In a recent proposed rule, the USCIS has proposed changes to filing fees for most immigration benefits. Some filings would actually go down eg. the I-140 would go from $700.00 to $545.00 and the biometric charges would be reduced from $85.00 to $30.00 however, most filing fees would increase. For example, the H-1b visa petition fee would increase from $460.00 to $560.00 and an L-1 petition would go from $460.00 to $815.00. Other significant changes proposed include the lengthening of the time the USCIS has to process a premium processing case from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. Also, in an effort that targets certain dependent employers, those with more than 50 employees who have more than 50% of their workforce made up on H-1b and/or L-1 workers, would be required to pay an additional $4,000(H-1) or $4500(L-1) fee, respectively, for extensions. At present, the additional fee is only imposed on new petitions. Given the current practice of the USCIS to illegally shorten approval notices for staffing/consulting cos. this would be a rather severe result. Comments on the proposed rule are due on Dec 16, 2019.