The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently announced an increase in their fees, effective April 1, 2024. The increase in filing fees varies per service. When USCIS fees increase, it will help fund the agency’s operating costs.
With the looming fee increase, you can find other ways to pay for immigration services. Let’s discuss securing funds and learn more about the USCIS’s upcoming increase.
A Short Overview of USCIS Fee Increase
USCIS operates through user fees. These fees sustain application processing, background checks, and supporting people who need immigration benefits. As USCIS faced financial difficulties, its ability to deliver timely and efficient services was affected. The agency aims to establish a final fee rule to support its operations.
Some of the services and programs that will see an increase include:
- Employee authorization that doesn’t need a separate biometric services fee. (Form I-765)
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). The application for work permits and travel documents will be paid apart, requiring separate filing fees. They were once included in the overall cost.
- Asylum Program (The New Asylum Program Fee may go up for employment-based visas but go low for small-time employers.)
The final fee rule includes modified fees for premium processing services on applications that need to be expedited for an additional amount.
This increase will affect people who are submitting immigration benefit request requirements and those who have limited financial resources. It will create a new gap for those who want to become American citizens through immigration. This new increase will likely cause processing delays and affect employers who rely on foreign workers to get their business going.
Other Ways to Fund Your Immigration Journey
These are some of the alternatives you need to try to cover your immigration expenses:
1. Borrow from Family and Friends
This is the most basic alternative to fund your immigration journey if you don’t have enough savings. Ask your friends and family members for extra cash. Any amount will go a long way. Agree on a payment term that benefits you both. You may pay them once you settle in the country and get a stable source of income.
2. Crowdfunding
Getting support from people from all walks of life can be your option, too. Create an account on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise your funds.
Prepare your photos and videos for your campaign. Write a compelling story so people would support your cause. Make it straightforward yet emotionally tugging. Include your legitimate bank details to get the funds from people who want to donate.
Post your campaign on social media to attract more donors. Post regular updates regarding your immigration journey and deliver on your promises. Remember, you must be truthful in your campaign to get the donations.
3. Apply for Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships that support immigration-related services are your next option for funding. Research a list of organizations that can support your cause. Read and follow the application instructions stated on their website.
Like in crowdfunding, you need to write convincingly to gain donations. You also need to deliver and do what’s expected of you when you get the scholarship or grant.
4. Hold a Fundraising Event
Fundraising events are a great way to raise money for immigration services fees. Depending on the target audience, you can hold charity dinners, auctions, and contests. Set your budget, date, and venue for the event. Recruit volunteers to help you out with the preparations and cleaning up.
Don’t forget to provide ways for people to donate. It can be through banks, online platforms, silent auctions, or cash donations.
5. Legal Services
Some organizations offer pro bono legal services for immigration cases. Contact them and ask for legal professionals who give these services. Ask about the documents you need to show before getting the help you need from a lawyer.
If you can’t get any pro bono services, ask around if there are lawyers who offer flexible payment plans. This could help you manage the costs of immigration services. Ask about these available options and how you can get them.
6. Government and Nonprofit Financial Assistance
Depending on your situation, you could qualify for assistance from government agencies and nonprofit organizations for immigration services. Inquire about the services and assistance the two organizations provide before making a decision.
How Immigration Attorneys Can Help
Navigating the immigration process can be daunting. Here’s how your immigration lawyer can help ease and speed up your immigration journey:
- Giving you expert guidance during the application process.
- Work their best to provide you with fee waivers.
- Prepare and review the application to ensure all details are complete and address potential concerns.
- Monitor the application’s progress
- Answer requests for additional information from USCIS.
- Represent your case in court.
Always keep in touch with your lawyer to help you navigate USCIS’s new legal requirements.
Parting Thoughts
One or a few funding alternatives can help you pay for immigration services. Don’t be afraid to ask for these services since you might qualify for them. Always prepare documents that agencies might require from you.
Contact your immigration lawyer to speed up this process and explore other alternatives than the one mentioned above. They can help you understand the increase in USCIS fees, suggest your next moves, and assess if you qualify for fee exemptions to alleviate your financial burden.