On Monday, the Biden administration proposed higher visa fees for a number of different visa categories, including significant hikes for H-1B and EB-5 applications. These changes are being proposed as a way to fund President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, which was recently signed into law.
The H-1B visa is a popular choice for foreign workers in the tech industry, as it allows them to come to the United States to work in specialty occupations for a period of up to six years. The EB-5 visa, on the other hand, is a program that allows foreign investors to obtain a green card if they make a significant investment in a U.S. business and create jobs for American workers.
Under the proposed changes, the fee for H-1B visas would increase from $460 to $555, while the fee for EB-5 visas would increase from $1,500 to $3,675. The fees for other types of visas, such as the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees and the E-2 visa for treaty investors, would also see increases.
The proposed fee hikes have been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that the higher fees will make it more difficult for companies to attract top talent from abroad, while others see the increases as a necessary measure to fund important government programs.
The H-1B visa program has been a source of controversy in recent years, with some arguing that it is being used to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. However, supporters of the program argue that it helps companies access the skilled talent they need in order to compete in the global economy.
The EB-5 program has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it is being used to allow wealthy individuals to essentially buy their way into the United States. However, supporters of the program argue that it helps stimulate economic development and creates jobs for American workers.
It is not yet clear when the proposed fee hikes will take effect, as they will need to be approved by Congress before they can be implemented. It remains to be seen how these changes will ultimately impact the H-1B and EB-5 programs and the foreign workers and investors who rely on them.
