A press release dated March 29, 2012 by the Department of State, which is also available on the U.S. Consulate, Chennai’s website notifies that effective April 13, 2012 the visa processing fee is revised. This revision results in an increase in fee for most commonly used non-immigrant visas. The fee for certain non-immigrant and all immigrant visas has been decreased.
Non-Immigrant Visa Fee Schedule
Immigrant Visa Fee Schedule
Visa Processing Fee Paid prior to April 13, 2012
Fee paid prior to April 13, 2012 will continue to be honored until June 12, 2012. Applicants applying for a non-immigrant visa on or after this date would have to carry a demand draft for the difference in fee, favoring the appropriate U.S. Consulate / Embassy in India.
Need for Revision in Fees
The press release indicates that this increase in the visa processing fee has been necessitated because the existing fees does not cover the cost of processing visas and that the revised fees will support addition and expansion of facilities overseas, including hiring additional staff to meet increased demand for visa.
Conclusion
If applicants have paid the visa processing fee prior to April 13, 2012 and have not scheduled the visa interview yet, they need be keep track of their date of visa interview and ensure they carry the applicable demand draft if they apply on or after June 12, 2012.
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