December 21, 2001 - The INS has recently published its intent to increase fees for its immigration benefits filings, as of February 19, 2001. Immigration benefits are obtained by filing official forms with INS offices holding jurisdiction over the applicant. Filing fees are required for virtually all of these INS forms, and it is these filing fees that will increase next year. The fee increase averages $20 for each application/petition, or 17%. Any INS applications or petitions filed on or after February 19, 2001 will require the new fee.

Below is a redacted list of the new fees to be applied to the most commonly used INS forms.

• I-90 Application to Replace Alien Registration Card ($130)
• I-129 Petitions for Nonimmigrant Worker ($130)
• I-130 Petition to Classify Status of Alien Relative for Issuance of Immigrant Visa ($130)
• I-131 Application for Travel Document ($110)
• I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker ($135)
• I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status ($255)
• I-506 Application for Change of Nonimmigrant Classification ($85)
• I-539 Application to Extend/ Change Nonimmigrant Status ($140)
• I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence ($145)
• I-765 Application for Employment Authorization ($120)
• N-400 Application for Naturalization ($260)
• N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes ($95)

For a complete listing, please refer to the INS website, located at the URL below:

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/feechart.htm

Daniel C. Horne, Attorney
Michael K. Molitz, Attorney
Berry, Appleman & Leiden LLP
San Francisco Office