US hikes visa fees of several categories including H1-B, EB-5 which are most popular among Indians
India TV NewsWashington: In a series of recent changes in the visa rules and process, the United States has announced a steep increase in fees for various categories of non-immigrant visas like the H-1B, L-1 and EB-5, the most popular among Indians. New US visa fee To come into force from April 1, the new H-1B application visa fee, which is form I-129, has been increased from $460 to $780. Why US has increased visa fees For the 10-year period of analysis of the rule, the US Department of Homeland Security estimates the annualised net costs to the public will be USD 157,005,952, discounted at three and seven per cent. The primary benefits to the applicants/petitioners include reduced fee processing errors, increased efficiency in the adjudicative process, the simplification of the fee payment process for some forms, elimination of the USD $returned check fee, and for many applicants, limited fee increases and additional fee exemptions to reduce fee burdens.