The Associated Press reports that the United States has implemented a significant 250% visa fee increase for international musicians touring in the country. Prior to April 1, the cost was $460 per application, but it has now surged to between $1,615 and $1,655. For bands, this means higher costs per member; a standard band of four could see fees rise from $1,840 to around $6,460. Expedited processing adds an extra $2,805 per application, with no refunds if rejected.
Jen Jacobsen, executive director at The Artist Rights Alliance, expresses concerns about the impact on emerging talent and the local music economy. While visa issues have been recurring for artists, this change could make things much worse by seeing an increase in discouraging international acts from touring in the U.S.
This increase exacerbates existing challenges in reaching larger audiences. The fee hike comes amidst a broader trend of increasing bureaucracy in the visa application process. Gabriel Castro, an immigration attorney, notes the growing complexity of applications, which have expanded from two or three pages to 15 or 20, requiring extensive supporting evidence.
These changes could lead to a decrease in international acts touring the U.S., impacting not just the music industry but also local economies. The potential loss of revenue from international tours could have a significant economic impact, with Jacobsen warning of potential reciprocal actions from other countries, further limiting opportunities for U.S. artists abroad.
