MUMBAI: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that it will increase premium processing fees for H-1B visas starting October 19.
As TOI had previously reported, the bill – HR 8337, signed by the President of the United States Donald trump it also allowed the immigration agency to cover new visa categories under the premium processing route.
As of now, USCIS has simply announced the increase in premium processing fees for H-1B visas from $ 1,440 to $ 2,500. Under it, the visa application form will be awarded within fifteen days.
Introduction of premium processing for dependent visas such as H4 (dependent on H-1B visa holders) and for employment authorization documents (EADs), which allow certain categories of H-1B worker spouses to be employed (or self-employed) seems to take a back seat.
A USCIS statement states that it has been authorized to expand premium processing to additional forms and applications for benefits, but is not yet taking that action. “Any expansion of premium processing to other forms will be implemented as provided by law.”
On Video: H1-B Visa Processing Will Get More Expensive Starting October 19
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