Dear Members:

I am writing to advise you that USCIS has proposed a 42{1d776386b9cb999ea5067fee5aa6c3c1db850fc0b970320d4605b640dd6750c1} fee increase to the I-129 petition related to the P and O permits for artists/entertainers/athletes.   If this proposed increase ends up going through, the fee to Department of Homeland Security [petition fee] will increase to $460 (currently its $325). There are no proposed fee increases to I-907 petition, which is related to Premium Processing.   This information was just released on May 4th and AFM Legislative Director Alfonso Pollard and Theatre, Touring, Immigration Director Micheal Manley and I immediately had discussions on AFM's efforts to vehemently oppose the increase - which is now in addition to all of our recent lobbying efforts to lessen processing times and streamline processing for Canadian musicians.

BEATS Act: http://www.cfmusicians.org/news/new-bill-brings-hope-to-canadian-musicians-for-improved-access-to-u-s-market;

ARTS Act: http://www.cfmusicians.org/news/musicians-union-applauds-introduction-of-the-arts-act).

USCIS is required to seek Public Comment before implementing any proposed increases.  The period for Public Comment ends July 5^th, so if the increase is to go through it will not be until mid-July at earliest.  We have been down this road before [the last increase was in 2010] and unfortunately our opposition to the increase was not successful at that time.  We is not just AFM – we is all U.S. based, arts non-profit groups, which are also in opposition to the increases; we have numbers so hopefully our collective voices will be heard [this time].  It is recommended to anyone requiring a work permit this year, to get their applications in to us not later than July 5 if at all possible.  See more information below:‎

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/04/2016-10297/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule#h-64)

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/05/04/2016-10297/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule

Liana White

CFM Executive Director