P2 Visas: information on fee increases

February 13, 2023

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 6^th.  As of March 7^th, 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