On January 3, 2023, the Biden Administration revealed that the application fees for certain types of immigration visas would be raised. This means that individuals who are seeking to immigrate to the United States and obtain a visa in order to do so will have to pay more money to apply. However, there will be no increase in the application fees for non-immigrant visas, which includes the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). 

This system is used by citizens of certain countries who are traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes for a short period of time. Therefore, the cost of applying for an ESTA will remain the same.

Biden Administration to Increase Application Costs for Certain Immigration Visas

The cost of applying for visas and other immigration services in the United States has increased in recent years. This is mainly due to the rising processing costs incurred by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is facing a shortage of staff and increased demand for visas. These factors have led to longer processing times and budget cuts, which have put a strain on USCIS operations, including the timely issuance of visas. 

To address this issue, the USCIS has increased application costs to fund the processing of asylum applications at the US-Mexico border and maintain the same level of service as before. The intention is to ensure that the USCIS can continue to operate effectively, even with the current demand for immigration services. 

However, this has led to concerns among immigrants and immigration advocates, who argue that the increased costs may create financial barriers for low-income individuals and families seeking immigration services.

Effective Date for Visa Application Fee Increase Announced by Biden Administration

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed an increase in fees for employment-related visas, which is currently pending approval. The Administrative Procedures Act requires USCIS to follow a specific procedure before implementing major changes, such as a fee increase. 

The proposed measure was published on January 4, 2023, and the public has 60 days to provide feedback on the proposed changes. After the comment period, USCIS will review the feedback and decide whether to amend or withdraw the proposal. Within 30 days of the comment period's end, the final proposal will be published, and the new rules will take effect. 

The proposed measure includes a significant increase in fees for various employment-related visas. This proposal will have significant implications for businesses and foreign workers seeking to work in the United States, as it will make the process more expensive and potentially more difficult.

New Immigration Measures to Include Increased Fees for Certain Visas

The USCIS has proposed several changes to the current visa application process, including:

• Incorporating the cost of collecting biometric data into the total application fee
• Specifying application fees for each nonimmigrant visa category covered by the Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers form
• Reducing visa processing times from 15 calendar days to 15 working days
• Charging lower fees for certain application forms submitted online

The proposal does not mention any changes to the eligibility requirements for a visa fee waiver. These changes are expected to generate revenue, which will be used to hire more employees, implement technical improvements, and provide better service to visa applicants.

The USCIS is proposing several changes to the visa application process to streamline it, make it more efficient, and reduce processing times. These changes will come at a cost, which will be used to fund improvements in the overall visa application process. 

The proposal is still under review, and the public has the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes before they become final.

Implications of the Biden Administration's Visa Application Fee Increase

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is proposing significant increases in the costs of several immigration visas. For example, the H-1B visa for highly skilled workers would see a 70% increase in application costs, raising the fee to over USD 780 (GBP 628). Additionally, pre-registration fees for this visa type would increase from USD 10 (GBP 8) to USD 215 (GBP 173). 

Those sponsoring temporary workers would face a cost increase of more than USD 1,000 (GBP 805) per worker. 

The proposal also suggests a 33% increase in green card application fees for US citizens and permanent residents looking to sponsor a family member. The cost for fiancé visas would rise by 35%, while immigrants already residing in the US would see a 35% increase in the application fee for a green card. Applying for US citizenship would also become 19% more expensive, with a fee increase of USD 120 (GBP 96). 

However, for now, applying for asylum in the US will remain free of charge. These proposed changes have raised concerns among immigrants and immigration advocates, who fear that the increased costs may create financial barriers for those seeking to immigrate to the US.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Application Fees Unaffected by Biden Administration's Visa Application Fee Increase

Currently, there have been no increases in the costs of nonimmigrant visas, including the ESTA, for travellers from countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program. This travel authorization for the United States can be easily applied for online, with a cost of £44.95 through e-Visa.co.uk. This fee includes 21 USD in consular costs and the remaining amount in service costs, which is equivalent to £28.08 at the current exchange rate. The ESTA is valid for two years once granted, providing convenient and affordable access for eligible travellers to visit the United States.

FAQ

Q: What changes has the USCIS proposed for employment-related visas?

A: The USCIS has proposed significant cost increases for various employment-related visas. It has also proposed incorporating the cost of collecting biometric data into the total application fee, specifying application fees for each nonimmigrant visa category covered by the Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers form, reducing visa processing times, and charging lower fees for certain application forms submitted online.

Q: When will these changes take effect?

A: The changes are not yet in effect. The USCIS is required to follow a specific procedure under the Administrative Procedures Act before major changes can be made. The proposed measure was published on January 4, 2023, and the public has 60 days to provide feedback. The final proposal will be published within 30 days of the end of the comment period.

Q: How will these changes impact businesses and foreign workers seeking to work in the United States?

A: The proposed cost increases for employment-related visas will make the process more expensive and potentially more difficult for businesses and foreign workers seeking to work in the United States. However, USCIS expects to be able to hire more employees to process visa applications, implement technical innovations and ultimately provide better service to visa applicants with the revenue that the changes in this proposal should generate.

Q: Will there be any changes to the eligibility requirements for a visa fee waiver?

A: The preliminary proposal makes no mention of a change in the eligibility requirements for a visa fee waiver.