ICE to increase fees on F and M students, J exchange visitors, among others

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced that it will increase fees for F and M international students, J exchange visitors and for schools seeking Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

The following fees will take effect June 24.

ICE will also institute new fees beginning June 24, including:

• A $1,250 fee for SEVP-certified schools filing a petition for recertification.
• A $675 fee for schools that file the Form I-290B, “Notice of Appeal or Motion.”

ICE also said that the Department of Homeland Security will keep its $655 fee for an initial school site visit and will extend the fee to cases where an SEVP-certified school changes its physical location or adds a new physical location or campus to a Form I-17, “Petition for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Student.

The agency said the fee increases and new fees will help the agency cover the “current and projected costs to fund SEVP operations, including the maintenance of technological systems, the employment of operational staff and ongoing program enhancements.” The full rule can be read in the Federal Register here.

BAL Analysis: Schools and international students may need to adjust their budgets to meet the June 24 fee increases.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.