Specifically, the cost of tourist and business visas (B1/B2s and BCC) and student and exchange visas will increase from US$160 to US$185.

Fees for some temporary work visas (H, L, O, P, Q and R) will rise from the current US$190 to US$205, while that for traders and investors (E) will increase from US$205 to US$315.

The State Department argued in a statement that non-migrant visa fees are calculated based on the costs of consular services. The last revision of some prices was made in 2014.

The agency assured that work and tourist visas are "essential" to the foreign policy of U.S. President Joe Biden, who "recognizes the fundamental role of travel in the economy" of the country.

"The State Department is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both migrants and non-migrants".

Last May 15, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) established that employers sponsoring visas for foreign workers must prove with several documents their ability to pay the promised wages.

The agency reported that it updated the standards that its manual establishes for the analysis of applications from employers who want to hire foreign workers.

Employers managing the classification of their potential employees for work-related visas must demonstrate that they will have, as of the date of the application, the ability to pay the promised wages.

Translated by: A.M