Government Takes 10 Months To Fix Immigration Fee Oopsie
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Rule
Summary
USCIS fixed a small mistake in their fee rules that started April 1, 2024. This correction makes sure the right worker category—the CW-1, CNMI-only transitional worker—gets the correct fee waiver options, not the E-2 CNMI investor. If you’re filing for these workers, this update matters starting January 17, 2025, but it won’t change your fees, just who qualifies for waivers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CW-1 Petitioners Eligible For Fee Waivers
USCIS corrected 8 CFR 106.3(a)(3)(ii)(A) to make clear that petitioners using Form I-129CW for a CW-1 (CNMI-only transitional worker) may request a fee waiver. The correction is effective January 17, 2025, and does not change fee amounts—it only fixes who may qualify for the waiver.
Employers Still Responsible For Other Filing Fees
The corrected text in 8 CFR 106.3(a)(3)(ii)(A) also clarifies that a fee waiver for Form I-129CW does not waive the requirement for an employer petitioning for a CW-1 to pay any applicable fees listed in 8 CFR 106.2(c). This clarification is effective January 17, 2025.
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