Due to a decrease in immigration applications, USCIS may increase visa and green card filing fees by 10 percent in the coming months.
Currently, visa and green card application fees make up 97% of the agency's operating budget. In order to allow the agency to continue operating despite low application numbers, USCIS has requested Congress to provide the agency with $1.2 billion.
The New York Times reports that USCIS is struggling to fund itself due to the decrease in visa applications because of COVID-19. In addition, experts blame the decline in immigration applications on the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies, which have made the visa application and approval process significantly more difficult and time-consuming. In addition, given the increasing number of visa denials, increased government filing fees, and processing delays caused by Requests for Evidence ("RFEs"), potential applicants are hesitant to apply for visas and green cards.
No filing fee increase has been confirmed, but Adomat Immigration will continue to monitor the situation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ayla Adomat, Esq. at ayla@adomatimmigration.com