On August 3, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalized changes to the fees U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges for various immigration applications. DHS is increasing the fees for multiple applications. These changes will go into effect on October 2, 2020 – any application, petition, or request postmarked on this date or later must include payment of the fees established by DHS’s final fee rule.

IMPORTANT USCIS CHANGES:

- DHS is increasing filing fees for most immigration applications. For example, Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) will increase by more than 80 percent (from $725 to $1200).

- New fee for asylum applications – DHS has established a new filing fee of $50 for Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal).

- Fee waivers are being eliminated for most applications – only VAWA self-petitioners, T nonimmigrants, U nonimmigrants, certain battered spouses and children, TPS applicants, SIJ applicants, and Afghan/Iraqi special immigrants will be eligible for fee waivers.

- Fee waiver standards will be narrowed on the remaining few applications where fee waivers are permitted – after the fee rule is in effect, only those whose income is at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level will qualify.

- Applicants for adjustment of status (first-time green card) will have to pay separate filing fees for Forms I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and I-131 (Application for Travel Document).

- DHS is eliminating the reduced child fee for Form I-485 – when the child files with a parent, they will have to pay the full fee of $1,130.

Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island is encouraging community members to consider submitting immigration applications before October 2, 2020 to avoid the new fee increases. Dorcas International is a non-profit agency providing services to the immigrant and refugee community of Rhode Island. Dorcas International has a staff of attorneys and accredited caseworkers who are trained and experienced in all areas of immigration procedures.

For more details about specific fees and applications, individuals can contact Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island at (401) 784-8607 to set up a consultation.