Green Card Application 2024 Fees to Skyrocket Under New Proposal

In recent developments within the realm of U.S. immigration, aspiring immigrants and sponsors, particularly those eyeing the U.S. Green Card, are bracing themselves for substantial changes in application fees. The proposed adjustments by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spell out a significant shift in the financial landscape of immigration processes. This article delves into the key aspects of these impending changes, shedding light on the potential impact they may have.

Understanding the Proposal

The USCIS has put forth a proposal that could lead to a significant spike in application fees for various immigration processes. This development comes on the heels of the last fee adjustment, which took place eight years ago. According to the latest update from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) completed its review of the USCIS Final Fee Rule on January 19, 2024. The proposed rule, submitted on January 4, 2023, suggests an overall weighted average increase of 40% in application fees, reflecting the latest US immigration news.

Key Changes and Implications

The proposed fee adjustments encompass a wide array of immigration applications, affecting both individuals and employers. Notable concerns have been raised by stakeholders, particularly regarding the potential financial burden on applicants. For instance, marriage-based green card applications, including the essential I-130 petition for family members, could see a doubling of total fees from $1760 to over $3640. Furthermore, accompanying children will no longer benefit from reduced fees, resulting in costs equivalent to adult applications.

Proposed Fee Increases

Immigration Application	Current Fee	Proposed Fee	Percentage Increase
Fiancé Visa Petition	$535	$720	35%
Petition for a Relative	$535	$820	53%
Removal of Conditions Application	$680	$1,195	76%

Timeline and Implementation

The timeline for the implementation of these fee changes is crucial for applicants and sponsors alike, particularly in light of the U.S. Green Card Lottery 2025. While the petition for the final rule is pending OIRA’s review, it is expected that the new fees will be effective by Spring 2024. However, applications postmarked before the rule’s enforcement will not be subject to the increased fees, providing a window of opportunity for those in the midst of the immigration process.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. The proposed fee adjustments could potentially streamline the immigration process by providing additional resources for USCIS operations.
2. Certain immigration services might witness improvements in efficiency and quality due to increased funding.

Cons:

1. The substantial increase in application fees may pose a financial barrier for many aspiring immigrants and their sponsors.
2. Higher costs could deter eligible individuals from pursuing lawful immigration avenues, leading to potential delays and backlogs in the system.

Conclusion

The proposed hike in U.S. Green Card application fees under the new proposal signifies a significant shift in the financial landscape of immigration processes. While these changes aim to address operational needs and enhance service quality, they also raise concerns about accessibility and affordability. Stakeholders must stay informed about the latest developments and strategize accordingly to navigate the evolving immigration landscape effectively.

FAQs

Q1: When will the new fee structure come into effect?

A: The new fee structure is expected to be implemented by Spring 2024, pending the completion of the regulatory review process, as per the latest US immigration news.

Q2: Will applications submitted before the enforcement of the new fees be subject to the increased rates?

A: No, applications postmarked before the implementation of the new fee structure will not be affected by the proposed fee hikes.