The US Immigration Agency has announced changes to its processing fees starting in April

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) The authority announced major changes in fees for various immigration procedures, which will come into effect as of next April 1. This amendment entails a significant increase in the costs of some operations, which will affect those in the middle of immigration procedures, as stated on the government’s official website.

According to USCIS, the fee review was conducted after a year of comprehensive analysis, in response to the need to ensure the agency's financial sustainability. The authorities confirm that the current tariff system is not sufficient to cover operating costs. Including expanding humanitarian programs and meeting government salary requirements.

“Unlike many other agencies, our operations are funded almost entirely by fee revenue. About 96% of our funding comes from registration fees and only about 4% comes from congressional appropriations“, he explains on his website.

Likewise, they explain that a detailed analysis of 2016 rates is no longer sufficient to fund the processes necessary to grant USCIS immigration and naturalization benefits in a timely manner. Higher rates are required to ensure operating costs are covered and prevent delays from accumulating in the future.

• Naturalization to citizenship: from US$640 to US$740, An increase of 11%.
• Condition adjustment: from $1,140 to $1,440, representing An increase of 26%.
• Ordering a family member abroad: USD 535 to USD 630, An increase of 26%.
• Applying for a worker under nonimmigrant status: from US$320 to US$780, An increase of 70%.
• H-1B visa for professional workers: from US$10 to US$205, An increase of 2050%.

A complete schedule of fee changes can be found on the USCIS website, in section “USCIS Fee Rule Frequently Asked Questions.”

Haim Vasquez, a lawyer specializing in immigration lawHe noted in an interview with Univision The Immigration Department relies heavily on service fees to finance its operations. The rate adjustment, the first in more than seven years, reflects the need to maintain the agency's financial capacity.

It is important to keep some points in mind if you are in the middle of the immigration process. According to the lawyers, It is recommended that you submit requested documents with caution, and ensure they are received by USCIS before opening cases. There are instances where errors in receiving documents can delay the immigration process, which may lead to complications for applicants.

In addition to the increases, there have also been downward changes in some rates, as in the case of the permanent resident card known as “green card”Which went from $455 to $415.

This adjustment in the rate, despite its importance, Responds to USCIS's need to maintain operational capacity in a changing context. However, this has raised concern among those who rely on these services to regularize their immigration status in the United States.

Yes, Congressional funding for USCIS is based primarily on filing fees, not in direct allocations from taxpayers. In fiscal year 2022, Congress appropriated $275 million to reduce the backlog and strengthen USCIS's humanitarian mission. In fiscal years 2023 and 2024, $133 million and $145 million, respectively, were allocated to support refugee and asylum activities.

To address the current backlog and keep up with incoming cases, USCIS needs continued support from Congress. This is especially critical given the increase in the volume of cases, including those involving people who have recently crossed the border.

USCIS plans to use the new fee rule to avoid future delays and also requires additional funding from Congress to hire additional staff And restructure your system appropriately to manage the increasing workload.