Study in the US: Visa Application Fees have been increased by 15%

The spike in visa application rates will affect student visas, exchange visitor visas, and visas provided for tourism and business purposes. The price will increase from $160 to $18. The increase was announced in the Federal Register in March end. However, the changes will be applicable from May 30, 2023.

As per the press release, the Department of State wants to facilitate legitimate travel to the US for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Hence, the visa application fees have been increased. Moreover, work and tourism play an important part in U.S. President Joe Biden’s foreign policy. As a result, international travel is viewed as important for the US economy.

New US visa application fees 

Starting from the end of May, temporary worker’s visa application fees would increase by 8%. That is, from $190 it would increase to $205. Visa applications for treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants in a special occupation will change from $205 to $315. The change is not applicable to other consular fees. For example, the waiver of the 2-year residency fee that exchanges visitors has to pay.

International student visa application

In the month of March, several changes were made to the US student visa application. 

• Authorities stated that F and M student visas can be applied for 1 year in advance. Earlier, visa applications can only be submitted 120 days in advance before starting studies at a US university.
• Another change made was the availability of online form processing for certain F1 students. It was announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
• Moreover, premium processing is applicable to students who are interested in Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Premium processing has also been made applicable to students on F1 visas seeking STEM OPT extensions and has an already pending application for Employment Authorization (I-765 Forms)
• According to M.Jaddou, USCIS Director, the availability of premium processing would help in easing the visa online processing and streamline the experience for many international students.

International students will have to pay more visa application fees for applying to U.S. universities. The changes will be applicable from the end of May. To discover more news updates like this one, visit the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.