U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions.  The final rule will increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but will not increase the fee for the naturalization application. The final rule will take effect on November 23, 2010.

The final fee rule establishes three new fees for:

• Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5) (Form I-924);
• Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation (with an exemption for certain physicians who examine service members, veterans, and their families at U.S. government facilities); and
• Recovery of the USCIS cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.

The final fee rule adjusts fees from $1000 to $1225 for the premium processing service.

The following schedule lists the adjusted fees that will take effect on November 23, 2010, alongside the existing fees in effect until that date.  For Q&A on the new fees, we link here.

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Immigration Solutions provides US and global visa services to individuals and employers throughout the USA and abroad.  We specialize in business immigration and have a depth of experience in the IT, healthcare, arts & entertainment, and sports industries, amongst others.  Our services include complex business visas for investors, multinational managers, skilled professionals and outstanding individuals in science, business, education, athletics and entertainment.  We additionally provide employer compliance consulting services on proper I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) auditing, training, and work with our clients to develop compliant immigration policies and procedures.  We offer these services, as well, to government contractors and advise on FAR E-Verify enrollment and compliance issues.