USCIS Announces Increased Visa Application Fees, Including H-1B Visas

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant fee hike for visa applications, impacting various categories, including the coveted H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is a crucial non-immigrant visa that allows American companies to hire foreign workers in specialized roles that demand technical or theoretical expertise. Employers are now advised by US attorneys to incorporate these elevated processing fees into their immigration budget planning, effective from 2024.

Typically, the H-1B visa application process commences with online registration in March, followed by a selection lottery, and final visa applications for the chosen candidates. The recent fee adjustments apply to various forms, such as I-129, I-140, I-539, and I-765, as outlined on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Of notable concern is the premium processing fee for form I-129, which encompasses petitions for nonimmigrant workers, including H-1B and L-1 visa holders. This fee has surged by 12%, reaching $2,805, up from the previous $2,500.

These changes will significantly impact both employers and visa applicants, requiring meticulous financial planning for immigration processes in the coming years.