The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced a significant change that will impact many seeking expedited processing of their immigration applications. Effective February 26, 2024, USCIS is adjusting the filing fees for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to align with inflation rates. This blog post will detail the changes and what they mean for applicants.
Key Changes in Premium Processing Fees
The USCIS Stabilization Act initially set the premium processing fees, granting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the authority to modify these fees biennially. After a three-year period of static fees, USCIS is implementing an increase to reflect the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers inflation from June 2021 to June 2023. The adjusted fees are as follows:
1. Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
-
- Previous Fee:
- $1,500 for H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status
- $2,500 for other Form I-129 classifications
- Previous Fee:
-
- New Fee:
- $1,685 for H-2B or R-1
- $2,805 for other classifications
- New Fee:
2. Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
-
- Previous Fee: $2,500 for various Employment-based (EB) classifications
- New Fee: $2,805
3. Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
-
- Previous Fee: $1,750 for specific classifications
- New Fee: $1,965
4. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
-
- Previous Fee: $1,500 for certain F-1 student categories
- New Fee: $1,685
Impact and Utilization of Increased Fees
The revenue from these increased fees will be utilized by DHS to enhance premium processing services, improve adjudication processes, and reduce processing backlogs. This adjustment is a crucial step towards ensuring efficiency and expediency in processing immigration applications.
- The new fees take effect on February 26, 2024.
- Applications postmarked on or after this date with incorrect fees will be rejected.
- For courier-sent filings, the postmark date is the date on the courier receipt.
These changes underscore the importance of staying updated with USCIS policies. For individuals and businesses navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration, understanding these updates is crucial. At Massan Viana Law, we are committed to providing expert guidance and support in immigration law. Contact us for personalized assistance with your immigration needs.