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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has declared a substantial fee increase for H-1B registration and petition filing, set to take effect from April 1, 2024. This fee adjustment, part of a new schedule, will impact non-immigrant visa categories like H-1B, L-1, and EB-5, particularly popular among Indian applicants.
A notable change is the remarkable 2,050% increase in the H-1B registration process fee, skyrocketing from the current $10 to $215. This dramatic rise necessitates careful financial planning for prospective applicants.
Additionally, the petition filing fee for Form I-129 H-1B, an ancillary cost following registration, will experience a 70% increase, jumping from $460 to $780. The surge in fees adds an extra layer of consideration for individuals and organizations involved in the immigration process.
What are the Changes?
As the USCIS implements these fee adjustments, applicants must be vigilant about the new version of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. There will be no grace period, and the revised form with updated fee calculations is mandatory from April 1, 2024.
Key considerations for applicants:
- The USCIS will accept the 05/31/23 edition if postmarked before April 1, 2024.
- The USCIS will not accept the 05/31/23 edition if postmarked on or after April 1, 2024.
- The USCIS will only accept the 04/01/24 edition if postmarked on or after April 1, 2024.
In addition to the fee adjustments, the USCIS has communicated essential dates for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap. The registration period begins at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and concludes at noon Eastern on March 22, 2024. This window is critical for those intending to apply for the H-1B visa.
To streamline processes, USCIS will introduce online filing options for Forms I-129 and I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service) for H-1B petitioners. Starting February 28, 2024, new organizational accounts in the USCIS online account will facilitate collaboration among multiple individuals within an organization and their legal representatives.
Come April 1, 2024, USCIS will commence accepting online filings for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for selected registrations.
These significant updates from the USCIS require thoughtful consideration from all parties involved in the immigration process. Aspiring immigrants, employers, and legal representatives should prepare for the new fee structure, ensuring a seamless transition during the upcoming H-1B registration and petition filing period. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the necessary adjustments to navigate the evolving landscape of US immigration procedures.
