational needs.” People seeking naturalization as US citizens, or those who wish to travel and work here can expect an increase in their fees. The Department of Homeland security announced that this increase will be effective starting October 2. This final rule increases fees by a weighted average of 20% and it affects a few things:

• Removal of certain fee exemptions
• Changes in fee waiver requirements
• Premium processing time limits
• New fees for certain immigration benefit requests
• Establishing multiple fees for nonimmigrant worker petitions
• Limiting the number of beneficiaries for certain forms 

(Source)

Additionally, the USCIS notes that “[a]ny application, petition, or request postmarked on or after this date must include payment of the new, correct fees established by this final rule.” The final rule also increases fees for employment-based nonimmigrant visa applications; however, fees for employment-based visas will decrease from $700 to $555. Most fee waivers are also eliminated for low-income immigrants who qualify.

While the changes eliminate most fee waivers, it adds a new asylum application fee, and requires separate fees for adjustment applications. The rise in fees is on par with the agency’s last adjustment, but the 20% bump is still significant.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Assist Clients

No matter your status or goals for immigration, our immigration attorneys at Hoffman & Forde can assist you with a variety of legal services. Hoffman & Forde represents individuals, businesses, and even corporations for various immigration cases. Our attorneys can assist clients with the following:

• Permanent residency
• Employment-based visas
• National citizenship
• Deportation defense
• Citizenship applications
• Employment-based visas
• Investor-based visas
• Family green card petitions
• Green cards through marriage 
• Waivers
• Consular processing

The immigration process can be complex. There are many moving parts but our experienced attorneys ensure that you have quality representation throughout the process. We work closely with our clients to provide thorough case assessments and present the best proposals for your legal status.

Your Southern California Immigration Attorneys

Hoffman & Forde is here to help you achieve the American Dream. If you are undocumented in this country, remember that you still have rights and we’re here to defend them. We help clients in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties to stay on track of crucial information and deadlines, as well as assist with completing and submitting all the necessary paperwork. As our client, you can with first-class legal service, high-level attention, and a sophisticated approach to problem-solving that utilizes time-sensitive, practical legal advice.

If you need legal assistance with your immigration process, please contact us today for a consultation.

Written By

Hoffman & Forde, Attorneys at Law