Visa fees for foreign artists touring the US to increase more than 50% before end of 2020

The visa fee increases, which will be implemented from 2 October, will apply to the P and O visa types, the visas most commonly used by touring artists.

An O visa applies to people with "extraordinary ability in the arts", and the fees are set to increase 53% from $460 to $705, while the P visa ("for internationally renowned performing groups and essential support personnel") fees will increase 51% to $695.

The Quietus reports that there will also be an increase in the visa application waiting times (15 business days), but there is a fast track service available for over $1000.