New Filing Fees Go Into Effect February 1, 2013
Starting February 1, 2013, USCIS will begin collecting a new filing fee of $165 from those individuals wishing to immigrate to the United States from abroad . Interested and affected parties should note that this is a USCIS fee, separate and apart from the usual filing fees charged by the Department of State, and is a governmental measure intended to offset the costs associated with immigrant visa production. This new filing fee applies only to those who are immigrating to the United States through consular processing (as opposed to adjustment of status, where the individual applies for permanent residence within the United States). Individuals will receive detailed and specific instructions when they attend their consular interview.