To ensure rising costs of processing visa applications, the U.S. Department of State increased the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees last June 4, 2010.  Such price increase offsets their use of new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of visa applications.
 
The fee for the Visitor, Seaman, Student, and Exchange Visitor visa increased from $131 to $140.  The fee for the Temporary Worker visas such as H, L, O, P, Q, and R increased from $131 to $150.  The fee for the Fiancé visa is $350 and the fee for the Investor’s visa increased to $350.
 
In the event that an applicant has already paid the previous fee of $131 but has an appointment after June 4, 2010, he or she must pay the full MRV fee by paying the difference at the same branch where they initially secured the visa fee and DS-157 form.  These same applicants will need to present both the MRV fee receipts to show that they have paid the incremental fee difference.

Additionally, a new form is now being used to apply for a U.S. visa.  Effective May 24, 2010, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to complete and submit an online visa application form, or the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.  This new form replaces the previously used paper forms DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, DS-158 Contact Information and Work History of Nonimmigrant Applicant.  These old forms will no longer be accepted.

By way of procedure, Visa applicants must now complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. And when they show up at the Embassy for their interview, the blue MRV fee payment slip from the bank must be attached to the confirmation page of the DS-160.

For all other visa applications, the procedures remain the same.

To avoid processing delays, Visa applicants must double check and ensure that the following information is correctly and accurately provided:

• Complete name of Applicant (Surname, First name(s), Middle Name(s))
• Passport information (must be the same passport that you will use)
• Other Names (use this space for your maiden name, if you are married)
• Purpose of Trip
• Occupation
• Contact Person and Contact Address in the U.S.
• Father’s Complete Name (Surname, First name(s), Middle Name(s))
• Mother’s Complete Maiden Name (Surname, First name(s), Middle Name(s))

Atty. Michael Templo is an attorney admitted to practice law in New York State and Federal Courts and is a partner at Templo & Templohttp://www.templolaw.com with offices in New York, USA and Makati City, Philippines. Atty. Templo specializes in US Immigration matters.
 
The discussion above is not intended as legal advice, and cannot be relied upon for any purpose without the services of a qualified professional. For your comments and questions, Atty. Templo can be reached at info@templolaw.com or log on to www.templolaw.com.