Every two years, Homeland Security considers a fee increase.  Currently, the I-192 Waiver Application fee is:

• $585 USD when filed by Canadians with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
• $930 USD when submitted by non-Canadians or Canadians abroad with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

There is a proposal in place to increase both USCIS and CBP I-192 Fees to $1,415 USD.  Homeland Security accepted public comments on the proposed fee increase until 12/16/2019 and now is considering that information.  I don’t know if the proposed fee increase will be passed or when it will take effect.

Public comments concerning the fee increase include:

• Waivers are only temporary, and therefore, there should be no fee increase;
• The US exchange rate would make it cost-prohibitive for Canadians;
• Canada’s poor economy and low Canadian dollar would see a significant drop in I-192 applications resulting in less revenue for Homeland Security; and
• A fee increase would not be objected to if the length of the Waiver could be increased in length to 10 or more years (i.e. permanent Waiver).

Will the fee increase?

The Trump administration has made it clear they want to keep out ‘undesirables’.   As a result, I pessimistically believe their fee increase will take place. I just don’t know when or how much.  If you hope to avoid the fee increase and you wish to renew or obtain a Waiver, then please contact us immediately.