Effective June 17, 2023, the United States (US) will be implementing an increase in the application fee for certain non-immigrant visa categories. This adjustment aims to sustain the visa services provided and cater to the growing demands of the immigration system. It is important for individuals planning to apply for a visa to be aware of these changes and intolerant their applications accordingly.

The application fee for visitors and specific non-immigrant visa categories will be raised from $160 to $185. Similarly, the application fee for certain petition-based non-immigrant visas (NIV) for temporary workers in the H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories will increase from $190 to $205. These adjustments reflect the evolving landscape of immigration and the need for adequate funding to maintain efficient visa services.

In addition to the fee increase, the US is also transitioning to a new system for its visa services, effective July 15, 2023. This transition is aimed at streamlining and improving the overall visa application process. To ensure a smooth transition, applicants are advised to follow the guidelines provided by the US authorities.

Firstly, applicants must verify and update their profile information. All data entered in the profile should be accurate and complete. If any corrections are required, it is advisable to make them as soon as possible to avoid any delays or complications.

Secondly, individuals planning to pay the visa application fee shortly should do so before July 10, 2023. Payment services will be temporarily unavailable from July 11 to July 14, with services resuming on July 15, 2023. It is important to complete the payment before the specified dates to prevent any disruptions in the payment process.

Thirdly, applicants who have already paid the visa fee but have not associated it with their profile need to log in to their profile and enter the payment receipt number. This step ensures the payment is properly linked to the application, avoiding confusion or discrepancies.

Lastly, for travel coordinators, group coordinators, or families who have added dependent visa applicants to the primary applicant profiles, it is essential to provide each dependent with a unique email address. This may require changing the current email addresses listed for the dependents. Having unique email addresses for each applicant streamlines communication and avoids any confusion during the application process.

It is important to note that the visa fee validity has also been updated. Any non-immigrant visa application fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date of receipt. Applicants must schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointments within these 365 days. Additionally, receipts issued before October 1, 2022, have been extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until that date.

Please refer to stampthepassport.com for more information and any other future update.