Indian Nationals Brace for Impact as USCIS Implements Fee Increases”
In a recent development, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has enforced a series of fee hikes for various immigration processes, effective April 1, 2024. This decision, upheld by Judge Charlotte N Sweeney of the US District Court for the District of Colorado, marks a significant shift in the financial landscape for immigrants and employers alike. According to Bloomberg, the judge’s ruling was based on the plaintiffs’ failure to demonstrate immediate, significant, and irreparable harm resulting from the fee adjustments.
These fee modifications are poised to have a substantial impact on Indian nationals, particularly those aspiring to work or invest in the United States, as highlighted by the alterations in costs for H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas.
Visa Fee Hike Overview:
USCIS has implemented considerable increases in the fees associated with several crucial immigration forms and services. Notably, employers sponsoring H-1B visa petitions will encounter a staggering 70% surge in fees. Similarly, applicants filing for L-1 and O-1 visas will witness their expenses skyrocket by 201% and 129%, respectively. Furthermore, a new Asylum Programme fee of $600 will be introduced for specific worker and immigrant petitions. The electronic registration fee for H-1B visas will also witness a substantial surge from $10 to $215.
Impact on Indian Nationals:
H-1B Visa Fee Hike: The H-1B visa, pivotal for numerous Indian IT professionals seeking opportunities in the US, will now come with a significantly heftier price tag. The application fee for the H-1B visa has surged from $460 to $780, with the registration fee experiencing a steep ascent from $10 to $215. This increase could potentially disrupt the tech industry’s reliance on this visa category to fulfill specialized positions.
L-1 Visa Fee Hike: The L-1 visa, facilitating the transfer of employees from foreign offices to the US, has also witnessed a drastic fee increase. The new cost for an L-1 visa application has escalated from $460 to $1,385.
EB-5 Visa Changes: For the EB-5 investor visa, the fee has surged from $3,675 to $11,160. This substantial hike could significantly influence the decisions of affluent Indians considering investment in the US for residency purposes.
In conclusion, the recent fee adjustments implemented by USCIS are set to reshape the financial landscape of immigration processes, particularly impacting Indian nationals aspiring to work or invest in the United States.
