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A continuing appropriations bill signed into law last night that will fund the federal government through Dec. 11 makes changes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) premium processing service. The legislation requires the agency to increase premium processing fees and expand the service to other benefit categories. Premium processing is an expedited service that certain filers may request by paying an additional fee. These provisions aim to increase revenue for USCIS, which is experiencing a budget shortfall.
Key provisions:
Additional provisions:
BAL Analysis: Although the appropriations law takes effect immediately, USCIS is expected to provide guidance regarding the increases in the premium processing fee. Expansion of premium processing to other benefit categories will not happen immediately, and the agency’s next steps toward implementing those requirements are not yet known. BAL continues to monitor the agency’s response to the legislation and will provide updates as more 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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