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Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

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By Dave Webster Published: 22 January 2024 | 2:32 PM
Close up of a Visa stamp on a passport.
If you experience problems in your visa application, please do let us know as soon as possible. Image credit: Shutterstock.

We are disappointed to hear that the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) has chosen to increase the premium processing (or expedited) fee for O and P visas from the already costly $2500.00 to $2805.00.

The increase takes effect from 26 February 2024.

View more information on this here or, if you experience problems in your visa application, please do let us know as soon as possible.

Interview waiver program

In better news, US immigration firm Tamizdat has informed us that the US Department of State (DOS) announced that it would be extending its interview waiver program, which is effective from 1 January 2024.

Under the program, O and P (and other non-immigrant) visa applicants who have had a prior visa issued in the same classification, and are applying within 48 months of that prior visa’s expiration date, are eligible to have their interview requirement waived.

Unfortunately, the interview waiver program no longer grants eligibility to applicants whose only prior visa issuance was a B visa.

More information on eligibility for the interview waiver program can be found in DOS’ announcement.

View our US Work Visa page to learn about different types of work visas and the kind of visa you need in order to work and perform in the US, including information on validity and eligibility.

Additionally, if you are flying with your instrument to the US or Canada you can access airline advice and information here.

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The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

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