Music sector concerned by ‘unfair’ proposed US visa fee increase

Music industry bodies including the Musicians’ Union (MU), the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) have signed a joint letter from UK Music to the government’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP expressing serious concern at the effect of a proposed rise in the fees for certain US visas would have on musicians touring in the US.

The current proposal would see the petition fee for ‘O’ and ‘P’ visas for travelling to the US for work rise from $460 to $1615-$1655 alongside a $600 levy to support the US asylum program. When combined with the required filing, Union approval and legal fees, this rise makes touring in the US hugely expensive.

In the letter, sent last week, music industry signatories ask for Badenoch’s support in preventing this rise as: ‘These plans would have a devastating impact on the ability of UK artists, musicians, and crew to tour the USA, and the music industry is united in its opposition to them.’

You can read the full letter, including a list of all the music industry bodies who have signed it here.

Under the proposed increase, petitions will also be limited to 25 people, meaning large ensembles and orchestras will have to file multiple petitions, paying multiple sets of fees. This will mean a huge increase in the proportion of touring budgets needed to pay for visas and will significantly threaten future tours.

Following a survey of its members, the MU has discovered that 80% of the industry members it represents were planning US tours in the future. 96% of those surveyed reported that these increases will impact the feasibility of being able to tour in the US with 76% saying they would no longer be able to afford to tour.

Dave Webster, the MU’s head of international, said: ‘This is a very worrying move by the US authorities and one which will put pay to UK musicians being able to afford to tour the US… American arts organisations who engage UK artists will not be able to afford these increases, thus damaging the cultural life of the US too. It's unfair to expect musicians to be able to afford these increases and to help fund US immigration policy.’

You can find further information about US work visas for musicians on the Musicias' Union website.