Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks USCIS Fee Increases

A federal district court has temporarily blocked the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing its rule to increase fees and impose new forms as of October 2, 2020.  DHS is expected to appeal the ruling. Until there are further court decisions, applicants will not be subject to the higher fees or new forms. USCIS has issued an update regarding the impact of the court decision on the updated forms that were to become mandatory on October 2, along with the fee rule. DISSA is monitoring the situation and will provide updates accordingly.

 If you have not yet filed an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) OPT extension, it is important that both the I-765 form version you use and the fee you pay match the DHS requirements in effect at the time of your filing. As of October 2, 2020, the most recent version of the I-765 that is in use is dated 8/25/2020 and the current filing fee is $410.