Nearly 96% of the USCIS budget derives from fees. In our coverage of Congress, appropriations, continuing resolutions, and government shutdowns, we are reminded that USCIS is a fee-driven agency, as it does not depend on appropriations for its operations and, for example, remains open during government shutdowns over appropriations. We wrote last week about a $10.00 fee for H-1B Registration.
On Nov. 8, USCIS published a notice of proposed rulemaking for an adjustment of fees to meet operational needs. Among the diversity and breadth of fees addressed in the Examinations Fee Accounts 300+ page posting, a few proposed fees have received a lot of public attention:
- DACA renewal fee from $495 to $765;
- $50 dollar asylum application fee; and
- Citizenship application fee from $640 to $1170.00, among others.
As we enter public discourse on the current Continuing Resolution and related Congressional discussions, we remind readers that in all likelihood USCIS will be fee-funded and open for business!
As always, please direct specific questions to your GT attorney, and check back as this blog is updated as events warrant.