These fees are borne by the US-based employer and will, therefore, increase their hiring costs. The proposed new visa fee structure comes amid fears of a recession in the US. Wary technology giants like Amazon and Meta are already laying off employees.

The USCIS has said the hike will help fund its operations. Up to 98% of the service’s funding is met through such payments “and not from congressional appropriation,” it said.

However, these hikes will come into effect only after a 60-day public opposition period.

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