K VISA FEE TO INCREASE TO $350 FROM $131

[TerriandEric 4]

I can honestly say I am sitting here thoroughly gob smacked. I have emailed the relevant links to my fiance stateside & we are both about to email to have our input.

The visa fee does not worry us as much as the AOS fees will, especially with my daughter in the cost there too. This is not just a financial process but a very emotional one. We all have to take a back seat in our own future for this process while we wait for someone in an office somewhere to deem us 'approved' and now they are changing the rules mid game...talk about feeling powerless.

[CaMic 0]

I didn't read the whole article - my brain just couldn't process it just now - but is there a justification as to why K class visas are increasing so much more than other classes? I agree that the AOS fee is more worrysome, if that increases by 167% then OMG!! I knew that there were fee increases pending, but I wholeheartedly assumed it would simply be in line with inflation.

Does anyone have and idea of what type of comments we should make in the email we send and is it only the USC whom can comment since it's a US government issue?

Basically they know that if people want a visa then they will pay whatever it takes, no-one is going to say "oh well I'll just forget my plans now cause it's more expensive" and they are relying on that. I doubt if emailing will make a difference but I am definately willing to give it a go.

[rebeccajo 14]

I can honestly say I am sitting here thoroughly gob smacked. I have emailed the relevant links to my fiance stateside & we are both about to email to have our input.

The visa fee does not worry us as much as the AOS fees will, especially with my daughter in the cost there too. This is not just a financial process but a very emotional one. We all have to take a back seat in our own future for this process while we wait for someone in an office somewhere to deem us 'approved' and now they are changing the rules mid game...talk about feeling powerless.

There's no official word about fee increases for AOS. I'd say it's very unlikely there will an increase within the next year. We'd have already heard about a pending increase if it were going to take place that soon.

[irnmtn25 0]

Sounds to me like they are increasing the fees on visas which take the least amount of time to process. Also, it sounds like this is a method to try and curb immigration....even if it is being done legally. My fiance's interview is tomorrow...I am nervous as all get out....and now I am fearing how bad that AOS fee is going to be come the early 1/2 of 2010. Ugh! If they increase the AOS fee a lot, it will kill the pocketbook! Crazy.

[rebeccajo 14]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/specia...on/6719789.html

Bear in mind that USCIS cannot just unilaterally implement a fee increase. Congress must approve one. That is why the process takes some time.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

I can honestly say I am sitting here thoroughly gob smacked. I have emailed the relevant links to my fiance stateside & we are both about to email to have our input.

The visa fee does not worry us as much as the AOS fees will, especially with my daughter in the cost there too. This is not just a financial process but a very emotional one. We all have to take a back seat in our own future for this process while we wait for someone in an office somewhere to deem us 'approved' and now they are changing the rules mid game...talk about feeling powerless.

There's no official word about fee increases for AOS. I'd say it's very unlikely there will an increase within the next year. We'd have already heard about a pending increase if it were going to take place that soon.

I tend to agree, I think we would have already heard about it.

If they increase AOS at 167%, we're talking almost 2700 dollars

I bet their justification for the k only visas is that they dont have to pay the visas fees to NVC that immigrant visas do, but they end up paying more for AOS! They're just looking for increased funds wherever they can get it I guess. Good Luck to you guys

[Moonandstar 6]

I didn't read the whole article - my brain just couldn't process it just now - but is there a justification as to why K class visas are increasing so much more than other classes? I agree that the AOS fee is more worrysome, if that increases by 167% then OMG!! I knew that there were fee increases pending, but I wholeheartedly assumed it would simply be in line with inflation.

Here's their 'logic' for the K visa:

[[Page 66078]]

In addition, the 2007-2009 CoSS found that the cost of accepting,

adjudicating, and issuing MRV applications for the following categories

of visas is appreciably higher than for other categories: E (treaty-

trader or treaty-investor); H (temporary workers and trainees); K

(fianc[eacute](e)s and certain spouses of U.S. citizens); L

(intracompany transferee); O (aliens with extraordinary ability); P

(athletes, artists, and entertainers); Q (international cultural

exchange visitors) and R (aliens in religious occupations). Each of

these visa categories requires a review of extensive documentation and

a more in-depth interview of the applicant than BCCs and other

categories of MRVs. The Department has concluded that it would be more

equitable to those applying for BCCs and other categories of MRVs, for

which such extensive review is not necessary, to establish separate

fees that more accurately reflect the cost of processing these visas.

Therefore, this rule establishes the following fees for these

categories corresponding to projected cost figures for the visa

category as determined by the CoSS and incorporating the $1 Wilberforce

surcharge (see Wilberforce Act, Public Law 110-457, Title II, Sec.

239(a) (surcharge applies to all nonimmigrant MRVs)):

H, L, O, P, Q and R: $150.

E: $390.

K: $350.

But i would argue that the "additional processing" should be done at the USCIS. Otherwise, what are we paying them for? And besides, K visa interviews generally last only minutes longer than B visa interviews, from what i see.

Does anyone have and idea of what type of comments we should make in the email we send and is it only the USC whom can comment since it's a US government issue?

I think that as many people can make comments about this should. There's no requirement on the page asking for a SSN or passport number. I think if you are a USC, then it might help to mention that. When i wrote my comment, i mentioned that i was currently waiting on my I-129F at VSC.

[Shad and Dani 3]

Don't worry! Obama is going to fix everything!!

[Moonandstar 6]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/specia...on/6719789.html

Bear in mind that USCIS cannot just unilaterally implement a fee increase. Congress must approve one. That is why the process takes some time.

Thats true- but the bad news is, this isn't USCIS. This is DOS. From my understanding (correct me if i'm wrong), they can just wake up on the wrong side of the bed one day and decide to start charging $500 for all visas if they want.

[rebeccajo 14]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/specia...on/6719789.html

Bear in mind that USCIS cannot just unilaterally implement a fee increase. Congress must approve one. That is why the process takes some time.

Thats true- but the bad news is, this isn't USCIS. This is DOS. From my understanding (correct me if i'm wrong), they can just wake up on the wrong side of the bed one day and decide to start charging $500 for all visas if they want.

Yes, I understand that the original topic is regarding a DOS fee increase. And I can't say what their policy is because I really have no idea.

My comment wasn't regarding that. It was directed towards the side-discussion that has ensued regarding potential increases from the Service.

[Jay & Beverly 0]

I didn't read the whole article - my brain just couldn't process it just now - but is there a justification as to why K class visas are increasing so much more than other classes? I agree that the AOS fee is more worrysome, if that increases by 167% then OMG!! I knew that there were fee increases pending, but I wholeheartedly assumed it would simply be in line with inflation.

Does anyone have and idea of what type of comments we should make in the email we send and is it only the USC whom can comment since it's a US government issue?

Basically they know that if people want a visa then they will pay whatever it takes, no-one is going to say "oh well I'll just forget my plans now cause it's more expensive" and they are relying on that. I doubt if emailing will make a difference but I am definately willing to give it a go.

Here is what I did. Go to the following website (http://www.regulations.gov/index.cfm) and enter "RIN 1400-AC57" in the search box. At the bottom of the next screen you'll see 2 documents found. At the far right line for the document "Schedule of Fees for Consular Services..." there is a little link to "Submit Comments". Regardless of your citizenship, you can make comments. I recommend *BOTH* the US Citizen and their proposed Fiance/Fiancee make comments.

It is very important in the fields for "Government Agency Type" and "Government Agency" that you select "Federal" and "Department of State" respectively.

Below is the exact comment I left on that site and also on the website for the Senators and Representatives of my state. Feel free to use it entirely or as a basis for your own comment but please change your name, state, and citizenship at the bottom.

** Make sure to reference "RIN (1400-AC57)" in the subject line!!! **

Subj: RIN: 1400-AC57

I'm writing in opposition of the proposed increase in fees, in particular the K-type visa. The current fee rate of $131 to the proposed fee rate of $350 is a $229 which represents an unbelievable 167% increase in fees. A similar 198% is being applied to the E-type visas. These 2 types represent 79,811 applications based on FY2009 actuals.

With respect to all the other proposed rate fees for visas contained in RIN: 1400-AC57, (visa types: H, P, L, O, Q, R) a $19 increase representing a 15% increase of fee is being proposed.

The non-petitioned based visas (except E-types) despite having the largest volume of applications (5,499,494 based on FY2009 actuals) will be increased from the current fee of $131 dollars to the proposed fee of $140 which represents a $9 or 7% increase in fees.

I am opposed to this rate increase specifically because it unfairly imposes a more than double the current rate fee increase on a much smaller group of applicants. I feel it is a highly unfair and inequitable practice to propose such an fee increase on a community of applicants that represent only 1/7th of all visa applications.

Respectfully,

Jason E. Dxxxxxx

United States Veteran

Resident of the Great State of Oregon

United States Citizen

[Moonandstar 6]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/specia...on/6719789.html

Bear in mind that USCIS cannot just unilaterally implement a fee increase. Congress must approve one. That is why the process takes some time.

Thats true- but the bad news is, this isn't USCIS. This is DOS. From my understanding (correct me if i'm wrong), they can just wake up on the wrong side of the bed one day and decide to start charging $500 for all visas if they want.

Yes, I understand that the original topic is regarding a DOS fee increase. And I can't say what their policy is because I really have no idea.

My comment wasn't regarding that. It was directed towards the side-discussion that has ensued regarding potential increases from the Service.

Ah, gotcha.

[Moonandstar 6]

Here is what I did. Go to the following website (http://www.regulations.gov/index.cfm) and enter "RIN 1400-AC57" in the search box. At the bottom of the next screen you'll see 2 documents found. At the far right line for the document "Schedule of Fees for Consular Services..." there is a little link to "Submit Comments". Regardless of your citizenship, you can make comments. I recommend *BOTH* the US Citizen and their proposed Fiance/Fiancee make comments.

It is very important in the fields for "Government Agency Type" and "Government Agency" that you select "Federal" and "Department of State" respectively.

Below is the exact comment I left on that site and also on the website for the Senators and Representatives of my state. Feel free to use it entirely or as a basis for your own comment but please change your name, state, and citizenship at the bottom.

** Make sure to reference "RIN (1400-AC57)" in the subject line!!! **

Subj: RIN: 1400-AC57

I'm writing in opposition of the proposed increase in fees, in particular the K-type visa. The current fee rate of $131 to the proposed fee rate of $350 is a $229 which represents an unbelievable 167% increase in fees. A similar 198% is being applied to the E-type visas. These 2 types represent 79,811 applications based on FY2009 actuals.

With respect to all the other proposed rate fees for visas contained in RIN: 1400-AC57, (visa types: H, P, L, O, Q, R) a $19 increase representing a 15% increase of fee is being proposed.

The non-petitioned based visas (except E-types) despite having the largest volume of applications (5,499,494 based on FY2009 actuals) will be increased from the current fee of $131 dollars to the proposed fee of $140 which represents a $9 or 7% increase in fees.

I am opposed to this rate increase specifically because it unfairly imposes a more than double the current rate fee increase on a much smaller group of applicants. I feel it is a highly unfair and inequitable practice to propose such an fee increase on a community of applicants that represent only 1/7th of all visa applications.

Respectfully,

Jason E. Dxxxxxx

United States Veteran

Resident of the Great State of Oregon

United States Citizen

Good advice. But i would think it might also help to mention to them that this process is already extortion for us, and that K visa applicants already have enough fees on hand, No?

[Jay & Beverly 0]

Good advice. But i would think it might also help to mention to them that this process is already extortion for us, and that K visa applicants already have enough fees on hand, No?

I hope you were only joking about mentioning extortion. Although I can empathize with the feeling, I don't see how that could possibly be a helpful comment to leave.

[SMR 368]

I didn't read the whole article - my brain just couldn't process it just now - but is there a justification as to why K class visas are increasing so much more than other classes? I agree that the AOS fee is more worrysome, if that increases by 167% then OMG!! I knew that there were fee increases pending, but I wholeheartedly assumed it would simply be in line with inflation.

Here's their 'logic' for the K visa:

[[Page 66078]]

In addition, the 2007-2009 CoSS found that the cost of accepting,

adjudicating, and issuing MRV applications for the following categories

of visas is appreciably higher than for other categories: E (treaty-

trader or treaty-investor); H (temporary workers and trainees); K

(fianc[eacute](e)s and certain spouses of U.S. citizens); L

(intracompany transferee); O (aliens with extraordinary ability); P

(athletes, artists, and entertainers); Q (international cultural

exchange visitors) and R (aliens in religious occupations). Each of

these visa categories requires a review of extensive documentation and

a more in-depth interview of the applicant than BCCs and other

categories of MRVs. The Department has concluded that it would be more

equitable to those applying for BCCs and other categories of MRVs, for

which such extensive review is not necessary, to establish separate

fees that more accurately reflect the cost of processing these visas.

Therefore, this rule establishes the following fees for these

categories corresponding to projected cost figures for the visa

category as determined by the CoSS and incorporating the $1 Wilberforce

surcharge (see Wilberforce Act, Public Law 110-457, Title II, Sec.

239(a) (surcharge applies to all nonimmigrant MRVs)):

H, L, O, P, Q and R: $150.

E: $390.

K: $350.

But i would argue that the "additional processing" should be done at the USCIS. Otherwise, what are we paying them for? And besides, K visa interviews generally last only minutes longer than B visa interviews, from what i see.

Does anyone have and idea of what type of comments we should make in the email we send and is it only the USC whom can comment since it's a US government issue?

I think that as many people can make comments about this should. There's no requirement on the page asking for a SSN or passport number. I think if you are a USC, then it might help to mention that. When i wrote my comment, i mentioned that i was currently waiting on my I-129F at VSC.

Yes, but a K-visa already costs an extra $455 compared to a B-visa. A B visa costs $131 and that's it.

The way the government words these things is really ridiculous sometimes. "The cost of accepting is higher." It's as if they are providing a service. As far as I remember, the government didn't provide me any services. They didn't help me bring my fiancee here.

The comparison to extortion is very accurate although it may not help to mention it. It's not as if the government is offering you a service. It's more like protection money. You pay them to get out of your way so that your family can be together.

Edited December 17, 2009 by SMR