Ask USCIS to Improve the Visa Process!
Orchestras experiencing difficulty obtaining artist visas have a new
opportunity to weigh in with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) as the agency proposes an across-the-board fee increase. The
USCIS proposes a $5 increase in the fee for the regular I-129 visa
processing form (which would bring the fee to $325), and a $225 increase
in the Premium Processing fee (bringing the total fee to $1,225). The
performing arts community is urging USCIS to immediately make
long-overdue improvements to the regular artist visa process and to
refrain from increasing the already-unaffordable Premium Processing fee.
Comments to USCIS are due by July 26. The League will submit
detailed comments on behalf of orchestras, in collaboration with our
national colleagues in the Performing Arts Visa Working Group: American
Federation of Musicians, Association of Performing Arts Presenters,
Dance/USA, North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents, OPERA
America, Performing Arts Alliance, and Theatre Communications Group.
Please note: Until the USCIS issues a final rule regarding the
proposed fee change, the filing fee for the I-129 form remains $320 and
the fee for Premium Processing Service remains $1,000. We will inform
you immediately when and if fee changes are made. In the meantime, do
not adjust the fees that accompany your petition, as overpayment will
result in serious delays.
Sample Message to Personalize
If your orchestra has recently encountered a visa challenge, please
participate in the USCIS comment process. We have prepared sample
comments that should be personalized with details of your orchestra's
experience, along with some background information you may find helpful.
Personalizing your message is extremely important. Each comment is read
and documented by the agency, and "cookie cutter" messages have less
impact than those including specific details. Remember to include the
first line noting the DHS docket number!
Re: DHS Docket No. USCIS–2009–0033
The following comments are in response to the proposed rule to adjust
the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration and
naturalization benefit application and petition fee schedule.
By inviting foreign musicians to perform, orchestras provide American
audiences the opportunity to experience a diversity of musical talent
and encourage a supportive climate for U.S. orchestras to perform
abroad. Arts organizations in every area of the country must rely on the
U.S. visa process to be affordable, reliable, and efficient.
How to Submit Comments
Comments may be filed by the July 26 deadline through the federal
government's regulation web portal. Visit http://www.regulations.gov/. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments and double-check that comments are
in response to "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule."
Submit Your Personalized Comments to USCIS Today!
Please direct any related questions to Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Najean Lee, Government Affairs & Education Advocacy Manager, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The League is a member of the Performing Arts Alliance, a coalition of national performing arts service organizations dedicated to advocating for national policies that recognize, enhance, and foster the contributions the performing arts make to America