Immigrants can now expedite the processing of their UCSIS applications by paying a special fee
'30.03.2022'
The Biden administration on March 29 released a final rule expanding the program, which allows applicants for various immigration-related benefits. employment, pay up to $2500 to speed up the process, says Reuters.
Rule U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending its existing “premium processing” service to work permit applications, which allows recipients to work in the U.S. while they seek shelter or other legal status.
On USCIS data, about 2 million people apply for the first time or renew their work permits every year. This process typically takes five to seven months, leaving many immigrants unable to provide for themselves and their families.
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Under the rule, which takes effect in 60 days, work permit applicants can pay $1500 to have their applications processed within 30 days. Size insurance premium up to $2500 for other types of employment-related legal status adjustments.
USCIS said it is planning a phased expansion so that it does not negatively impact applicants who do not pay premiums. Last month, the USCIS backlog widened to 9,5 million casesBecause pandemic COVID-19 aggravated the existing situation in the agency.
The agency also said it will have to hire and train new employees to expand bonus processing under a new rule that it plans to pay for using proceeds from current bonus processing applications.
USCIS is funded primarily by fees paid by applicants for various immigration benefits. The agency estimated on March 29 that under the new rule it would collect an additional $9,7 million in annual fees.
