It is official now: As of December 23, 2016 USCIS applications fees will be rising an average of about 21%. For those interested, all the new fees are listed on the USCIS web page here. In terms of the most common applications, I am listing the old fee and new fees below:
| Petition Type | Old Fee | NEW Fee |
| I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | $365 | $455 |
| I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | $325 | $460 |
| I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) | $340 | $535 |
| I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative | $420 | $535 |
| I-131, Application for Travel Document | $360 | $575 |
| I-485 (adult), Application to Adjust Status (not including $85 biometric fee) | $985 | $1140 |
| I-485 (under 14), Application to Adjust Status | $635 | $750 |
| I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur | $1500 | $3675 |
| I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence | $505 | $595 |
| I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | $380 | $410 |
| N-400, Application for Naturalization (not including $85 biometric fee) | $595 | $640 |
| N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship (biological child/adopted child) | $1170 | $600/550 |
As you can see, the amount of the increases for most applications is not that great, however, it does vary from application to application. The I-129 fee went up by 41% while the I-765 fee went up by under 8%.
However, it should be noted that the fee charged for premium processing was not raised during this round of fee increases. Very surprising given that it would be an easy target, and would bring in significant revenue considering the lengthening timelines for adjudication. USCIS may be assuming that timelines will decrease because of the extra money from other fees, so they kept the premium fee reasonable so that they would still get sufficient income from that source as opposed to pricing it out of reach of most people.
Please note again that the fees do not go into effect until December 23, 2016. Any application sent that will be received by USCIS ON OR AFTER THAT DATE should contain the new fees.
Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.
