Visa ApplicationThe US Department of State has announced that some fees for non-immigrant visa (NIV) applications, including travel visas, will be increased by 15%.
The hikes will take effect on May 30, 2023, according to a Federal Register notice published on Tuesday.
The fee for B-1/B-2 visitor visas, Border Crossing Cards for Mexican citizens aged 15 and up, and student and exchange visitor visas will rise from $160 to $185, according to the announcement.
In addition, fees for certain non-immigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will rise from $190 to $205.
In the meantime, the fee for treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will rise from $205 to $315.
According to the US Department, “NIV fees are set based on the actual cost of providing NIV services and are determined after conducting a cost study of these services.”
“The Department calculates the annual cost of providing consular services, including visa services, using an Activity-Based Costing methodology.” The fees for the majority of non-petition-based NIVs were last updated in 2012, and some other NIV fees were last updated in 2014.
“This rule has no effect on other consular fees, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors.”
“Visas for work and tourism are critical to President Biden’s foreign policy, and we recognize the critical role that international travel plays in the U.S. economy,” the statement continued.
