US Visa Fee Hike: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased fees for several immigration processes, including popular visa categories sought after by Indian nationals. This change took effect on April 1, 2024.
Judge Upholds Fee Increase
Following a decision by Judge Charlotte N Sweeney of the US District Court for the District of Colorado on March 29, the new fee structure was upheld. The judge’s ruling cited the plaintiffs’ failure to demonstrate immediate, significant, and irreparable harm resulting from the fee hikes, as reported by Bloomberg.
Impact on Indian Nationals
The fee adjustments are expected to have a significant impact on Indian nationals seeking various visa types, including the popular H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas.
Fee Hike Details
- H-1B Visa: Employers sponsoring H-1B visa petitions will now face a 70% increase in fees. The application fee for the H-1B visa has risen from $460 to $780, with the registration fee soaring from $10 to $215.
- L-1 Visa: The cost for an L-1 visa application has surged from $460 to $1,385, marking a substantial increase.
- EB-5 Investor Visa: The fee for the EB-5 investor visa has escalated from $3,675 to $11,160, potentially influencing the decisions of affluent Indians looking to invest in the US for residency purposes.
Potential Impact on Indian Tech Industry
The significant rise in fees for H-1B visas could potentially affect the Indian tech industry, which heavily relies on this visa category to fill specialised positions in the US.
