Visa waiver application charges in the United States almost doubled in value.
The United States government has announced a significant change in its visa policies, with a planned increase in the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and a call for clearer guidelines for South Korean companies.
Starting on September 30, 2023, the ESTA fee will rise from $21 to $40. This decision is part of a broader effort by US authorities to tighten visa policies for foreigners, including international students.
The call for clearer visa guidelines is in response to the perceived hindrance of large projects by the lengthy US visa process, according to South Korean companies. These companies have expressed concerns that the current visa process hinders their ability to carry out projects contributing to the US economy.
The focus of the call for clearer guidelines is on short-term business trips under the ESTA permit. This comes after the arrest of 316 South Korean workers under the same permit in an immigration raid at a car battery plant in Georgia on September 4. The workers were later released following diplomatic negotiations.
However, no specific details have been provided about the nature of the large projects or the exact impact of the lengthy US visa process on their execution. Similarly, no information was provided about any changes to the visa waiver program itself or potential exemptions or waivers for the increased fee.
The increase in the ESTA fee is scheduled for September 30, 2025. Despite the announcement, no details were given about the potential impact of the fee increase on international travelers.
It is worth noting that the hard-line stance on immigration is often associated with the Trump administration. However, the current administration has not commented on whether this change is a continuation of the previous administration's policies or a new direction.
The US Embassy in Seoul announced the increase on Wednesday, sparking discussions among South Korean companies and travelers about the potential implications of these changes. As more information becomes available, it is expected that further discussions and potential adjustments will take place.
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