The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) embarks on a significant shift in 2024, revising its fee schedule for a broad spectrum of immigration applications and petitions. These adjustments demand attention from individuals aiming to work or reside in the U.S. and employers planning to sponsor foreign talent.

At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we strive to keep you ahead of these changes, offering the latest insights and strategic guidance to smoothly navigate this evolving landscape. This blog post serves as your essential guide to understanding the 2024 Immigration Services Fee Changes.

Overview of Fee Changes

USCIS has unveiled a comprehensive update to its fee structure for 2024, marking the agency’s first significant fee revision since December 2016. Aimed at recovering operational costs and improving service offerings, the new fee schedule represents an approximate 40 percent increase across various visa categories and processes. Notably, the changes include:

• H-1B Visas: Fees will escalate from $460 to $780, significantly affecting those applying for this highly sought-after specialty occupation visa.
• L-1 Visas: The cost for intracompany transfer petitions will increase from $460 to $1,385, reflecting the intricate nature of these applications.
• O-1 Visas: Individuals demonstrating extraordinary abilities or achievements will now pay a fee of $1,055, up from $460.
• TN Visas: Professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) from Canada and Mexico will see an increase in fees to $1,015 from $460.

Moreover, USCIS introduces a novel $600 asylum program fee for employers each time they file Form I-129 for an initial petition, change of status, or extension of stay, aimed at supporting the asylum program’s administration.

A pivotal change also comes for those seeking to adjust their status to permanent residency. The aggregated cost for filing forms I-485 (adjustment of status), I-131 (for advance parole), and I-765 (for a work permit) will see a considerable hike, with the total fees amounting to as much as $2,820, not including subsequent applications for employment authorization and advance parole while the adjustment of status is under review.

Table of Fee Changes

These fee adjustments necessitate a strategic approach to immigration planning and budgeting. The Law Office of Olena Manilich recognizes the challenges these changes pose and is ready to offer expert advice and support to help you effectively manage this new fee structure.

This comparison highlights the significant adjustments made by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to its fee structure, effective April 1, 2024. The changes are part of USCIS’s efforts to recover its operating costs more fully and support the timely processing of new applications. Here’s a simplified overview of some of the changes:

Additionally, USCIS has proposed a new $600 asylum program fee to be paid by employers sponsoring temporary workers or workers for permanent residence visas each time they use Form I-129 for an initial petition, change of status, or extension of stay. This fee is intended to help fund the administration of the asylum program.

These fee increases represent a significant shift in the financial burden on applicants and petitioners, aiming to address USCIS’s chronic underfunding issues and support the expansion of services provided by USCIS

Impact on Applicants and Employers

The 2024 USCIS fee changes will significantly impact both individual applicants and employers. For applicants, the increased costs introduce a higher financial barrier to immigration processes, potentially affecting decisions regarding work, study, or permanent residency in the U.S. Specifically, individuals applying for visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN will need to budget for substantially higher expenses upfront. This could deter some from pursuing opportunities in the United States, especially those with limited financial resources.

Employers sponsoring foreign workers face similar challenges. The new fees increase the cost of hiring international talent, affecting budget allocations and potentially altering hiring strategies. The introduction of the $600 asylum program fee adds another layer of financial consideration, particularly for companies that rely heavily on foreign workers. These changes might compel businesses to reassess the viability of sponsoring employees for certain visa classifications, weighing the increased costs against the benefits of hiring international talent.

Legal Advice and Strategy

In response to these challenges, The Law Office of Olena Manilich stands ready to assist both individuals and employers with strategic legal advice and planning. Our approach focuses on minimizing the impact of fee increases through careful planning and alternative immigration strategies. Here’s how we can help:

• Customized Immigration Planning: We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and goals, offering personalized immigration plans that take into account the new fee structure. This might include selecting the most cost-effective visa options or timing applications to maximize the chances of success.
• Exploring Alternatives: Given the fee increases, some visa categories might become less attractive. We guide clients through exploring alternative visas or immigration paths that may offer a more viable solution given their circumstances and the new fee structure.
• Advocacy and Support: The Law Office of Olena Manilich is committed to advocating on behalf of our clients, whether by providing support during the application process or challenging decisions when necessary. Our goal is to ease the burden of navigating the complex immigration landscape, particularly in light of these fee changes.

The Law Office of Olena Manilich is more than just a legal advisor. We’re a partner in your immigration journey. Our expertise and personalized approach can help navigate these challenging times, ensuring your or your company’s immigration goals remain within reach despite the increased fees.

Conclusion

The 2024 USCIS fee changes demand strategic navigation. Our law office commits to guiding you through, focusing on solutions and alternatives. We’re here to assist with personalized advice and support. Remember, challenges also bring opportunities for informed decisions.

Let’s tackle these changes together, ensuring your immigration goals remain achievable. Contact us for tailored strategies and keep moving forward confidently. Your journey matters, and we’re dedicated to making it successful amidst these financial shifts.