As of July 30, 2007, submitting applications and petitions to the USCIS will be more expensive. The Service announced final publication of the new fee schedule, which applies to any filing with the USCIS postmarked after July 30, 2007 (with exception of certain labor-based immigrant petitions that could be filed under the old fee schedule until August 17, 2007).

The Service also published a Q&A sheet to explain the significance of the new fees. While the increases will mean higher filing costs for most applicants or petitioners, the Service will no longer charge additional fees to accept work permit or travel permit (advance parole) applications submitted in conjunction with permanent residence petitions.