The Trump administration’s war on immigrants continues. Effective October 2, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is increasing its fees. The cost for becoming a citizen would rise above $1,000 for the first time in history. In another first, USCIS is charging a new fee, $50 for asylum seekers, which the agency says will discourage “frivolous filings.” The United States will now become only the fourth country in the world to charge for humanitarian protection. Advocates decried the fee increases as an attack on legal immigration.
Under the proposed fees, an applicant for a green card through marriage who was applying from inside the United States would have to pay $2,750 in total. This is a $990 increase from the previous costs. Applicants for citizenship would also pay over 60% more, with the total fees increasing from $725 to $1,170. USCIS also plans to abolish fee waivers for a wide variety of applications, including for naturalization.
Marriage-based Green Card:
Green Card through Marriage from within the U.S. (Adjustment of Status)
| Fee Type | Current Fee | New Fee (Effective Oct. 2, 2020) |
| Family Sponsorship Form (I-130) | $535 | $560 |
| Green Card Application Form (I-485) | $1,140 | $1,130 |
| Financial Support Form (I-864) | $0 | $0 |
| Work Permit Application Form (I-765) | $0 | $550 |
| Travel Permit Application Form (I-131) | $0 | $590 |
| Biometrics (Fingerprints & Photo) | $85 | $30 |
| Total | $1,760 | $2,860 |
Figures last updated: July 31, 2020. Source: Federal Register
Note: USCIS will also be charging applicants to renew their work permit application form (I-765) and travel permit application form (I-131)
Marriage-based Green Card:
Green Card through Marriage Outside of the U.S. (Consular Processing)
| Fee Type | Current Fee | New Fee (Effective Oct. 2, 2020) |
| Family Sponsorship Form (I-130) | $535 | $560 |
| Online Green Card Application (DS-260) | $0 | $0 |
| Financial Support Form (I-864) | $120 | $120 |
| Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photo) | $0 | $0 |
| State Department Processing | $325 | $325 |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $220 | $190 |
| Total | $1,200 | $1,195 |
Figures last updated: July 31, 2020. Source: Federal Register
Naturalization:
Fees for Green Card Holders Becoming U.S. Citizens (Naturalization)
| Fee Type | Current Fee | New Fee (Effective Oct. 2, 2020) |
| Naturalization Application (N-400) | $640 | $1,170 |
| Biometrics (Fingerprints and Photo) | $85 | $30 |
| Total | $725 | $1,200 |
We are strongly advising all immigrants to get in your applications before October 2, 2020, to avoid paying the increase in fees. Get a free consultation by calling 855-768-8845 or visiting www.askthelawyer.us