Possible Increase in US Visa Fees For Certain Employment Based Visas
<div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-size:15px;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p>There will likely be a significant increase in the cost of applying for employment-based visas, such as H-1B and L visas. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) proposed raising the cost of US visas (in a 469-page document) in an effort to restore the immigration agency's budget (which were depleted during the pandemic time) and control operating expenses.<br>If approved the application fee for the “highly qualified foreign worker” H-1B visa would increase by 70% to $780, and the rate of increase for the “internal transfer” L1 visa would be A whopping 201% (from $460 to $1,385). For U.S. companies, considering an additional $600 for employers to file Forms I-129 (for nonimmigrant workers) and I-140 (for employer-sponsored green cards), foreign employees Sponsorship costs may increase.. <br><br><br>The proposal includes a 60-day comment period after which the public comments will be examined and a final decision will be made, thus it is doubtful that the increased US visa price will be put into effect right away.<br><br>Also, the pre-registration fee for H-1B visas will increase from the current $10 to $215. Indians are projected to be the most affected by this decision to raise visa fees because they make up roughly 75% of H-1B visa recipients. Several Indian experts are employed by American IT companies, and many more aspire to go to San Francisco and other tech hubs in order to pursue their dream careers.<br><br>It is also suggested to raise the EB-5 visa application fee from $3,675 to $11,160 (a 204% increase). Also, if the increased visa price goes into force, applicants who wish to convert their temporary visas to permanent (green cards) will be required to pay $1,225.<br></p><span></div>
