By Jennifer Grady, Esq.
For the first time in a decade, the Department of State has proposed a major increase in processing fees for many nonimmigrant visas. This Proposed Rule comes on the heels of a recently updated Cost of Service Model (CoSM) that more accurately aligned fees with the true cost of service for the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
The USCIS is primarily funded by application and petition fees, so it is imperative to keep the CoSM level with the costs incurred for processing. Although there have been lighter fee changes over the years, this latest proposal includes fee increases of up to 325% on visas that require more time and effort to process.
The Department of Statement is accepting public comments until February 28, 2022 via their website (http://www.regulations.gov ) or by email (fees@state.gov). You must include the RIN (1400-AF33) in the subject line of your message or search the RIN number on the website.
For further information, contact: Johanna Cruz, Management Analyst, Office of the Comptroller, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State; phone: 202-485-8915, email: fees@state.gov .
The Proposed Rule will likely go into effect in the FY 2022.
The Grady Firm works with dynamic employers and employees across the country to prepare successful employment-based visa and Green Card applications. In addition, we help individuals, families, employees, business owners, and investors obtain non-immigrant and immigrant visas (B-1/B2, H-1B, H-2B, L-1A, L-1B, O-1, TN, E-2, E-3), as well and Green Cards and citizenship based on family relationships, investment, or employment.
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This article is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. This article does not make any guarantees as to the outcome of a particular matter, as each matter has its own set of circumstances and must be evaluated individually by a licensed attorney.