With the USCIS Fee Increases that occurred on April 1, 2024, USCIS Filings will be rejected, refused, returned to unknowing filers. The filings will be returned with a template letter stating template-terms such as:
The fact of the matter would be that the USCIS Filing is rejected and the new fee would be required.
The next question is: what should you do next? Should you look online and pay the new fees?
Our office would recommend stepping back and reviewing the entire filing. Eligibility must be confirmed. Supporting documents must be confirmed. Form Editions must be confirmed. These topics will be discussed below.
Most (Minor) USCIS Filings are now available online at USCIS.GOV. The online system does a great job at screening eligibility and raising red flags when something is amiss. However, the paper filings do not have the same luxury.
Over 550,000 applicants file for the (Major) I-485 Adjustment of Status each year. Over 50k spousal filings, 15k fiance filings, 3k child/step-child filings, and 50k parent filings all pursue Adjustment of Status through the USCIS Agency. These filings are riddled with RFEs, experience 1-5 years processing times, denials on eligibility for part or all of the filings and supplemental filings, and straight-up confusion. Some of the most common issues affecting eligibility are as follows:
A consult with an immigration attorney can help alleviate this concern. Alternatively, our office has some guides to target eligibility:
Supporting documents are mandatory with any USCIS Filing. The main documents not normally provided are:
A consult with an immigration attorney can help alleviate this concern. Alternatively, our office has some resources to target eligibility:
DO NOT rely on the expiration date on the top right corner of the USCIS Forms. DO NOT! The USCIS Forms almost always state a form is valid for 2 years after creation. However, some forms can update ever 6-12 months. Check the the USCIS Website, regarding the specific form and the edition date information (as it will also state if prior editions are still be accepted).
Where do you verify the USCIS Filing Fee? The G-1055 is the main source to verify USCIS Filing Fees.
If you have addressed the above three topics, you are ready to re-submit. If you receive a second rejection, it is time to probably consult with an immigration attorney. Just know, USCIS Filing Fees, for instance the $2955 for a full AOS Filing, are expensive. If the AOS is ultimately denied, paying the fees a second time will feel more painful. Our office has frequently assisted with filers that have been denied once, twice, three time in the past. If you'd like to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney, consider our office. We can assist regardless of state you country you reside in.
Our office/attorney Biography can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/team
Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
DISCLAIMER – The information does not constitute legal advice and please be aware that neither this website nor the use of information from this website creates an attorney-client relationship.
© 2021 Fickey Martinez Law Firm. All Rights Reserved.
This website has been built to be accessible for all users. If you experience any difficulty in accessing this website, please contact us for assistance.