Comment on DOS-2026-0727-0001

To the U.S. Department of State, We greatly appreciate this opportunity to submit our comments regarding the aforementioned matter. Indeed, the requirement of an additional $750 fee to expedite the issuance of a non-immigrant visa (NIV) could help resolve the delays faced by many individuals seeking interview appointments at our consulates abroad. This proposal for an additional fee for expedited processing appears to be an effective solution to address the backlog. However, it lacks specifics regarding the justification for the $750 amount, given that current standard NIV fees are below $200. The proposal does not detail how the Department of State determined this $750 rate. Visitors (B1/B2) and students (F, M, J): $185 Petition-based visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R): $205 Treaty Traders/Investors (E): $315 Fiancé(e) (K): $265 However, the proposed $750 fee does not specify whether non-profit organizations participating in international exchange programs—typically by sponsoring foreign nationals via the J-1 exchange visitor visa (educational/cultural training and research) or the Q-1 visa (sharing the home country's history and culture through practical training)—would be subject to this $750 fee. We would appreciate clarification on this matter regarding non-profit organizations. Respectfully submitted, Rockman Bentumo Executive Director / Accredited Representative Equal Immigration Rights Center