USCIS fee increase takes effect April 1
The new United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) price list came into force on Monday April 1. In March, a group of immigrants and employer groups attempted to block the fee hike by filing a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Tenth Circuit, but the petition was ultimately denied, allowing for USCIS to move forward. as planned on April 1st.
The new fee schedule results in higher costs for almost all visa and immigration categories, in addition to new editions of forms for some applications.
USCIS Makes H-1B Cap Selections for Fiscal Year 2025
USCIS announced that it received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach fiscal year 2025. H-1B cap. USCIS has completed the random selection process and has informed all selected beneficiaries that they are now eligible to file a petition subject to the H-1B cap.
H-1B capping applications can now be filed starting April 1. USCIS has announced that the filing period will be at least 90 days.
Immigration continues to be a top issue among American voters
According to a March 2024 Gallup poll, American voters ranked immigration as the “most important issue facing the United States today.”
28% of respondents cited immigration as their top concern, marking the highest response rate since Gallup began asking questions about immigration in 1981. Learn more about the polling process Gallup here.
USCIS Rolls Out SSN Changes for Naturalization Applicants
Starting April 1, applicants for U.S. citizenship will be able to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) card on their Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). New questions on Form N-400 will also authorize USCIS to update an applicant’s immigration status as a U.S. citizen with the Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
By selecting the SSN card and disclosure option on Form N-400, most new citizens will not need to visit a local Social Security Administration office to apply for an SSN or card of substitution.