H1B Visa and Green Card Fee Increase Clears White House Review

H1B Visa and Green Card Fees

What You Need to Know

In a major development within the realm of immigration policies, a comprehensive overhaul of H-1B visa fees has successfully navigated the final step before its official publication. The proposed changes, encapsulated in document 1615-AC68, have garnered approval through the White House review process, as reported by Bloomberg Law.

Major Changes on the Horizon: H1B Visa and Green Card Fee Increase Clears Final Review

The forthcoming alterations, initially introduced in a draft fee rule by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services last year, encompass significant adjustments to fees related to both temporary and permanent work visas. Of particular note is the expected surge in registration fees for H-1B specialty occupation visas, which are poised to escalate to $215. This reflects a substantial 40% increase for applicants spanning various categories, with the primary financial burden likely falling on those petitioning for employment-based visas.

The original proposal, unveiled in January 2023 as the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), outlined considerable fee increments for a spectrum of visa-related applications.

Countdown to Change: H1B Visa and Green Card Fee Adjustment Receives White House Approval

If the final rule mirrors the proposed changes from January 2023, it could translate into a noteworthy cost escalation for US employers sponsoring immigrant employees. For entities filing H-1B visa applications, the proposed fees signaled substantial hikes, including a notable surge in E-registration costs for the annual H-1B cap lottery, skyrocketing from $10 to $215, ostensibly to deter lottery misuse. Additionally, fees for selected beneficiaries’ applications were anticipated to undergo a 70% increase, reaching $780.

The potential repercussions of these fee adjustments on the commencement of the FY 2025 H-1B cap season in March 2024 remain uncertain, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments.

Impending Shift: H1B Visa and Green Card Fee Increase Secures White House Approval

The US immigration agency has not stopped at H-1B visas; it has also announced an increase in premium processing fees for H-1B applications, set to rise by 12% to $2,805 starting from February 26. Employers sponsoring H-1B applications will need to factor in these additional costs when planning their immigration strategies.

Fee Hikes Imminent: White House Gives Green Light to H1B Visa and Green Card Adjustments

The NPRM also proposed fee hikes for citizenship (naturalization), with costs rising from $640 to $760, constituting a 19% increase. Notably, substantial fee increases were outlined for EB-5 investors participating in the investment-linked green card program.

According to the NPRM, initial I-526 petition fees for investors were slated to surge by 204% to $11,160, while I-829 petition fees for the removal of conditions on permanent resident status would witness a 148% increase, reaching $9,535. The true impact of these proposed changes will only be fully comprehended once the rule is officially published, prompting stakeholders to remain vigilant for further details.

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conclusion

In conclusion, the approval of the overhaul of H-1B visa and Green Card fees, marked by the successful completion of the White House review process, heralds a significant shift in the framework of immigration regulations in the United States. The proposed changes, originating from a draft fee rule presented by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, bring about noteworthy adjustments that impact both temporary and permanent work visas.