US visa fees for international musicians to skyrocket by over 100%
This is NOT good.
NME reports that international musicians seeking to work in the United States will face a significant hurdle this year as US visa petition fees rise by over 100%. These changes, set to take effect in April, will see the O and P visas commonly used by musicians surpass $1,000 for the first time.
Originally meant to be even higher, the fee increases were met with widespread criticism from artists and industry groups who called them "crippling" and a threat to the live music scene. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately reduced the planned increase after significant pushback.
Despite the reduction, the fees still represent a steep rise from the previous $460. The change is intended to cover USCIS operating costs and support faster processing times. However, concerns remain about the impact on emerging and mid-level artists, particularly amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fee hike is the first since 2016 and comes alongside other changes, including a new $600 fee for sponsoring employers and an increase in premium processing fees. While the USCIS maintains these changes are necessary, the impact on international musicians and the wider music industry remains a source of worry.