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US Visa Fee Changes Effective April 13

Immigration News

As of April 13, 2012, the US Department of State will is adjusting processing fees for most US visas. The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and US Border Crossing Cards will increase unfortunately, while at least the immigrant visa processing fees will decrease which covers all the green card and family type sponsorships.

The increases are supposed to be for increased demand in visas abroad along with facilities and staffing costs, however given the H-1B visa general demand over last 3 years is down significantly along with many other visas, not sure the logic holds up. Combine that with the huge US Budget shortfalls and this is an easy political move to increase revenue while not annoying actual voters.

As we said a majority of categories of nonimmigrant visa processing fees will increase, the fee for E visas (treaty-traders and treaty-investors as well as the E3 for Australians) and K visas (for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens) will decrease.

Nonimmigrant Visa Processing Fees

Type of Visa

Previous Fee

New Fee

Tourist (B-1), Business (B-2), Transit, Crew Member, Student (F-1), Exchange Visitor (J-1), and Journalist visas

$140

$160

Petition-Based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R)

$150

$190

Treaty Investor and Trader visas (E)

$390

$270

Fiancé(e) visas (K)

$350

$240

Border Crossing Cards (age 15 and older)

$140

$160

Border Crossing Cards (under age 15)

$14

$15

Immigrant Visa Processing Fees

Type of Visa

Previous Fee

New Fee

Immediate Relative and Family Preference Applications

$330

$230

Employment-Based Applications

$720

$405

Other Immigrant Visa Applications

$305

$220

Diversity Visa Program Fee

$440

$330

Determining Returning Resident Status

$380

$275

 

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E2 Visa Information & Application Process

Guest Posts, Visa Info

Visas are mere entry documents and are usually issued for various categories. Basically without migrating to the US, it is buying an entry to the US. E2 visa is an Investor visa and is considered as a non immigrant visa which allows one to live and work in the US based on the investment. This in turn will help one to contribute to the economy of the US.

Qualifications for an E2 visa:

Each visa category requires certain qualifications to be met. The qualifications required for E2 visa are as follows:

  • You have to be a national of a treaty country which means the country maintains the commerce and navigation with the United States for the E2 visa purposes.
  • Your investment must be sufficient enough to operate the enterprise though it is on the higher side or low side
  • Your investment should be a true operating enterprise rather than passive investment which does not qualify.
  • Your investment should have the capacity to generate more income and have a substantial impact in the US
  • You should have a control of funds and should bear the risk of investment

The E 2 treaty visas generally allow bilateral agreement with the foreign nationals and the US with a substantial amount invested by the foreign nationals which will help in the development of the enterprise. The E2 visa is beneficial in many ways like:

  • You can work in the US legally.
  • With a valid E2 Visa you can travel freely in and out of the US.
  • By maintaining a valid E2 visa you can stay for a long time with unlimited two year extensions.
  • You can bring your spouse and children who are your dependents to stay with you in the US.
  • Your spouse can apply for work by filing for an Employment Authorization Document.

The individuals having the E2 visas can also do the following:

  • Substantial investment on an already existing US enterprise.
  • Directing and developing the enterprise in which they have invested.
  • Direct and develop investments from the treaty country.

Regardless of the nationality, the spouse and the unmarried children who are below the age of 21, will receive derivative E2 visas to accompany the principal alien. The E2 visas are generally applied at the US Consulate or the Embassy having the jurisdiction over the place of the permanent residence. Generally an interview is conducted by the embassy as a part of the application process. Individuals who are less than 13 years of age and more than 80 years of age are not required to take the interview. The E 2 visa application process varies from place to place. Before submitting the application the requirements should be reviewed.

Generally the treaty visas are issued for four to five years. These visas can be extended for an unlimited number of times depending on the investments and will be reissued for an additional five years if required. The E2 visa treaty visa will not allow you to permanently stay in the US.

Guest Post Author

Immigration Direct is not legal advice site, but its a place for all immigration related issues. Where in you can fill the forms on Visa( Green card Renewal, Naturalization, Student Visa, Work Visa, Tourist Visa,  Affidavit of Support Form many more) online. We will make sure your form is 100% error free, before you submit to USCIS.

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