USCIS: Reduced cost procedures for immigrants starting April 1 | composition

This has not happened since December 23, 2016. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began applying the fee change announced at the end of January on April 1, 2024, with the goal of restoring part of that. Optimizing operational costs and claims processing. Although in most cases the cost of procedures increases, there are actually less services available, and you can compare them in the following list.

“For the first time in more than seven years, USCIS is improving our fees to better meet the needs of our agency and provide timely results to those we serve.“USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou said in a Report Published in January 2024. In that regard, the official explained that there has been no general increase in rates for seven years and this is due to insufficient funds and the need to improve processes and reduce delays.

There are more than 52 million foreign immigrants in the United States and a large portion of them use the services of USCIS to keep their status in order in other procedures such as asylum, reintegration, work permit, residence or citizenship.

What procedures are discounted at USCIS?

USCIS will lower certain fees for certain procedures, especially if they are done online instead of being mailed in paper form. Check out this list below:

• I-90 to replace a permanent resident card (Online, without biometric services): A reduction of US$40, from US$455 to US$415.
• I-90 to replace a permanent resident card (Online, with biometric services): US$125, down from US$540 to US$415.
• I-131 Document Application for Travel (with biometric services): US$30 off. A drop from US$660 to US$630.
• I-539 application to extend or change status (Online, with biometric services): US$35, down from US$455 to US$420.
• I-765 Application for Work Authorization Document (Online, with biometric services): US$25 off, from US$495 to US$470.
• N-400 Application for Naturalization or Citizenship (Online, with biometric services): $15 reduction, from $725 to $710.
• Biometric servicess: US$55 dollars, down from US$85 to US$30.

Other discounts

Uscis pointed out that the new fee rule:

• Expands eligibility for a 50% fee reduction for naturalization applications, available to individuals who can demonstrate household income between 150% and 400% of federal poverty guidelines.
• Enables standard $50 discount for individuals who apply online.
• The final fee rule facilitates higher fees for employers applying with a special discount for nonprofits and small employers.

There will be fee exemption

Eligibility for fee waivers is based on inability to pay and fee concessions are available to those receiving public benefits whose income is 150% or less. Federal poverty guidelines, or those disclosing financial difficulties. This list includes low-income people, refugees, victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, and US military service members.

More information about the United States

What are the requirements to claim asylum in the United States?

According to the page Federal Government of the United States, The requirements for seeking asylum in the United States are as follows:

• Physically stay in the US.
• Prove that you believe you have suffered or are likely to be persecuted because of your race, your religion, your nationality, your association with a social group, your political ideology, etc.

How long do I have to submit my asylum application in the US?

You can apply for asylum regardless of your immigration status and within 1 year of your arrival in the United States. If you miss the year, you will not be eligible to apply for asylum.

What benefits do I get from asylum?

If you are granted asylum, you will be able to:

• Bringing your family to America
• Find a job in USA