New Higher Fees for Some Consular Services

On December 6, 2011, the Department of State (“DOS”) adopted as final a new schedule of fees for consular services. Specifically, the DOS is increasing fees for consular services for nonimmigrant visas and border crossing cards.

The final rule establishes that nonimmigrant visa and border crossing card (“BCC”) application processing fees will be increased from $131 to $140. The new rule also provides for new tiers of application fees for certain categories of petition-based nonimmigrant visas and treaty trader visas. For example, H, L, O, P, Q, and R visas will be processed for $150.00. E visas will now be processed for $390.00. K visas will now be processed for $350.00. Finally, the rule adopts the increase in BCC fees charged to Mexican citizens under 15 from $13.00 to $14.00 so long as he or she applies in Mexico and their parent or guardian already possesses a BCC or is applying for one. The DOS has stated that the purpose of the increase is to ensure that sufficient resources are available to meet the cost of providing consular services.

The new fees are effective as of Dec. 6, 2011.

Sarah D. Monty is a partner and the lead immigration attorney for the immigration section at Monty & Ramirez LLP.

Contact Information:
Email: smonty@montyramirezlaw.com
Telephone: 281.493.5529
Website: http://www.montyramirezlaw.com/

USCIS Announces Consideration of Bundle L-1 Petitions

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced to its stakeholders last month that it will begin considering bundle L-1 petitions. In particular, USCIS will consider a bundle of more than one L-1B petition where the specialized knowledge employees will be performing the specialized knowledge duties on the same project at the same location. L-1A managers who would be managing the specialized knowledge employees could also be considered in the bundle. In addition, qualifying dependents will also considered in such a bundle. However, it is important to note that each petition in the bundle will be considered on its own merits. If you have any questions to how your business can bundle their L-1 petitions for submission, please contact your Monty & Ramirez immigration counsel.

Sarah D. Monty is a partner and the lead immigration attorney for the immigration section at Monty & Ramirez LLP.

Contact Information:
Email: smonty@montyramirezlaw.com
Telephone: 281.493.5529
Website: http://www.montyramirezlaw.com/