Old Fees Reinstated

Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the INS eliminated surcharges on application fees as of January 24, 2003. These surcharges were collected to fund asylum and refugee services, fee exemptions and fee waivers. This new rule lasted only one month. Since February 27, 2003 the old fee schedule is in place again. Everyone who filed their application within these two dates is eligible for reduced fees. Below is the official INS press release. To view the new (old) fee schedule, click here.

February 27, 2003

INS Informs Public Regarding Changes in
Immigration Benefit Filing Fees

WASHINGTON –The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) today published a final rule in the Federal Register that reinstates the surcharge added to immigration benefit application fees. This fee is used to support asylum and refugee services and the agency’s fee waiver program.

On January 24, 2003, INS published an interim rule that eliminated the surcharge. The Service was required to take that action under provisions of section 457 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296. The U.S. Congress has since repealed that section of the law. Effective February 27, the immigration benefit application fee schedule returns to the levels that existed prior to January 24.

All applications and petitions filed with INS on or after February 27, 2003 must comply with the new fee schedule. (The readjusted fee table is attached.) Applications and petitions not accompanied by the increased fee will be rejected with a request to submit the appropriate amount.

However, the Service will accept applications and petitions postmarked on or before February 27 with the reduced fee that went in effect on January 24.

Additional information about the INS immigration benefit filing fees is available through the INS website (www.ins.gov), or through its toll-free National Customer Service Line, (1-800-375-5283).

- INS -

Last Modified 02/27/2003