An announcement of final rules in March 2024 would set new fee levels that could differ from the proposed fees. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The MU welcomes the latest information from Tamizdat and the League of American Orchestras regarding the proposed rise in US visa petition fees.
The information provided by the two organisations runs as follows:
USCIS Delays Fee Rule Decision
Following a January 2023 proposal to adjust fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has shared in its spring regulatory agenda that a final rulemaking will not occur until March 2024.
USCIS is continuing to consider public feedback submitted in response to the proposal, which included numerous comments from the arts sector, opposing proposals that would more than triple the current artist visa filing fee, cap the number of beneficiaries for group petitions, and lengthen the time USCIS has to respond to petitions filed via Premium Processing Service.
An announcement of final rules in March 2024 would set new fee levels that could differ from the proposed fees, confirm any policy changes, and also set a date by which any changes would take effect.
It’s encouraging that the US authorities are taking our concerns seriously
Dave Webster MU Head of International says:
“This is very welcome news, and whilst we do not yet know the full extent of the changes that may follow, it does look as though the original proposal will not go ahead in its proposed form. It’s testament to the power of collective advocacy from the arts sector not just in the UK but across the globe, and it’s encouraging that the US authorities are taking our concerns seriously. Our thanks to Tamizdat and the League of American Orchestras for their work in the US on this.”