Trump administration has shown what is to come in next few months for companies using H1B, the filing fee was increased by 35% on the second day and first full day of the administration. While these fees are not going to dent margins , they will eventually add up. The increase also signals the expected trend.
As soon as the Trump administration has sworn in , new fees and forms went effective immediately. The filing fee increases have been a sharp 30-50% increases across the board for H1B, Green card processing etc.
New H1B filing fee is $460 effective immediately, before Jan 23 2017, this fees was at $340. This is 35% increase.
Additionally the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker filing fee increase by $120 to $700.
Below tables list Fee increases
| VISA / Form Type | Current Fee | New Fee | % increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 – H1B Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | $340 | $460 | 35% |
| I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | $580 | $700 | 20% |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization – EAD | $380 | $410 | 8% |
| Form I-914: Application for T Nonimmigrant Status | $0 | $0 | 0% |
I-485 filing fees increased from $1070 moderately and is applicable as per below table.
| I am… | Form Fee | Biometric | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 14 and filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent | $750 | $0 | $750 |
| Under 14 and not filing with the I-485 application of at least one parent | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
| Age 14 – 78 | $1,140 | $85 | $1,225 |
| Age 79 or older | $1,140 | $0 | $1,140 |
| Filing Form I-485 based on having been admitted to the United States as a refugee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Filing as a refugee under section 209(a) of the INA | $0 | $0 | $0 |
