The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that will adjust immigration and naturalization benefit request fees among other proposed changes. Keep reading for more information.
New Fee Rules
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking states that USCIS will be increased to offset the cost of agency operations. The current fees have remained the same since 2016 but according to an extensive internal review, they do not cover operations costs and increased demands on staff and the agency. Increased fees will also cover the expansion of humanitarian efforts, pay raises, staffing requirements, and other investments into the agencies intended to improve operations.
Since the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, immigration into the United States has increased exponentially, overtaxing reduced staff and increasing demand for agency resources. Increasing fees will help to recuperate costs and are projected to help reinforce existing programs for future demand.
Other Measures
In addition to increasing immigration and naturalization benefit request fees, the USCIS has released additional proposals and measures that will impact immigration in 2023.
These measures include:
- Removal of biometric service fees
- The establishment of separate fees per nonimmigrant classification under Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers
- Reduction of processing time from 15 calendar days to 15 business days
- Lower fees for online form submission
- The USCIS will increase the number of adjudicators per case
- The Introduction of new technologies for improving efficiencies
- Increasing support for immigrants seeking assistance
There is a 60-day public comment period regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. This will allow the USCIS to make adjustments. A public engagement session will take place on January 11, 2023.
Your Legal Options
The immigration system is extremely complex, and attempting to migrate to the U.S. can be an emotionally draining process. The process of immigrating involves many steps with almost endless paperwork where every step counts. In some cases, a simple error could lead to denial or worst case scenario, removal.
Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC offers a variety of immigration services to support individuals and families seeking a new life in the United States. Our experienced attorney can help families navigate the complexities of the immigration system and create strategies tailor-fit to our client’s needs.
Cases we handle:
- Removal Defense
- Asylum
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Fiancé Visas
- Family-Based Immigration
- Waivers
- Visas
- Citizenship & Naturalization
- DACA
- And More
When you need dependable legal counsel backed by experience, entrust your case to Sebastian Simon Law Group, PLLC.
Schedule a consultation for more information.
