On May 4, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security proposed an adjustment to fees that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges for immigration and naturalization benefits requests. The increase in fees is due to USCIS’ determination that the current fee structure isn’t sufficient to cover the costs of services it provides. Applications filed before the fee increase becomes final will avoid paying the increased fees.
How Much Will Fees Increase for Immigration and Naturalization Benefit Requests?
USCIS is increasing fees by a weighted average of 21 percent. These increases and individual percentage changes include the following:
| Benefit Request | Current Fee | Proposed Fee | Additional Charge | Percent Increase |
| I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | $340.00 | $535.00 | $195.00 | 57 percent |
| I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | $420.00 | $535.00 | $115.00 | 27 percent |
| I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $580.00 | $700.00 | $120.00 | 21 percent |
| I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | $985.00 | $1,140.00 | $155.00 | 16 percent |
| N-400, Application for Naturalization | $595.00 | $640.00 | $45.00 | 8 percent |
How Can I Avoid Paying These Proposed Fee Increases?
Because these fee increases are part of a proposed rule, they have not taken effect yet. The comment period for the proposed fee increases ends on July 5, 2016. After that date, fees could increase at any time.
Filing before the July 5, 2016, date is your best option for avoiding the application fee increase for your immigration process.
