Starting April 1, 2024, USCIS applies new fees to immigration forms. The final rule establishes significant fee increases for several immigration applications.
This change represents a significant adjustment since 2016, addressing certain financial challenges for the agency.
This increase has important repercussions for applications related to family reunification. Therefore, below, we will detail the most relevant new USCIS fees for 2024.
Table of Contents
New USCIS Immigration Fees In 2024
Some of the increases reflected in the final rule include the following forms:
Family-based immigration petitions
| Form | Fee before April 1, 2024 | New USCIS Fees 2024 | Fee increase |
| I-130, petition for a foreign relative. | $535 | $625 for online applications. $675 for paper applications. | $90 for online applications. $140 for paper applications. |
| I-485, application to register permanent residence or adjustment of status. | $750 for children under 14 years old who submit the form with their parents. $1,225 for independent applications. | $950 for children under 14 years of age who submit the form with their parents. $1,440 for stand-alone applications (now includes biometric fee). | $200 $215 |
| I-765, application for employment authorization, next to I-485. | $0 when filed with an adjustment of status. | $260 when filed with an adjustment of status. | $260 |
| I-131, application for travel document. | $0 if filed with an adjustment of status. | $630 if filed with an adjustment of status. | $630 |
| I-130 + adjustment of status + work and travel permits. | $1,760 | $3,005 | $1,245 |
| I-129F or K-1 fiancé(e) visa. | $535 | $675 | $140 |
| N-400, naturalization application. | $640 | $710 for online applications $760 for paper applications. | $70 $120 |
If you need help with matters regarding U. S. family-based immigration, do not hesitate to contact us. At Curbelo Law we guide you throughout this process.
For Job Applications
| Form / Visas | Fee before April 1, 2024 | New USCIS Fees 2024 | Fee increase |
| I-129, petition for nonimmigrant worker. | $460 | $780 | $320 |
| H-2A. | $460 | $1,090 | $630 |
| H-2B. | $460 | $1,080 | $620 |
| Type L ( L-1A and L-1B ). | $460 | $1,385 | $925 |
| Type O. | $460 | $1,055 | $595 |
| I-140, immigrant petition for foreign immigrant worker. | $700 | $715 | $15 |
| I-907, request for premium processing. | $2,500 | $2,805 | $305 |
| I-526, immigrant petition by independent investor or EB-5 program. | $3,675 | $11,160 | $7,485 |
For Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and EOIR filings, there will still be a separate biometric fee, reduced from $85 to $30.
Aspects To Keep In Mind About The New USCIS 2024 Fees
Here are some changes and updates to keep in mind:
- Asylum Program Fee: It will be $600 for I-129 and I-140 applications, but a $300 discount will apply for small employers.
- Pay Fees: ACWIA, Fraud Detection and Prevention, and Public Law 114-113 fees are still due.
- H-1B cap registration fee increase: This will increase from $10 to $215 per registration, which will affect the salary cap for fiscal year 2026. Of course, it will currently remain at $10 during fiscal year 2025.
Additionally, the I-485 filing fee no longer includes the cost of Forms I-765 and I-131. That’s because they are now charged separately.
New Editions Of The Forms
With the new final rule, the use of the 04/01/24 edition of the following forms is required:
- I-129.
- I-129 CW.
- I-140.
- I-600.
- I-600A.
USCIS will reject older versions of these forms if they are dated April 1, 2024 or later. Additionally, there will be no grace period for these forms.
It should be noted that other forms will have a grace period from April 1 to June 3, 2024. As a result, USCIS will accept old and new editions if they are submitted with the correct fees.
For more information regarding this, call us, our immigration lawyers in New Jersey will guide you on the subject.
What Is The Reason behind the Increase Of The New 2024 USCIS Fees?
USCIS is distinguished from other federal agencies because its funding is largely based on application fees. This self-sustaining model highlights the importance of periodic rate reviews for the proper functioning of the agency.
As if that were not enough, since 2016, USCIS’s fee structure has been insufficient to cover its operating expenses. This was caused by the recent coronavirus pandemic and the complex management of the volume of applications.
How Can I Calculate The New Fees For My Application?
USCIS offers a fee calculator on its website. That said, applicants can enter their case details to receive an estimate of the new fees they will be required to pay after April.
How Does This Increase Affect Processing Times?
USCIS intends to use the additional revenue to address application backlogs and improve processing times.
However, the final impact will be subject to various factors, such as the volume of requests and available human resources.
Are There Any Exemptions To The New Rates?
Yes, USCIS continues to offer fee waivers for certain forms and applicants who demonstrate an inability to pay.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to consult the USCIS website or with our attorneys Curbelo and Lieberman. This will be to get the most up-to-date information available to you.
How Will The New USCIS Fees Affect Visa Applicants?
The new 2024 immigration fees may make it difficult for those on tight budgets to apply for visas. As costs have increased, it may present an additional challenge for those seeking opportunities in the United States.
How Can We Help You?
If you have any questions about the effect of this fee increase on your case, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at Curbelo Law.
We are here to walk alongside you in your desire to achieve your immigration goals and to keep you informed about the latest updates in immigration laws and policies.
Do not hesitate to contact our firm today if you have any questions. From our Ridgewood office, a team of paralegals and 2 experienced attorneys serve clients from around the world in Spanish and English.
