Applying For The American Visa? New US Visa Processing Fees Take Effect April 13

THE United States (U.S.) Department of State has announced adjustment in its embassy visa processing fees effective from April 13, 2012.

According to a statement by the Information Office, Public affairs Section of U.S. Consulate General, the fees for most non-immigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards will increase, while all immigrant visa processing fees will decrease.

“For a number of reasons, the current fees no longer cover the actual cost of processing non-immigrant visas. The non-immigrant visa fee increase will support the addition and expansion of overseas facilities, as well as additional staffing
required to meet increased visa demand,” the statement said.

Although most categories of non-immigrant visa processing fees will increase, the fee for E visas (treaty-traders and treaty-investors) and K visas (for fiancé (e) s of U.S. citizens will decrease.
Meanwhile, Tourist, Business, Transit, Crew Member, Student, Exchange Visitor, and Journalist visa, which are currently $140, will be $160 from April 13.

Petition-Based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R), which costs $150, will be $160 while Treaty Investor and Trader visas (E) which attracts $390 is now changed to $270.

As earlier indicated, fiancé (e) visas (K) costing $350 has now been changed to $240 while Border Crossing Cards (age 15 and older), which attracts $140, will cost $160 from same date. Border Crossing Cards (under age 15) from $14 has increased to $15.

However, Immediate Relative and Family Preference Applications reduced from $330 to $230; Employment-Based Applications changed from $405 to $720.

Other Immigrant Visa Applications moved $305 to $220; Diversity Visa Programme Fee is slashed from $440 to $330 and Determining Returning Resident Status is also reduced from $380 to $275.
The proposed fees were published in the Federal Register yesterday. The statement advised visa applicants to view the interim final rule, at www.regulations.gov. It also indicated that comments would be accepted until 60 days after publication.