Proposed Fee Increase PLUS VALUABLE USCIS DATA

[TimsDaisy 0]

The proposed USCIS fee increases have been mentioned here before (they aren't news, or shouldn't be, at this point) - and while a discussion about them is better off in another forum, I wanted to post the link and how to get to the proposal language here because there is valuable, enlightening data contained in the document about the processing of I-129Fs (data like the average processing times and the average time, in-hand, it actually takes to handle YOUR petition).

It would be great if this were pinned because I think it's worth everyone's time to read it. If, on the fee increase issue itself, you'd like to submit your comments, the document's first page tells you many ways to do so (from email to fax to hand couriered deliveries).

Here's how to find it:

Go to this site: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main

From now until April 2 (when the comment period closes), check the "Documents Open for Public Comment" box.

In the "Agency" drop-down menu, select "U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES" (type the letter "U" when you click on the box and you should go straight to it in the list, rather than scrolling)

In the "Document Type" drop-down menu, select "PROPOSED RULES"

Click "Submit."

As of right now, the only document returned is the one you want: USCIS-2006-0044-0001, "Adjustment of the Immigration and Naturalization Benefit Application and Petition Fee Schedule."

You can select to view it either in .pdf or in html format. I suggest .pdf format because it is far easier to read. You can even save a copy by clicking the little floppy disc icon in the Acrobat and saving a copy to your computer.

Edited March 21, 2007 by TimsDaisy

[Mononoke28 134]

This is wonderful. Thank you so much.

Page 25 shows the current and proposed fees.

[rebeccajo 14]

For whatever it is worth, Obama read a bill in the Senate about two weeks ago that might put the brakes on this.

Read MIGHT as at this point it is just that - a bill.

[DA BOMB 1]

For whatever it is worth, Obama read a bill in the Senate about two weeks ago that might put the brakes on this.

Read MIGHT as at this point it is just that - a bill.

So there's no set date the fees will increase as of yet right? Please dont make me read that funky document.

[stevenw60 0]

For whatever it is worth, Obama read a bill in the Senate about two weeks ago that might put the brakes on this.

Read MIGHT as at this point it is just that - a bill.

So there's no set date the fees will increase as of yet right? Please dont make me read that funky document.

INsane increase in the Fees, wonder what the justification is?

[Yodrak 7]

stevenw60,

Read the document that TimsDaisy provided the link to. You don't believe the reason she gave for starting this thread?

Yodrak

INsane increase in the Fees, wonder what the justification is?

Edited March 21, 2007 by Yodrak

[TimsDaisy 0]

For whatever it is worth, Obama read a bill in the Senate about two weeks ago that might put the brakes on this.

Read MIGHT as at this point it is just that - a bill.

So there's no set date the fees will increase as of yet right? Please dont make me read that funky document.

INsane increase in the Fees, wonder what the justification is?

The justification is written there in the document. That's why they issue PROPOSED rules and ask for comment. To show you the reason.

MRS BB: if you're happy going the wilful ignorance route, by all means, don't look up that document (which is written in plain, easy-to-understand language, with lovely charts, all to make sure that you John-and-Joan-Q-Publics have an understanding of the regulations which have A DIRECT BEARING ON YOUR LIVES).

p.s. whatever you do: if you have a problem or a concern over the proposed fee increase, by all means DO NOT read the proposal and for heaven's sake DON'T submit any comments or criticism. Then you'd actually be proactively working to better the process or at least be involved. It's FAR more effective just to sit on the boards all day and gripe to each other or express frustration than to get out there and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Edited March 21, 2007 by TimsDaisy

[Mononoke28 134]

I agree, it's better to have almost "official" documents of what the new fees will be if they pass the bill than guessing around from post to post. I understand that USCIS needs to hire more people, and in order to pay them they have to increase the fees since this is where they get most of their money. It still sucks for us though, no doubt.

My question is, will the actual visa fees be increased as well? I'm going the CR-1/IR-1 route and the visa fee as of now is $380 but the document doesn't say anything about any visa increase. Just a thought.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Visas are issued by the Department of State. DOS doesn't oversee USCIS. Those fee structures are separate (as is the funding mechanism for the DOS side of things). Visas costs wouldn't be factored into a discussion of the USCIS procedures because USCIS only hands the petitions, not the later K1/K3, etc, etc, themselves.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Ok. Here goes:

[Proposed fees]

I-129F - $455

I-130 - $355

I-485 - $905

I-751 - $465

I-765 - $340

N-400 - $595

Nice!

Although, it says for FY 2008! I hope I read it correctly.

Edited March 21, 2007 by consolemaster

[LuvMyDane 0]

Ok. Here goes:

[Proposed fees]

I-129F - $455

I-130 - $355

I-485 - $905

I-751 - $465

I-765 - $340

N-400 - $595

Nice!

Although, it says for FY 2008! I hope I read it correctly.

Where did you see these fees?

I copied this :

Furthermore, the rule

proposes to merge the fees for certain

applications so applicants will pay a

single fee rather than paying several fees

for related services.

[Niels Bohr 72]

Page 25! Within the text underneath the table of fees.

Edited March 22, 2007 by consolemaster

[Minya's wife 24]

Ok. Here goes:

[Proposed fees]

I-129F - $455

I-130 - $355

I-485 - $905

I-751 - $465

I-765 - $340

N-400 - $595

Nice!

Although, it says for FY 2008! I hope I read it correctly.

Where did you see these fees?

I copied this :

Furthermore, the rule

proposes to merge the fees for certain

applications so applicants will pay a

single fee rather than paying several fees

for related services.

You read correctly, it is one fee that covers more than one service. So for example, the I-485 the AOS, the proposed $905 fee will cover the Green Card, the Employment Authorization and the Advanced Parole. Currently those are 3 different forms w/ applicable fees that we have to fill out. Under the proposed increase, you pay once but all three services are included.

-P

[TimsDaisy 0]

FY 2008 would start in Oct of 2007. The federal fiscal year runs from Oct 1 to Sept 30.

We are currently in FY 2007 which ends on Sept. 30, 2007.

[Niels Bohr 72]

You're right, I didn't read it thoroughly. They talk about consolidating the K-3 filing process, instead of filing two separate fees! Thank goodness you told me!