The United States has announced a significant increase in fees for non-immigrant visas, affecting categories such as H-1B, L-1, and EB-5, with the changes set to take effect from April 1. The H-1B visa, widely used by technology companies to hire skilled foreign workers, will see an application fee increase from $460 to $780.
The fee for L-1 visas rises from $460 to $1,385, while EB-5 visa fees surge from $3,675 to $11,160. The EB-5 program allows foreign investors to obtain a US visa by investing at least $500,000 in a US business that generates jobs. The fee adjustments aim to cover administrative costs and enhance efficiency, according to the Department of Homeland Security.