Are there new exemptions from the ACWIA (now $1,000) fee?
A8: Yes. Employers now exempt from paying the fee include: Institutions of higher education and related or affiliated non-profit organizations; Non-profit or governmental research organizations; Any employer who is filing for a second extension of stay for an H-1B nonimmigrant; Primary or secondary education institutions; or Nonprofit entity engaged in “established curriculum-related clinical training of students”. Although the fee increase does not take effect for 60 days, the new exemptions from the fee are effective immediately. Thus the new exempt organizations are exempt as of October 18, 2000. INS is working to change its forms and systems to accommodate this change but this will take time. In the meantime, petitioners claiming to be exempt should submit a copy of the relevant provision of AC21 with their petition along with evidence that they qualify as an exempt organization. Petitioners should also note on Form I-129W the basis for the exemption, notwithstanding the fact that
