USCIS Announces Dramatic Hike in Visa Application Fees, Including 2050% Increase for H-1B

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced a significant revision in visa application and registration fees, with the changes set to take effect from April 1. Among the notable increases, the H-1B visa registration fees will see a staggering 2050% rise. Currently priced at $10, the new H-1B registration process fee will increase to $215. Similarly, L-1B visa fees will jump from $460 to $1,385, while EB-5 visa fees will see an increase from $3,675 to $11,160.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed these changes, citing updated USCIS volume forecasts and more recent information as reasons for the fee adjustments. The USCIS volume forecast for H-1B registration workload has been revised to 424,400, significantly higher than the previously projected 273,990. This adjustment is expected to boost the revenue generated by H-1B registration fees.

For EB-5 visas, DHS has updated volume forecasts based on recent and reliable information, leading to an increase in fee-paying receipt forecasts and a subsequent rise in estimated revenue generated by EB-5 fees. The DHS has also made corresponding budget revisions to reflect these changes.

These changes in fee structures will have a substantial impact on various visa applicants, especially those seeking H-1B, L-1B, and EB-5 visas, prompting discussions and concerns among immigrant communities and stakeholders.