New Fee, Effective on July 30, 2007

[zsun 0]

USCIS fees change on July 30, 2007. This fee schedule applies if you file on or after that date. The fees listed below include both the filing fee and any required biometric fees.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments...edule052907.pdf

[mamalovesdada 0]

If we pay those certain amounts, Visa Centers should work on our applications double time! to be fair!

Edited May 30, 2007 by mamalovesdada

[mamalovesdada 0]

If we pay those certain amounts, Visa Centers should work on our applications double time! to be fair!

[Cali Gal CPA 0]

If we pay those certain amounts, Visa Centers should work on our applications double time! to be fair!

When I read this last night, I immediately filed a petition for my bro. Sent it out today. $355 for an I-130 is huge, when it's only $190 until end of July. I know that sibling petition can take decades, but at least I lodged it before USCIS gets away with the fee increase. I know I'll be paying a hefty sum when Mom files for citizenship ($600+ vs $330 that I paid last year), but who knows, she might not want to become one

[chri'stina 190]

New Fee Structure Takes Effect on July 30, 2007.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments...edule052907.pdf

Some highlights from the new schedule:

I129f: $455

I130: $355

I485: $1010

I751: $545

N400: $675

For complete information look at the link above.

I remember when I sent the I-129F petition in Jan 2004, it only cost $110!! Also thank God we are filing I-751 before the fee increase.

[Kath 0]

hi ya all

i for one couldnt believe the increases...with all the public comments received over 3000 i wonder if they even read them ..

what really annoys me is im going to be removing conditions next year ... that will give me my 10 year greencard...many become citzens before that 10 year card expires...the government is really getting free and extra money from the public in my eyes...i cannot see why they cannot split the removing conditions to a 5 year one ..because that is one of the requirements of applying for naturalization...either 3 or 5 year eligibility to apply...

sighhh i feel for all those applying after july for their visa's...wonder if the financial aspect will deter immigrants...cos boy oh boy its a big financial responsibility for some couples...

ok end of rant..

kath

[dcl766 0]

From $170 to $455????

Wow inflation is really sucking.

Its more than just inflation, the immigration process has changed and become more expensive. The new fee takes into account those costs as well as provide money to speed up application processing. Thier goal is to cut processing time by 20% for all applications within 2 years.

Is that a quote from the USCIS director??

[Yodrak 7]

Kath,

You seem to be misunderstanding what removal of conditions is, and what a green card is.

A LPR with conditions has been granted LPR status for a limited two-year period of time. Removing the conditions happens only once, and makes one a LPR for life or until they abandon the status. Removing conditions does not make a person a LPR for another limited period of time.

The green card is an ID card - a photo ID card. It needs to be replaced periodically, as a person's appearance changes with time. At the present time the replacement period is set at 10 years. Recognize that renewal of the card is not renewal of status - a person will remain a LPR whether or not they renew their card. Failure to renew the card may cause them some practical difficulties, but it will not cause them to lose their LPR status - it's not like a drivers license where the benefit ends when the ID card expires.

One way of abandoning LPR status is to leave the USA to take up residence in a different country. Another way is to become a US citizen. A LPR can chose to apply for citizenship at any time once they become eligible - soon after or long after. As you say, many LPRs chose to become citizens soon after they achieve eligibility. Many others chose to become citizens long after they have achieved eligibility, and still others chose to remain LPRs for life and never apply for citizenship.

So what has this got to do with the fact that a green card becomes obsolete every 10 years and needs to be replaced? Most LPRs would probably prefer a longer period between card renewals, not a shorter period. And if the government were really making money on the renewals, and was depending on it as a source of income, the card renewal period probably would be less than 10 years!

Yodrak

hi ya all

i for one couldnt believe the increases...with all the public comments received over 3000 i wonder if they even read them ..

what really annoys me is im going to be removing conditions next year ... that will give me my 10 year greencard...many become citzens before that 10 year card expires...the government is really getting free and extra money from the public in my eyes...i cannot see why they cannot split the removing conditions to a 5 year one ..because that is one of the requirements of applying for naturalization...either 3 or 5 year eligibility to apply...

sighhh i feel for all those applying after july for their visa's...wonder if the financial aspect will deter immigrants...cos boy oh boy its a big financial responsibility for some couples...

ok end of rant..

kath

[John & Annie 0]

hi ya all

i for one couldnt believe the increases...with all the public comments received over 3000 i wonder if they even read them ..

what really annoys me is im going to be removing conditions next year ... that will give me my 10 year greencard...many become citzens before that 10 year card expires...the government is really getting free and extra money from the public in my eyes...i cannot see why they cannot split the removing conditions to a 5 year one ..because that is one of the requirements of applying for naturalization...either 3 or 5 year eligibility to apply...

sighhh i feel for all those applying after july for their visa's...wonder if the financial aspect will deter immigrants...cos boy oh boy its a big financial responsibility for some couples...

ok end of rant..

kath

To add onto Yodrak's comment, The "public" is not paying for anything. USCIS is a fee based agency and must pay its own bills. You are paying for your application and those of refugees and those seeking asylum.

As to the financial aspect, in the grand scheme of things the fee increases are not that much money. And yes, it will deter people, but the vigilant will still come. I make a decent income and we have had to budget to pay the fees, but it is worth every penny. IMHO, when you have to sacrifice to attain something, you do value it more.

Look at the immigrants of days past, they used to have to spend weeks on ships in substandard conditions, not get on a flight with meal service. When they got off of the boat, people were there trying to exploit them, not have a family member waiting with enough support verified to get them established.

I think we have a much better deal.

[WenRI 0]

http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments...edule052907.pdf

Applications or petitions postmarked or otherwise filed on or after July 30, 2007 must include the new fee.

so.....MUCH MORE than before.....

[Nearly Done 8]

Wow!!! that is a huge increase!

[Brazilitaliana 0]

Wow!!! that is a huge increase!

Wow! so let me get this straight...next year, when I have to remove conditions on my GC, I'll have to pay $545? that's insane!!!

[tnh9479 1]

Well...at least we have until December to save! OMHG!

[John & Annie 0]

Wow!!! that is a huge increase!

Wow! so let me get this straight...next year, when I have to remove conditions on my GC, I'll have to pay $545? that's insane!!!

That is under $50.00 per month if you start right now.

[Yodrak 7]

Brazilitaliana,

Just out of curiosity - how much did you pay for you last TV set?

Yodrak

Wow! so let me get this straight...next year, when I have to remove conditions on my GC, I'll have to pay $545? that's insane!!!