As of April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented significant updates to the forms and fees associated with marriage-based immigration applications.
USCIS introduced new fees for several forms commonly used in marriage-based immigration applications. The Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) increased from $535 to $675. Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) rose from $1,225 to $1,440. Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) introduced a fee of $260, and Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) introduced a fee of $630. The separate biometrics fee has been eliminated and is now included in the main application fees.
The Form I-485, used for adjusting status to permanent resident, has undergone updates to streamline the application process. Applicants are now required to submit Form I-693 (Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) concurrently with Form I-485, rather than after the initial filing. This change aims to expedite processing times.
USCIS has expanded its digital filing capabilities, allowing more forms to be submitted electronically. This includes Forms I-130 and I-485, as well as supporting documentation. The move towards digital filing is intended to streamline the application process and reduce processing times.
The interview process for marriage-based immigration applications has been updated to accommodate both in-person and virtual interviews, depending on case circumstances. This flexibility helps reduce wait times and improves accessibility for applicants.
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