The Premium Processing fee means people can pay to have their employment request processed within 15 days. As of October 19,2020, these fees went up. For Nonimmigrant Worker or Alien Worker status, fees increased from $1,440 to $2,500. Fees for temporary workers and religious workers increased from $1,440 to $1,500.
This is because of an October 16, 2020 U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declaration. It states that the new premium processing fees go into effect on October 19, 2020. This requirement of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, Pub. L. No. 116-159, became law on October 1, 2020.
This USCIS action includes the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act. The Act allows USCIS to establish and collect additional fees. According to USCIS officials, these additional funds will be used to provide the expedited service. They will also help expand and improve USCIS infrastructure.
Any petition or application postmarked after October 19, 2020, must include the new premium fee. USCIS also has the ability to expand fee increases to additional forms and benefit requests. However, USCIS is not taking further action at this time. .
If you have questions or concerns about your worker application or the Premium Processing fee changes, Migration Resource Center can help! We provide affordable immigration legal services and consultations are always free. Call us at 646-609-8805 or use the contact form on our website for a free immigration consultation.
By: Frederik Stefani, October 21, 2020
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