To recover revenue loss sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to increase certain fees, including naturalization fees for some applicants. “{E}xisting fee waiver for low-income and vulnerable populations” will not be affected and there will be “new fee exemptions” added for “certain humanitarian programs.” “New measures include a proposal to incorporate biometrics costs into the main benefit fee and remove the separate biometric services fee; establish separate fees for each nonimmigrant classification covered by Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Workers; change the premium processing timeframe from 15 calendar days to 15 business days; and institute lower fees for certain forms filed online.”

The public has an opportunity to voice their opinion about the proposed changes for 60 days beginning Jan. 3, 2023.

Original article can be found here.