The cost of pursuing U.S. citizenship is poised for a significant increase, with application fees set to rise by up to 19% starting April 1, 2024. More than 9 million eligible legal permanent residents in the U.S. have yet to apply for citizenship, according to Homeland Security Statistics. While the fee hike is lower than previous attempts, immigration attorneys advise prospective citizens to submit applications before the impending increase to secure lower costs.
Key Points to Note about the Fee Increases:
The naturalization application (N-400) currently costs $640 or $725 with biometrics. On April 1, these fees will rise to $760.
USCIS attempted an 80% fee increase in 2020, but legal challenges prevented its implementation.
Adjustment of status fees, essential for transitioning to legal permanent residency, will jump from $1,760 to $3,005 after April 1.
USCIS claims the fee adjustments aim to recover costs and enhance service, with the agency facing record application numbers in 2023.
The fee increase sparks concerns among applicants and immigration advocates, emphasizing the importance of addressing processing times and service efficiency.
Becoming a U.S. citizen involves various steps, including obtaining legal permanent residency, with processing times varying across USCIS offices.
Applicants are encouraged to apply before April 1 to potentially save on fees and secure their path to citizenship.
The urgency to become a citizen is emphasized amid evolving immigration rhetoric and potential rule changes.
As the fee increase looms, individuals considering U.S. citizenship are urged to navigate the immigration process efficiently, balancing costs and the pursuit of their American dream.
Source: MSN
