Visa Fees Set To Increase By Over 50% For Foreign Artists Touring The US

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The US’ Department Of Homeland Security has announced an increase to visa fees. This will affect prices for foreign artists touring the US, with an increase of over 50% before the end of 2020.

The fee increases affect both P and O visa types, which are generally used by touring artists. O visas are for “Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement”, with P visas used by family members of individuals. Those with these types of visas are allowed to return to the country within one and three years respectively.

The fee increases were first proposed last november. Applying for O visas will now cost $705 which is up from $460 (An increase of 53%). Applying for P visas will now cost $695, which is also up from $460 (An increase of 51%).

That’s not all that is changing, as the number of people covered by a single visa petition is now capped at 25 individuals. For example if an 90-piece orchestra was touring to the states, they’d be required to apply for four visas to cover everyone.

These changes will come into effect from the 2nd October 2020, with the waiting times, for a visa, set to increase to 15 business days. Those looking to get their visas quicker will have to pay $1000 to have their application fast tracked.

More details can be found on the federal register website here.