What You Need To Know About Green Card Price Increases

Getting your hands on a green card is one of the best feelings imaginable for a new immigrant to the United States. When you receive this document, your immigration journey is finally over – and you can relax. But green cards aren’t free, and there are a number of fees and costs that you need to factor in if you’re pursuing a green card today. A recent change makes green card application fees even more expensive. But what does this mean for you? How expensive is it to apply for a green card? Let’s find out:

33% Price Hike for Green Card Application Fee Sparks Outrage

 Many people are voicing their concerns after a proposal for a 33% increase in green card application fees. This would bring the total application fee for a green card to $710. But that’s not the only cost that is increasing. Due to a new policy change by the Biden administration, virtually every other type of application fee is also increasing. Some might argue that this is due to inflation or economic pressures in the United States financial system. But for immigrants who just want a new home, this is more discouraging news amid a difficult few years.

Some fees are greater than others. For example, if you’re a citizen who wants to sponsor a family member for a permanent residency card (green card), you’ll see one of the greatest cost increases. Another major increase involves employment-based visas. One of the most notable examples is the marriage-based green card, which could double in price from $1,760 to well over $3,640. The USCIS has justified this move by saying that it is becoming increasingly difficult to prove the validity of a marriage. If you want to bring your fiancé to the United States, you face a price increase of 35% (up to $720) to file that application.

The Justification for These Fees 

The federal government says that they need to spend more money due to the serious backlog within the immigration system. They also point towards Covid-19, saying that the pandemic caused a sudden drop in applications that resulted in a 40% loss of income. It might come as a shock to learn that the USCIS doesn’t really get much money from taxpayers, instead relying on application fees for 96% of its funding. One thing’s for sure: People aren’t happy about these price increases: And this pressure might cause the federal government to reverse its plan to raise prices.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Immigration Attorney in Palm Beach County? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Palm Beach County immigration attorney, look no further than the Devore Law Group. We understand that navigating the immigration process can be very difficult at times – especially when you need to keep track of fees and other requirements. With our help, you can overcome these hurdles with confidence and efficiency. Book your consultation today, and you can strive for a quicker, easier immigration process.

Sources: 

idahocapitalsun.com/2023/03/20/u-s-proposes-huge-fee-increase-for-most-green-card-applications/

pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/01/after-declining-early-in-the-covid-19-outbreak-immigrant-naturalizations-in-the-u-s-are-rising-again/