The Department of State released a proposed rule that will raise the fees for nonimmigrant visas. This will be done to align the fee amounts with the cost to the government of providing these services.

Fees for common visa applications such as tourist (B-1/B-2) and student visas (F, M, J) will rise by 53% — from $160 to $245, along with Border Crossing Cards for people age 15 and up. Employment visas such as the H, L, O, P, Q, R, and E categories will rise 63%, from $190 to $310. Waivers of the two-year home residency requirement for J visa holders will see the largest increase — 325% — landing at $510.

These increases will cover the costs of processing the applications. Larger fee increases depend on the time and effort to process the applications. The State Department expects the proposed Rule will go into effect sometime before September 2022.

If you have any questions about the types of visas for entering the United States, call the law office of Tuan Le or send your question through the contact form.