Visa fees for international artists to tour in US shot up 250% in April
NEW YORK (AP) — Performing in the U.S. for international artists just got a lot more complicated.
On April 1, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services instituted a 250% visa fee increase for global musicians hoping to tour in the U.S.
Artists, advocacy groups and immigration lawyers are concerned it could have devastating effects on emerging talent worldwide and local music economies in the U.S.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
If you’re a musician from outside of the United States hoping to perform stateside and you filed visa paperwork before April 1, the cost per application was $460.
After that date? $1,615 to $1,655.
Bands and ensemble groups pay per performer. A standard rock band of four members went from paying $1,840 to around $6,460. And if you can’t wait a few months for approval, add $2,805 per application for expedited processing.
If the application is not accepted, that money is not refunded — on top of losses from a canceled tour and missing out on “significant, potentially career-changing opportunities,” says Jen Jacobsen, executive director at The Artist Rights Alliance.
Related articles
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
JERUSALEM (AP) — The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreig2024-05-21US says Israel’s use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Friday that Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in2024-05-21More cities to open flights to Hungary
The number of Chinese cities with direct flights to Budapest will increase to seven starting this su2024-05-21North Korean leader Kim supervises latest test of new multiple rocket launcher
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised another test firing of a new mu2024-05-21Jude Bellingham's new model girlfriend Laura Celia Valk looks sensational in a figure
Jude Bellingham's new girlfriend Laura Celia Valk looked sensational in a figure-hugging white dress2024-05-21Hino truck owners in line for one
Drivers of a particular type of truck could miss out on payouts of up to $15,000 as part of a $237.52024-05-21
atest comment