As April 2024 approaches, individuals and couples navigating the U.S. immigration system are facing a significant change: a substantial increase in USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) fees. This adjustment marks the first major fee rise since 2016 and is expected to have a considerable impact on various immigration applications. This fee hike is not merely a financial adjustment but a significant change for couples and individuals planning to navigate the USCIS immigration process. With immigration costs already being a substantial part of the journey, this increase poses an additional challenge.
Impending Fee Increase
Starting April 1, 2024, applicants will encounter significantly higher fees for various immigration-related applications. This change affects a range of services, including the adjustment of status applications, spouse visas, fiancé visas, and citizenship applications. Notably, the adjustment of status fee will see a drastic jump from $1,760 to $3,004. In comparison, other applications like spouse and fiancé visas, as well as citizenship applications, will experience an increase of over $140. Despite the looming increase, there’s a positive outlook to consider. USCIS, which operates entirely on the fees collected from applications, anticipates that the additional revenue from the increased fees will contribute to reducing processing times and alleviating backlogs. This improvement could be a silver lining for applicants seeking a more efficient processing timeline.
Deadline for Current Fees
The new fee structure will apply to any application postmarked after April 1, 2024. Consequently, there’s a sense of urgency for those who are in the process of filing their applications. To avoid these increased costs, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
The approaching USCIS fee increase is a crucial matter for anyone involved in the immigration process. Understanding the changes and preparing accordingly is essential. For those who have questions or are considering filing before the fee hike, reaching out to experts like us can provide valuable guidance and support. With experienced professionals on your side, navigating these changes can be a smoother, more manageable journey.