Major USCIS Fee Increases scheduled to take effect on October 2, 2020

Posted on Aug 25, 2020

Fees for many of the core USCIS applications and petitions will significantly increase starting on October 2, 2020. In the 25 years that I have been an Immigration Lawyer, I have never seen fees increase so dramatically. These fee increases include:

I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status.  The current fee for an I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status is $1,225.  This fee, however, includes the cost of filing an Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) and an Application for a Travel Document (I-131).  Starting on October 2, 2020, USCIS will unbundle these applications so that separate filing fees will be charged.  The resulting total fee for this package of forms will be $2,270.

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (Work Permit).  The current fee for an I-765 Application for Employment Authorization is $410.  This fee will increase to $550.  This fee increase, however, will not apply to I-765 Applications filed by DACA Applicants (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which will remain at $410.

N-400 Application for Naturalization.  The current fee for an N-400 Application for Naturalization is $640.  This fee will increase to $1,170.  In addition, USCIS will eliminate fee waivers for N-400 applicants and will eliminate the option to request a reduced fee of $320 (on Form I-942).

I-601A Provisional Waivers.  The current fee for an I-601A application for a Provisional Waiver is $630.  This fee will increase to $960.

I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker   The current fee for an I-129 Petition is $460.  This fee will increase to $695.  In addition, USCIS has changed the I-129 form into several different I-129 forms based upon the type of worker that will be applying.

I-589 Application for Asylum.  Currently, there is no fee to file an I-589 Application for Asylum.  Starting on October 2, 2020, USCIS will charge a fee of $50 for I-589 applications. To my knowledge, this is the first time in U.S. history that a fee will be charged to file an asylum application.

Elimination of Certain Fee Waivers.  USCIS will be eliminating many different fee waivers, including waivers for applications for naturalization, adjustment of status, green card replacements, and renewals (filed on i-90) and employment authorization (I-765).  In addition, USCIS will no longer allow fee waivers for any applicant who is subject to the Affidavit of Support requirement, is already an immigrant who is being sponsored or is subject to the public charge inadmissibility ground.

Discount for Online Filing!  Starting on October 2, 2020, you will be able to save $10 if you file online.  Note, however, that not all forms may be filed online.  But for those that are eligible for online filing (such as I-539, etc.), the fee will be $10 less.

If you are thinking about filing any of the above applications or petitions or if you are currently in the process of filing, you would be well advised to file before the October 2, 2020 fee increase date so that you can take advantage of the current lower fee.

If you have any questions about this post or would like to discuss your Immigration case, contact U.S. Immigration Lawyer Sean D. Hummel at (954) 385-3111 or email at: sean@hummelaw.com.

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