The USCIS's final decision will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras. Image credit: Shutterstock.
The MU is disappointed to learn that US Visa fees are on the rise yet again. The final decision, made by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will affect the future of US touring for large groups and orchestras.
Further to the call for comments last year as a response to the proposed increases in visa petition fees, the US produced a final ruling which is not as dramatic as we had first feared.
Depending on who you use as your petitioner, non-profit organisations have had the lowest increase from $460 to $530 for an O visa and $460 to $510.00 for a P visa. This is in comparison to large commercial organisations that will have to find $1,655 for an O visa and $1,615 for a P Visa.
These increases also include fees to subsidise the US’s Asylum Program.  Furthermore, visa petitions will be limited to 25 persons. This will have a significant impact on large touring groups and orchestras.
The changes take place on 1 April 2024. Find out more information on this via our dedicated information page on working in the US.
A major blow to the international performing arts sector
Dave Webster, MU Head of International, says: “Whilst any increases in US visa fees are a bitter blow to the industry and go against the grain when it comes to cultural exchange, the global response to last years’ proposed increases have certainly ensured that these increases are not as bad as originally feared.
“Members will have to do some further homework to ensure they use a not-for-profit petitioner if they are to avoid the huge increases that are part of this package.”
Matthew Covey, US Immigration Lawyer at Tamizdat and Covey Law, says: "USCIS’s fee increases are a major blow to the international performing arts sector which is still struggling to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID epidemic.
“However, the lower increases for nonprofits and small businesses signals a welcomed willingness on the part of the U.S. government to address the needs of the sector’s most vulnerable stakeholders.
“We hope that this is a sign of its willingness to continue working to make the U.S.’s artist visa system more affordable, accessible, transparent, and equitable.”