Travelling to US to get costlier? US visa fees likely to hike from April 1, know how much to pay
US visa fees to hike from April 1: ALERT! Now travelling to US to get costlier as starting from April 1, there will be significant increases in fees for non-immigrant US visas such as H-1B, L-1, and EB-5.
Effective April 1, applicants will encounter new regulations, including modifications to application submission locations and an increase in the fee for Form I-129 from $460 to $780, among other adjustments.
Here's everything you need to understand about the fee hikes
H1B visa fee hike expectations
The updated fee for the H-1B visa application form, known as Form I-129, has risen from $460 (approximately ₹38,000) to $780 (approximately ₹64,000). Additionally, the fee for H-1B registration will escalate from $10 (approximately ₹829) to $215 (over ₹17,000) starting next year.
L-1 visa fee hike expectations
L-1 visa - a category of non-immigrant visas offered by the United States, primarily intended for intracompany transferees has been raised from $460 (approximately ₹38,000) to $1,385 (over ₹1,10,000).
EB-5 visa fee hike expectations
The fee for EB-5 visas, commonly referred to as investor visas, has increased significantly from $3,675 (over ₹3,00,000) to $11,160 (over ₹9,00,000). This marks a substantial hike in fees for individuals seeking EB-5 visas for investment purposes.
These adjustments represent substantial changes in visa services and have the potential to affect immigration policies and international relations.
How US visas free hike to impact Indian families ?
The expected fee hike for various US visas, including H-1B, L-1, and EB-5, will have significant implications for Indians.
With the fee increases ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, the financial burden on Indian applicants seeking these visas will intensify intensified. The staggering increase in visa fees will significantly affect Indian investors seeking US residency through investment. These fee hikes will not only add financial strain but also potentially deter individuals and businesses from pursuing opportunities in the US, ultimately shaping migration patterns and impacting bilateral relations between India and the US.
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(With inputs from agencies)