The announcement of the increase in fees was advanced by the USCIS last January and the adjustment began to apply from April 1

For the first time in almost eight years, the procedures to apply for citizenship and residency in the US increased in price and the new rates began to apply from April, reported the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) of that country.

Among the different procedures that have increased in price are the Naturalization Application, the adjustment of status, the petition for a family member abroad, the H-1B Visa for professional workers and the application for a worker under non-immigrant status.

The announcement of the fee increase was advanced by USCIS last January.

“USCIS updates our rates to better meet the needs of our agency to provide timely decisions to those we serve,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.

According to USCIS, after a review, it was concluded that The current fee schedule is not sufficient to recover the full cost of the agency's operations.

This includes the necessary expansion of humanitarian programs, federally mandated wage increases, additional staffing requirements, and other essential investments.

The entity points out that 96% of its operation is financed with immigration fees and only about 4% comes from congressional appropriations.

“Due to years of underfunding, the USCIS workforce made great strides in customer service, reducing backlogs, implementing new processes and programs, and upholding fairness, integrity, and respect for all of us who serve,” the entity said at the time.

With efficiency measures, it reduces the agency's required annual cost recovery amount by nearly $730 million.

In addition, tariff exemptions are extended for Special Immigrant Youth and victims of human trafficking, crime and domestic violence; US military service members and Afghan allies; and families seeking international adoptions.

Among other aspects, eligibility for a 50% reduction in fees for naturalization applications is expanded, available to individuals who can demonstrate family income between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Additionally, it implements a standard $50 discount for people who apply online.

USCIS noted that with the new revenue, “it will implement innovative solutions to improve the customer experience and stop the growth of the case backlog.”

Although the increase in fees will allow USCIS to “better balance costs overall, congressional appropriations are still needed to sustainably and comprehensively manage the increased volume of cases involving border crosses,” he added.

N-400 Naturalization Application (online submission)

The rate went from US$640 to US$710, an 11% increase.

N-400 Naturalization Application (submission in printed format)

The rate went from US$640 to US$760, with an increase of 19%.

N-400 Naturalization Application (online submission) (with biometric services)

The rate went from US$725 to US$710, with a decrease of 2%.

N-400 Naturalization Application (paper submission) (with biometric services)

The rate went from US$725 to US$760, with an increase of 5%.

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

The rate went from US$1,140 to US$1,440, with an increase of 26%.

Registration Process Fee for H-1B visa

The rate went from US$10 to US$215, with an increase of 2,050%.

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (online filing)

The rate went from US$410 to US$470 with an increase of 15%.

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (submission in paper format)

The rate went from US$410 to US$520, with an increase of 27%.

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