We are advising members to expect varying delays, depending on where their petition is processed. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Back in March we reported our disappointment at the news US Visa fees were set to rise again, with the fee increasing from anywhere between $70 and $1,195 for an O visa petition, depending on who you used as a petitioner.
Unfortunately, Premium Processing has also been steadily on the rise. In 2020, the fee rose from $1,440 to $2,500, then in 2024 that increased again to $2,805.
It's fair to say that if the costs of services increase, one can reasonably expect at least consistent service, if not an improved one. However, it seems that with further administrative changes made by the United States Citizen and Immigration service (USCIS), that is not the case.
Visa processing times are now taking longer, which impacts musicians and their plans to work in the US.
Processing times
The problem with the system is that no matter the amount of forward planning a musician may make, should the petition find its way to the California Service Centre, the processing time will be six months and you will therefore have to upgrade to Premium Processing.
If on the other hand you are lucky and the petition goes to Vermont, it's likely they will process the petition in two to three months, thus potentially avoiding the need for an upgrade.
However musicians have no control over these outcomes and Premium Processing has never guaranteed approval. The upgrade price ensures you will get a response in 15 business days, but you may still not get an approved visa in that time.
Reason for delays
So, how has this happened? Our colleagues at Tamizdat (a nonprofit organisation that facilitates and advocates for international artist mobility and cultural exchange), have informed us that this is due to the changes in the distribution of petitions.
Petitions are now sent to the processing centres in either Vermont or California via a service centre in Texas, and there is no longer any certainty that applicants will get their petition approvals in a reasonable time-frame, meaning possible delays can necessitate upgrading to Premium Processing.
We were originally advised that the recent fee increase would enable more consistent and timely processing, but sadly this has not yet proven to be the case.
We therefore advise members to expect varying delays, depending on where their petition is processed. Currently it could take anywhere between eight to 12 weeks for Vermont, but may take five to six months should it land on a desk pile in California.
View more information on this via Tamizdat.
What’s being done?
We are already aware of members having to cancel shows booked in the US and if a band doesn’t have funding, finding an extra $2,805 can render any plans to tour there simply uneconomical.
In the US, Tamizdat, the League of American Orchestras and the Performing Arts Visa Working Group have formally contacted USCIS, as well as other stakeholders and advocacy groups to review their options.
The MU is also convening a music industry meeting to look at what can be done here in the UK, and we will be writing to our Government to see if any pressure can be brought to bear.
As always, if you need any assistance with working overseas please contact your MU Regional Office in the first instance.
Browse more on working in the United States
Find out which visas you need for travelling to the US when working as a musician, the application process, funding and more below.
Visit the information hub