USA Updates Visa Fees

The United States government announced new visa fees for non-immigrant and immigrant visas on March 30, 2023. According to the Department of State, the new fees will go into effect on April 1, 2023.

The new fees are part of the government’s efforts to modernize the visa processing system and help cover the costs of consular services. The fees for non-immigrant visas will increase by an average of 20%, while the fees for immigrant visas will increase by an average of 50%.

The new fees will affect various types of visas, including business, tourism, and student visas. For example, the fee for a business visa (B-1) will increase from $160 to $192, while the fee for a student visa (F-1) will increase from $160 to $192.

In addition, the fee for an immigrant visa (IV) will increase from $325 to $488. This fee applies to individuals who are seeking to live permanently in the United States, such as spouses, children, and other family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The Department of State stated that the new fees will enable the government to invest in new technologies and processes to improve the visa application process, such as online visa applications and biometric screening.

Overall, the increase in visa fees may be seen as another obstacle for individuals from third-world countries, who already face significant barriers to accessing opportunities in developed countries. The increase in fees may exacerbate existing inequalities and may be seen as yet another manifestation of global economic disparities.

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