Immigration Fee Increase Takes Effect
On Monday, July 30, 2007, higher fees went into effect for applicants for permanent residence in the U.S. and people filing for U.S. citizenship. The new fee schedule was released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in May 2007. Total fees associated with obtaining a permanent resident visa (or "green card") are now $930 (increased from $325), while the cost of filing an application for U.S. citizenship has risen from $330 to $675. The new few schedule includes an increase in fees associated with almost all other immigration services. According to a May 2007 USCIS press release, the new fee schedule provides "necessary funding for the agency to continue strengthening the security and integrity of the immigration system, improving customer service, and modernizing business operations for the 21st century."
- See the new USCIS Fee Schedule [PDF file]
- Chicago Tribune: Fee Hike Spurs on 11th Hour Applicants
- USCIS Press Release on the new fee schedule [PDF file]
- Green Cards and Immigrant Visas (FindLaw)
- U.S. Citizenship (FindLaw)