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He United States Department of State announced Tuesday in a statement an increase in visa prices tourism, business, students, temporary workers and investors that will be effective as of May 30.
According to the press release, the cost of the tourist and business visas (B1/B2s and BCC) and student and exchange visas will go from $160 to $185.
While rates for some temporary work visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) will rise from the current $190 to $205, and that of traders and investors (E) will increase from $205 to $315.
The State Department explained that nonimmigrant visa (NIV) fees are set based on the actual cost of providing these services and are determined after conducting a cost study.
Other consular fees will not be affected by this rule, including waiving the required two-year residency fee for certain exchange visitors, the text added.
The State Department argued that the fees for so-called non-immigrant visas are calculated from the costs of consular services. The last revision of some prices was made in 2014.
The agency assured that work and tourist visas are “essential” for the foreign policy of the president of the United States, Joe Biden, who “recognizes the fundamental role of travel in the economy” of the country.
“The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both immigrants and nonimmigrants,” the memo stated.
Visas for “extraordinary skills”
At the beginning of March, the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified the criteria for reviewing petitions for “extraordinary ability” visas for artists.
“A box is added in an appendix to describe examples of evidence that may satisfy the O-1B evidentiary criteriaas well as considerations that are relevant to evaluate said evidence”, indicates the agency as one of its adjustments to obtain O-1B permits.
The other modification will allow applicants to have access to a guide on comparable evidence that they can include in visa petitions, in order to improve their eligibility.
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for those with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, while the O-1B is for those involved in film or television.
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