lifehouse51

Effective on June 4, all U.S. nonimmigrant Visa Application fees will be increased based on a tier system: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html

The people being affected the most will be the E (INcluding E-3) and K visa applicants, who will be charged over $300/application now.

lifehouse51

Wanna bump this up so everyone else can see.

Also, I have to say, the increase's not too bad for people who are going for H1-B, F-1, B visas, non-blanket L visas, etc.
However, people going for K and E visas are hit with huge increase. Particularly for E-3 applicants, who can previously justify getting a new visa every 2 years instead of renewal within the U.S. because the cost of the two are similar.

ian-mstm

To clarify, they'll be charged on and after June 4. Those who have already applied, or who apply prior to June 4 will not be affected by the fee increase.

Ian

meauxna

Um, we're talking about a couple hundred bux, right? On what sort of jobs?
No one likes to throw money away less than me, but a little perspective..

retzie

In my case, on a rubbish pay academic job (E-3). The doubled fee is going to hurt

lifehouse51

I see your point, the $390 application fee is going to be less than 1% of my salary over 2 years, but I think it was the big jump (From $131 to $390, that's a 200% increase!) that surprised me. It's true that when taken in perspective, visa application fee is not outrageous considering one pays a few hundred bucks for getting EAD, adjustment to PR, etc.

I started the thread to let others know about the fee increase, not to start any whining/complaining thread. The announcement was quite recent, and at least some U.S. consulates' websites were not updated yet to reflect the fee raise in their "How to Apply for Visa" pages.

dwhittles

Its actually a 300% increase

lifehouse51

It's 300% of its original fee, but it's a 200% increase (~$260 increase)
It's just like saying when there's a 50% increase, it's not half the value, but 150% of the original value.

meauxna

I didn't realize there was such a variety of E-3 jobs.

And I don't object to the thread.. I think some of the comments in the E-3 thread probably had stuck in my mind.

Ray

Well dont go for it ... you teach them a lesson

retzie

I'm just a bit miffed, as my work would have equally supported an H-1b (in fact, moreso, as they actually know what they are...) I opted instead to continue on with another E-3, for which the paperwork is already done, so there's not really any turning back now. I'm just feeling sorry for myself

Ray

think of it as just one service for you car

lifehouse51

The reciprocity/Visa Issuance Fee for H1-B on an Australian passport is $105, so with the fee increase, it'll be about $250 per person total after June 4. Depending on the circumstances, E-3 may still be more favorable (For example, in my case, my employer won't sponsor a GC application, and E-3 will theoretically allow indefinite renewals, vs. H1-B will have a limit of 6 years before I have to leave the U.S. for a year then come back).

lifehouse51

Think of it this way: The application for H1-B's more complicated, so there's more time/paperwork involved. And since the employer has to shell out more $$, it's less favorable for them. E-3 is simpler to deal with and the LCA is usually approved in 7 days.
Although I hope that the fee for E-3 is closer to the H visas instead, just think of the ~$400 as a long term investment instead

augigi

Yes it sucks, but oh well what can you do. The employer is going to pay it anyhow.

I don't know how anyone could suggest this fee increase makes the H1B more favourable than the E3, considering the E3 dependents can work.