USCIS Fee Increase 2020 | New Forms + Slower Premium Processing on Oct. 2, 2020

TL;DR

USCIS will implement fee increases on October 2nd, 2020, facing legal challenges, particularly regarding citizenship and asylum fees.

Transcript

There are some big changes coming our way on October 2nd, 2020. USCIS fee increases, new forms, and slower premium processing. You may have already heard of the fee increases, but what you may not have heard about are the lawsuits challenging these fee increases. Now you all know I like to get straight to the point, so let's dive in. If you haven't... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤨 USCIS fee increases are facing legal challenges from several organizations, raising concerns about their legality and impact on eligible individuals.
• 🙈 The proposed fee increases for citizenship applications and asylum seekers are particularly controversial and are seen as creating an illegal wealth test.
• 🗺️ Changes to adjustment of status applications will require separate payments for EAD cards and advanced parole travel documents, increasing costs for applicants.
• 🥳 Premium processing will experience delays, taking 15 business days instead of 15 calendar days from October onwards.
• ✋ USCIS's financial troubles and mismanagement of funds contributed to the need for fee increases, resulting in higher costs for various immigration petitions.
• 💁 The fee increases and changes in USCIS forms will take effect on October 2nd, 2020.
• 💝 Applicants are advised to check the USCIS website for the latest forms and editions before filing applications after the aforementioned date.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are there lawsuits challenging the fee increases?

Many organizations argue that the fee increases are unusually high and unlawful, as they create an illegal wealth test, preventing many eligible individuals from affording the fees.

Q: What are the fee increases for citizenship and asylum applications?

The filing fee for form N-400, for green card holders applying for naturalization, will increase by 83%. Also, a $50 fee will be charged for asylum applications, making the US one of only three countries in the world to charge for this benefit.

Q: How will the changes affect adjustment of status applications?

Starting in October, applicants will have to pay separately for EAD cards and advanced parole travel documents, resulting in increased costs.

Q: Will premium processing become slower?

Yes, from October onwards, premium processing will take 15 business days instead of the current 15 calendar days, adding an extra week to the processing time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• USCIS will increase fees, which are being challenged in multiple lawsuits.

• Citizenship application fees will be raised by 83%, and asylum seekers will be charged a fee for the first time in US history.

• Adjustment of status applications will require separate payments for EAD cards and advanced parole travel documents.