Newsletter Week of March 20, 2023
U.S. Proposes ‘Huge’ Fee Increase for Most Green Card Applications
The USCIS proposed a large increase in filing feels for many categories of immigration to the United States. Green card filing fees would increase by 33% to $710, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Fees for marriage-based green card applications could double from $1,760 to over $3,640, USCIS citing the higher cost of proving a valid family relationship exists. Requests from U.S. citizens seeking to bring their fiancés to the U.S. would increase by 35%, from $535 to $720.
USCIS Announces Additional Mail Delivery Process for Receiving ADIT Stamp
Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp). When lawful permanent residents call the USCIS Contact Center to request temporary evidence of status, an immigration services officer will verify their identity, their physical mailing address, and whether that address can receive UPS or FedEx express mail. They will then either schedule an in-person appointment for the lawful permanent resident, if needed, or submit a request to the USCIS field office to issue the ADIT stamp. This is relevant for those who have filed a Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and whose cases are still pending adjudication and their Green Card and extension notice have expired.
New Entrepreneur Resources Available on USCIS Website
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has published online resources on uscis.gov to provide an overview of some of the temporary and permanent pathways for noncitizen entrepreneurs to work in the United States. This guide also highlights some of the most important immigration-related considerations for entrepreneurs contemplating starting or managing a business in the United States.
