Quality Immigration Law Services Since 1978

The costs associated with immigration just increased

On Behalf of | May 16, 2024 | Immigration Law

Changes in immigration policies can have major implications for those seeking visas or other immigration opportunities. Anyone hoping to acquire a visa, adjust their status or become a citizen needs to know the rules that apply. 

Certain paperwork is necessary to pursue different immigration opportunities. In addition to meeting immigration standards and filling out paperwork, people also have to pay fees. There are different costs associated with different immigration procedures. The costs for many of those options recently increased. 

Immigrants may pay more now for the same opportunities

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has to pay its employees and maintain its facilities. As operating costs rise, fees need to increase as well. 

Many popular visa programs now have larger fees attached. The H-1B and H-1B1 fees paid by employers have increased from $460 to $780. H-2B visa petitions increased to $1,080 from $460 for larger companies, although those with under 25 workers pay the same $540 fee they currently do. L-1, O, E, H-3, P, Q, R and TN petition filing fees have all increased as well, particularly for companies with more than 25 employees. 

The fees paid by immigrants directly have increased as well.  Those seeking certain investor visas may now need to pay up to $11,160 instead of $3,675. They also need to pay substantially more to remove the conditions from their green cards. The cost for employment authorization requests increased to $470 for online petitions and $520 for paper applications. The fee for naturalization also increased from $640 to $710 for online applications and $760 for paper filings.

Immigrants who understand changes to federal immigration policies can better prepare for filing their paperwork. Setting aside adequate financial resources is important for those applying for immigration opportunities.