US visa to get costlier from May 30; tourist and student visas included

After May 30, 2023, your trip to the United States (US) is going to cost you more than what it is right now. As per reports, the United States is hiking the visa processing fees for visitor visas (business or tourism) and Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) applications (students and exchange visitors) from INR 13,138 to INR 15,190 ($160-$185).

Also read: New York museum announced to return 15 stolen antiquities to India
This new hike in the visa processing fees will be effective from May 30. However, those who have already paid for the visa application won’t have to pay the additional charges.
What remains the same?This hike in the fees is not applicable to the consular fees and the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors to the States.

Who will feel the hiked fees?
Those who are visiting the country on business, travel, students (NIV), temporary workers (from $190 to $205), those applying for E-category visa (from $205-$315), and categories H, L, O, P, Q and R. The exact amount of the visa processing fees in Indian currency will depend on whatever the current rate is during the time of application.

What draws tourists in?The United States is home to several iconic cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, Miami, Las Vegas, Honolulu (Hawaii), and Orlando to name a few. Popular tourist attractions like the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Niagara Falls in New York, Statue of Liberty in New York City, White House in Washington DC, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and Walt Disney World in Florida to name a few, draws millions of tourists every year.
Also read: Most recognised landmarks in the Americas

The weather in the US is best in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Parts of the US like Florida and Texas are very hot during the summer season. These places are great to visit in spring: the Florida Keys, Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve in California, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee border, Joshua Tree National Park in California, and Anchorage in Alaska to name a few.