The new USCIS fee schedule went into effect on April 1, resulting in higher costs for nearly every visa and immigration category. Despite efforts by a group of immigrants and employer groups to block the fee hike through a lawsuit, the motion was denied, allowing USCIS to proceed as planned.
In addition to the fee increase, USCIS also announced the selection of beneficiaries for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. After receiving enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period, USCIS completed the random selection process and notified selected beneficiaries that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition starting April 1.
Furthermore, a recent poll from Gallup revealed that immigration continues to rank as a top issue among American voters. According to the poll, 28% of respondents cited immigration as the most important problem facing the United States, marking the highest response since Gallup began polling immigration questions in 1981.
On the same day, USCIS rolled out changes for naturalization applicants, allowing them to request a Social Security number (SSN) card on their Form N-400. New questions on the form will authorize USCIS to update an applicant’s immigration status as a U.S. citizen with the Social Security Administration (SSA) office, eliminating the need for most new citizens to visit an SSA field office for an SSN or replacement card.