UK musicians in uproar over 250% US visa price hike
NewsUK Music, the industry lobbying body, is asking Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch (pictured) to negotiate with Washington for a reduction in newly prohibitive visa fees for performers.
The letter says: ‘On 4 Jan 2023, the US Department Of Homeland Security announced a proposed increase in filing/petition fees for certain types of touring visa fees for non-US citizens”.
‘The proposals mean that petition fees for the P visa – used for acts to perform temporarily in the US – will increase by 251% from $460 (£385) to $1,615 (£1,352). Meanwhile, the O visa – used for a longer-term working visit – would climb by 260% from $460 (£385) to $1,655 (£1,375).
‘In both cases, these fees would each include a $600 (£499) surcharge to support the US asylum process. It is inherently unfair that musicians in the UK are being burdened with the bill for US immigration policy.’
Don’t hold your collective breaths for any prompt action.
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