The visa fee hikes proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are currently in a state of uncertainty as they await final review from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
If these suggested modifications are approved, it could lead to a significant rise in costs for both individuals in need of visas and American employers who support foreign workers. The initial proposition, presented in January 2023, outlines substantial increases in fees for various visa categories. One of these categories is the H-1B Visas, a widely used work visa for skilled professionals. Should the proposal be given the green light, the application fees for H-1B Visas could experience a remarkable surge of 70%, going up from $460 to $780. Additionally, there might be a noticeable increase in the E-registration fee for the H-1B cap lottery, rising from $10 to $215.
The proposed fee increases will also have an impact on citizenship. The cost of applying for naturalization could rise by 19%, with fees increasing from $640 to $760. However, the EB-5 Green Card Program is facing even more substantial alterations. The fees for the initial I-526 petition may potentially double, going from $5,450 to $11,160. Additionally, the fees for the I-829 petition, which is utilized to eliminate conditions on permanent resident status, could increase by nearly 150%, rising from $3,825 to $9,535.The increase in fees for various visas is causing concern among both US employers and visa applicants.
The added expenses that come with H-1B Visas might discourage employers from sponsoring foreign workers, potentially leading to difficulties in acquiring talented individuals and potentially driving up labour costs. The uncertainty surrounding different types of visas, such as those for citizenship and green cards through the EB-5 program, is also a source of worry. While the proposed fee increases may not affect the upcoming March 2024 cap season, there may still be further changes in the future. Employers interested in H-1B visas should carefully consider the proposed fee hikes and the recently announced premium processing fee increases (from 12% to $2,805) when evaluating costs.
The destiny of the proposed regulation hinges on the evaluation conducted by the OMB. Once finalized, it will be published in the Federal Register, allowing the public to provide their input before it becomes official. Given that the issue of US immigration policy is anticipated to continue being a source of contention, stakeholders are urging the DHS to carefully consider the potential impacts of these hiked fees on businesses, families, and immigration goals.
