The US embassy in Islamabad has notified that the application price for US tourist and non-petition-based non-immigrant visas, such as student and exchange guest visas, would be hiked from $160 to $185 beginning May 30.
The US embassy announced the hike in visa fees on Instagram.
“Effective May 30, 2023, the application fee for US tourist and non-petition based non-immigrant visas is being increased from one hundred sixty (160) dollars to one hundred eighty-five (185) dollars,” the embassy said.
“The visa fee for petition-based visa applications (H, L, O, P, and Q) is being increased from $190 to $205,” the statement continued.
This covers temporary working visas.
In addition, the embassy announced that the charge for e-visas would be raised from $205 to $315.
The embassy stated in its statement that the fee rise was due to an increase in the cost of the services supplied.
“We recognise the critical role that international travel plays in the US economy.” It should be mentioned that the visa fee is set annually based on the cost of services given.”
It should be mentioned that non-immigrant visas allow persons from Pakistan and other countries to enter the United States for short periods of time, such as tourists, business people, students, or specialty employees.
The statement does, however, clarify that all non-immigrant visa application fee — commonly known as the MRV charge — payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the day a receipt for payment of the MRV price is provided.
“Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application during this 365-day period.”
According to the announcement, applicants must only arrange their interview or submit their waiver application during the 365-day timeframe. The interview, however, does not have to take place during the 365-day period.
“All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date,” the statement read.
