The AFM, along with many other, US-based arts organizations and businesses are lobbying against such a high increase (upwards of 251% - from $460 to $1615). These lobbying efforts started mid-January. See here the message posted by AFM President Hair on February 10th: AFM Opposes Proposed USCIS Visa Increases - American Federation of Musicians.
At this time, the visa increases are proposed, not yet approved/implemented. USCIS announced the proposed increases in early January, and the proposal is now open for public comment which closes March 6th. As of March 7th, USCIS will review all comments submitted, and its after they are able to review all comments that they will make the final decision on all proposed increases.
If a fee increase of any kind is implemented, we project that won’t be until Fall at earliest. The last couple of increases were implemented about 7-9 months after the proposal was announced.
Aside, this is not just directed at musicians or the arts/entertainment community. There are Service/Visa-wide increases proposed, covering many sectors of employment. This is also International in scope, as all visa classifications, covering musicians from across the globe would be impacted.
GMMQ Team
