Important Update: Changes to Immigration Fees in 2024
Attention, future applicants! Big changes are coming to the cost of immigration applications and petitions, specifically concerning the I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. As of January 31, 2024, a final rule was published in the Federal Register that will adjust the fees for most immigration applications and petitions, impacting many looking to apply for various statuses in the United States.
What Are the New Fees for the I-360 Petition?
Starting April 1, 2024, the updated fees for most immigration forms, including the I-360 Petition, will take effect. This means that any applications or petitions postmarked on or after this date must include the correct new fee, or they will not be accepted. This significant change stresses the importance for applicants to be well aware of the deadline to ensure their application process goes smoothly.
Who Can File the I-360 Petition?
The I-360 Petition serves a vital role in classifying certain aliens as eligible for U.S. immigration under special circumstances. These classifications include:
- Amerasians born between December 31, 1950, and October 23, 1982
- Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens
- Self-petitioning spouses, children, or parents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) facing abuse from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Special immigrants, which encompass a broad range of individuals from religious workers to broadcasters for the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or its grantees
Catering to unique situations, the I-360 Petition acknowledges the diverse needs and contributions of those seeking to live in the United States, providing a pathway for those who fall under these categories.
How Does This Affect You?
If you’re planning to file an I-360 Petition or any other immigration application soon, this update translates to a crucial deadline. Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2024, to avoid the new fees. For those filing on or after April 1, 2024, the updated filing fees must be included with your application. This adjustment in fees underscores the need to prepare your application materials earlier and familiarize yourself with the new costs.
For detailed information on the fee adjustments and how they may affect your application, visit the official USCIS fees page. This link will provide authoritative guidance and further details that are essential for navigating your application process effectively.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of increased immigration fees in 2024 serves as a critical reminder for all potential applicants to stay informed and vigilant about the changes in immigration policies and requirements. Whether you’re an Amerasian seeking acknowledgment, a widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, a self-petitioning individual under VAWA, or a special immigrant, these alterations impact the planning and filing of your I-360 Petition. Keeping abreast of these updates and preparing your application accordingly will help ensure a smoother process in achieving your immigration goals in the U.S.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Heads up, prospective applicants! Brace for changes in immigration fees, especially for the I-360 Petition. Effective April 1, 2024, revamped fees apply to all immigration forms. Submit before March 31 to dodge the new costs. Stay updated on USCIS’s fee page for vital info on the adjustments shaping your immigration journey.
— By VisaVerge.com
