DHS extends period to comment on proposed USCIS fee increases

The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that it would extend the public comment period for its proposal to raise U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fees.

Key Points:

• DHS will accept comments through March 13, 2023. The previous deadline was March 6.
• The comment period was extended because of a technical issue with the government’s rulemaking web portal, www.regulations.gov.
• DHS must review comments it receives before formulating a final rule on fee increases. Companies can gauge the impact of the proposed increases by using the BAL USCIS Fee Calculator here.

Background: In January, USCIS announced a proposal to raise fees for immigration benefit requests by a weighted average of 40 percent — and more for most high-skilled classifications. In addition, a new Asylum Program Fee surcharge of $600 would be imposed on key employment-based filings to pay for humanitarian programs. The proposal would impose significant costs on employers; however, the agency may make changes to its proposal. Higher fees will not be finalized or take effect for at least several months. BAL will provide updates as information becomes available.

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

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