The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will soon begin collecting new fees for certain immigration benefit requests. While the specific forms and fee amounts have not yet been disclosed, USCIS has indicated that details regarding implementation will be released in the coming days. This change is part of a broader effort to align USCIS operations with recent legislation, including provisions introduced in 2024 and 2025 aimed at improving cost recovery and service efficiency.
This update follows the major USCIS fee rule that took effect on April 1, 2024, which already brought significant changes to employment-based immigration filings. That rule introduced updated filing fees for forms like Form I-129 and I-140, implemented an Asylum Program Fee of up to $600 for employers filing employment-based petitions, and increased the H-1B cap registration fee from $10 to $215, effective for fiscal year 2026 (March 2025 filing season). Additionally, premium processing fees were adjusted to $2,805, with timelines now measured in business days rather than calendar days, effectively extending processing time.
Employers and applicants are advised to closely monitor USCIS announcements to stay informed about which benefit requests will be affected and when the new fees will take effect. Delays in compliance or incorrect payment may result in processing issues or petition denials. USCIS has also indicated that some fee discounts or exemptions (such as for nonprofit organizations or small employers) may continue to apply, but confirmation is still pending. Until then, stakeholders should begin preparing for potential increases by updating internal budgets and coordinating with immigration counsel to avoid delays or additional costs.
At Immigration Fleet, we are closely monitoring these upcoming changes and will provide timely updates as soon as more details are released. If you need assistance or have questions about how these changes may impact your case or filing strategy, please feel free to contact us directly. Our team is ready to support you through the transition and ensure compliance with the latest USCIS requirements.
