On January 31, 2007, USCIS released a press release, two fact sheets, and a proposed fee schedule to dramatically increase the filing fees it charges for a wide variety of applications. USCIS has stated in a press release that the new fees will allow the agency to cut down the average application processing time by 20% by the end of fiscal year 2009. Under the plan, the fee for an H-1B visa will rise from $190 to $320. The fee for an I-140 will rise from $195 to $475, and the I-485 fee will rise from $325 to $905. The fee to apply for citizenship will rise to $595.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association and other groups are protesting these fee hikes as being excessive. The rule has not yet been finalized.