US Visa Fee Increase: The US State Department has given a big blow to the tourists by increasing the visa application fee. The department has increased this fee on some nonimmigrant visas. Indian students will also be affected by the new rates.
US Visa Fee Increase: There is bad news for those planning to go to America. The US State Department has decided to increase the visa application fee. This fee has been increased on some non-immigrant visas. With this decision of the State Department, Indian students and tourists will have to bear the burden of inflation.
New rates will be applicable from May 30
According to the statement issued by the US State Department, the increased rates of fees for Non-immigrant Visa (NIV) will be applicable from May 30, 2023. These visas include visitor, tourist visa, student visa and exchange visitor visa etc. The fee for visa application fee has been increased in a graded manner.
Increase up to Rs 2000
The fee for business or tourist (B1/B2 and BCC) visas and other non-petition based NIV like student visas will increase from Rs 13000 to around Rs 15000. As per the current exchange rates, Indian students will have to pay around Rs 15,140 for a US visa after these rules come into force.
It will be graded fee
The department also informed that the fee on certain petition-based non-immigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q and R categories) will also increase from Rs 15,557 to Rs 16,785. At the same time, the fee for traders, investors and applicants with a special occupation (E category) will increase from Rs 16,785 to Rs 25,792.
Other consular fees are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency requirement fee.
Fee hike will affect these categories
B1: Business or domestic worker
B2: Tourist
H: Work Visa
L: Intra-Company Transfer Visa
O: Foreign nationals with exceptional achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics
P: Athlete, Artist, Entertainer
Question: Tourists in International Cultural Performance
R: Religious Worker
E: Alliance Trader/ Alliance Investor
