As of today, March 8, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees. This change, announced in a final rule published on December 28, 2023, affects the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, among other forms and categories.
The adjustment to premium processing fees is part of the USCIS Stabilisation Act, which established the current premium processing fee structure and authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust these fees biennially. After maintaining the fees unchanged for three years following the Act’s passage, DHS has now increased them to reflect the inflation rate from June 2021 through June 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.
The new premium processing fees are as follows:
- Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker: Increased from $1,500 to $1,685 for H-2B or R-1 non-immigrant status, and from $2,500 to $2,805 for all other available Form I-129 classifications.
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: Increased from $2,500 to $2,805 for various employment-based (EB) classifications.
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status: Increased from $1,750 to $1,965.
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Increased from $1,500 to $1,685 for certain F-1 students with specific categories.
It’s essential to note that USCIS will reject any Form I-907 received with the incorrect filing fee postmarked on or after February 26, 2024. This applies to filings sent by commercial courier as well, with the postmark date determined by the date reflected on the courier receipt.
The revenue generated from the premium processing fee increase will be utilized to enhance premium processing services, improve adjudications processes, address adjudication demands, reduce benefit request processing backlogs, and fund USCIS adjudication and naturalization services.
This adjustment aims to ensure that USCIS has the necessary resources to provide efficient and timely immigration services while managing the impact of inflation on its operations. It underscores the agency’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and meeting the needs of applicants and petitioners.
It’s important for applicants and petitioners to stay informed about changes to USCIS processes and fees by regularly checking the USCIS website. Remember, you may only request premium processing for a benefit if USCIS has announced its availability on its website.
In conclusion, while adjustments to fees may present challenges, they are necessary to support USCIS in fulfilling its mission effectively. As stakeholders in the immigration process, it’s crucial for us to adapt to these changes and continue working towards achieving our immigration goals within the framework of the law.
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