US Visa Application Fee Increases From April 1, 2024
Significant increases in US visa application fees will take effect from April 1, 2024.
The changes will impact individuals and organizations across the globe seeking to enter the United States. Understanding the details, potential impacts, and strategies for navigating this change is crucial for informed decision-making.
Applicants are advised to complete and file applications before April 1, 2024 to avoid the higher charges. Contact our US attorneys for advice about the changes or for expert application assistance.
What are the US visa fee increases in April 2024?
USCIS first published its initial announcement proposing fee increases in January 2023. Following a period of consultation, the agency has now published a Final Rule and will proceed with the proposed increases across multiple immigration categories.
The specific increase varies by visa type, ranging from minor adjustments to substantial hikes. The full table of changes can be found here. The headlines for employers are as follows:
Non-immigrant visa application fees from April 1, 2024:
I-129 fees for the vast majority of non-immigrant visa categories applications is currently $460. Effective April 1, applications will have different fee increases, with discounts for small employers (with 25 or fewer employees) and non-profits. These include:
- H-1B visas for specialty occupations: $780*
- L-1 visas for intracompany transfers: $1,385 or $695 for small employers & non-profits
- E visas for treaty trader/investors: $1,015 or $510 for small employers & non-profits
- O visas for individuals with extraordinary ability: $1,055 or $530 for small employers & non-profits
* Note that the H-1B registration fee will increase to $215 in March 2025; the fee remains $10 for this year’s registration process.
Immigrant fee increases from April 1, 2024
- EB-5 investor Green card: $11,160
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 for paper filing or $625 for online
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): $675
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,440
Other applications
- Form I-539 to extend or adjust status non-immigrant status: $420 online or $470 for paper filing
- Form I-765 application for Employment Authorization: $470 online or $520 for paper filing
- Notice of Appeal or Motion: $800
Impact of the fee increases
USCIS cites several reasons for the fee increases:
- Cost Recovery: The agency claims the current fees don’t fully cover the processing costs associated with each visa application.
- Improved Service: Additional revenue aims to upgrade technology, reduce processing times, and enhance security measures.
- Deterrence of Misuse: Increased fees, particularly for certain categories like E visas, may deter potential misuse of the visa system.
However, the impending fee increases raise various concerns:
- Increased Costs: For individuals and organizations sponsoring visa applications, the higher fees pose a financial burden, potentially discouraging travel and limiting opportunities.
- Reduced Accessibility: This could disproportionately impact students, low-skilled workers, and individuals from developing countries, hindering educational and professional exchange.
- Business Repercussions: For companies relying on H-1B and L-1 visas, increased costs could impact staffing strategies and competitiveness.
- Negative Perception: Concerns exist about the impact on the US image as a welcoming nation, potentially discouraging tourism and international partnerships.
NNU Immigration can help
Despite the challenges, proactive strategies can help individuals and organizations manage the impact of the increased fees. Early planning will be critical, and assessing future visa needs and budgeting accordingly to account for the increased costs. It may also be useful to explore all immigration options to ensure the most appropriate route is pursued while ensuring any visa-free travel is permissible.
It is also advisable to ensure the accuracy and completeness of applications to minimize processing delays and potential additional fees.
NNU Immigration are specialist US immigration attorneys. We provide expert guidance to employers and individuals on all aspects of US visa and nationality applications, with expertise in talent mobility to the US.
If you have a question about the fee increases, or any other US immigration matter, speak to our experts.
This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
