In 2007, USCIS dramatically raised the filing fees for many applications. For example, the fee for filing an application for a green card filed within the US (“adjustment of status”) was raised to over d$1,000(including the biometrics fee). Now, because of “reduced revenues ” from filings in 2008 and 2009, USCIS wants to raise the fees again. USCIS calls this an “adjustment” of fees, but let’s be honest: they want to increase most fees by 10%. They have even added three new fee categories (one for investors, one for doctors who want to be on the Designated Civil Surgeon list, and one for the recovery of the cost of processing immigrant visas by the Dept. of State).
Thankfully, in recognition of the special place that citizenship holds in the immigration system, USCIS has determined not to raise the fee for submitting a naturalization application. However, those who are already citizens, but not native born, who need proof of citizenship ( Certificate of Citizenship), must now pay $600 instead of $460, an increase of 30%.
A complete list of the proposed increases can be found at www.uscis.gov. There is also a “Fact Sheet” with “Questions and Answers” about the proposed increases. Keep in mind that this is promulgated by USCIS, so the “facts” are really just justifications for the proposed increase in fees.
Immigration lawyers are outraged by this proposal, especially since the level of service since the substantial raise in fees of 2007 has not resulted in any better service from USCIS. In many cases, the service at the national level (NOT the local offices) has declined, while incompetence and the inability to correct mistakes made by USCIS have increased.
Until a final rule is published in the Federal Register, there is no effective date for the increases. In the meantime, there is a 45-day “public comment” period for anyone to express concern over the increases. Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed rule can submit a formal comment through www.regulations.gov. The comment period runs for 45 days beginning June 11, 2010 and ending on July 26th, 2010.
