WASHINGTON - The US Department of State Friday announced its decision to increase fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards from April 13, 2012.
"For a number of reasons, the current fees no longer cover the actual cost of processing nonimmigrant visas." said the department in a statement.
"The nonimmigrant visa fee increase will support the addition and expansion of overseas facilities, as well as additional staffing required to meet increased visa demand," the department said.
In two weeks, applicants will have to pay 20 dollars more for tourist, business and student visas than the current 140 dollars.
On the contrary, all immigrant visa processing fees will decrease. Immediate relatives will only pay 230 dollars for immigrant visa, 100 dollars less than the existing level.