The United States Department of State has recently announced a revised schedule for consular fees, deferring the planned worldwide increase in U.S. visitor fees until June 17, 2023.
This decision comes after a thorough review of the costs associated with visa and other consular services across the globe.
Initially, the U.S. Department of State had proclaimed that starting from May 30, 2023, visa fees would be raised for certain nonimmigrant visas, aligning with the growing demand for visa services.
The revised fee structure included an increase for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s), student (F), exchange visitor (J) visas, and petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories).
Under the revised plan, the fee for visitor visas, student visas, and exchange visitor visas will rise from $160 to $185.
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Furthermore, the fee for petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers will increase from $190 to $205. Similarly, the fee for treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants in a speciality occupation will rise from $205 to $315.
These slight increases in fees reflect the rising costs of the inputs associated with the services provided by consular sections worldwide.
Nevertheless, individuals who have already paid the existing lower Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) fee need not worry about paying the difference once the fee increases on May 30, 2023.
All NIV fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, will remain valid for 365 days. Moreover, receipts for NIV fees paid prior to October 1, 2022, will continue to be valid until September 30, 2023.
In light of these adjustments, the U.S. Department of State acknowledges the importance of facilitating travel and ensuring fair and accessible consular services.
This deferral of the planned worldwide increase in U.S. visitor fees until June 17, 2023, provides individuals with more time to prepare for the revised fee structure and align their travel plans accordingly.
The U.S. Department of State remains committed to providing efficient and effective consular services, and this review of consular fees is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable visa services in response to growing demand.
Individuals planning to apply for U.S. visas should stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State to avoid any inconvenience.
With the deferment in place, the revised fee structure will now come into effect on June 17, 2023.
The U.S. Department of State urges all concerned parties to take note of this revised timeline and adjust their plans accordingly.
