Beginning October 2, 2020, foreign artists performing or touring in the United States will have to pay over 50 percent more for the necessary travel visas.
The increased charges are thanks to new rulings by the Homeland Security Department. The cited reason for the increase is to “ensure that USCIS has the resources it needs to provide adequate service to applicants and petitioner.” Traveling artists typically use O visas or P visas (for individuals and for families, respectively). Filing fees for O visa petitions are increasing to $705, while P visa filing fees rise to $695, marking 53 and 51 percent jumps
Additionally, visa petitions are capped at 25 people per visa, meaning that larger groups will have to apply for several visas in order to travel and work in the United States.
Read the full report detailing the changes here, or read the summation of comments and responses made by the Homeland Security Department here.
H/T: MusicTech
Featured Image: Imagine Music Festival
