US increases student and visitor visa costs by 15%

 The U.S. Department of State has declared a 15% increase in application costs for some types of nonimmigrant visas, including travel visas.

It stated that the cost of Border Crossing Cards for Mexican nationals 15 years of age and older, B-1/B-2 guest visas, and student and exchange visitor visas would rise from $160 to $185.

The cost of some nonimmigrant visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) for temporary employees will also rise from $190 to $205.

In the meantime, the fee for treaty traders, investors, and specialized occupation (E category) applicants will rise from $205 to $315.

These price hikes went into effect on May 30, 2023, and were announced in the Federal Register on March 28, 2023.

"After completing a study of the cost of these services, NIV fees are established based on the real cost of providing NIV services.

"The Department estimates the annual cost of delivering consular services, including visa services, using an activity-based costing methodology. The majority of non-petition-based NIV costs last underwent an update in 2012, and some other NIV fees underwent an update in 2014.

This regulation does not apply to other consular fees, such as the waiver of the two-year residency requirement charge for some exchange visitors.

The US Department of state issued a statement on Wednesday stating that "visas for work and tourism are essential to President Biden's foreign policy, and we recognize the critical role international travel plays in the U.S. economy."