E2 Visa for Australians in 2024: Updates That You Need to Know

As an immigration lawyer focused on helping entrepreneurs, I understand how crucial it is to stay informed about visa updates. Today, I’m excited to share some important information for Australian entrepreneurs considering the E2 visa in 2024. We’ll discuss the recent changes to the visa reciprocity fee, the updated validity period, and my latest experience with interview wait times.

Understanding the Visa Reciprocity Fee

The visa reciprocity fee is a charge that visa applicants from certain countries must pay after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of reciprocity, which means that if a foreign government charges U.S. citizens a fee for certain visas, the U.S. will impose a similar fee on citizens of that country for equivalent visas. Essentially, it’s like the U.S. saying, “If you charge our citizens, we’ll charge yours.”

Many countries don’t have a reciprocity fee, but for some, the fee can be quite hefty. Unfortunately, Australians face a steep fee because the Australian government charges U.S. citizens a similar amount. Previously, this fee for the E2 visa was around $3,500 per applicant, already the highest I was aware of. However, I recently rechecked this fee and was shocked to find it had jumped to $5,592. That’s a massive increase!

The Impact of Increased Fees

To put this into perspective, a family of four would need to pay a staggering $22,368 once their E-2 visa applications are approved. Ouch, right? While this is certainly a significant cost, there is some good news to consider.

New Five-Year Visa Validity Period

The E-2 visa is now valid for five years, which does take some of the sting out of that hefty fee. A longer validity period means more stability and planning time for your business and family. However, it’s important to weigh this benefit against the initial financial outlay required for the reciprocity fee.

Improvements in Interview Wait Times

Interview wait times have been a hot topic, especially after the long delays we’ve seen over the past couple of years. But here’s some good news: I’ve noticed a significant improvement since last summer. For instance, a client of mine applied through Sydney on July 16, and her interview is scheduled for August 29. That’s a pretty reasonable turnaround!

Predicting wait times can be tricky since they depend on the workload and staffing at consular posts. However, things are looking much better right now, and this improvement can help smooth the process of planning your move to the U.S.

Conclusion: E2 Visa for Australians in 2024

So, there you have it—the key updates for the E2 visa for Australians in 2024. If you’re considering the E2 visa, make sure you factor in the new reciprocity fee and enjoy the benefit of a five-year validity period. And keep your fingers crossed for those shorter interview wait times!

If you have any questions or need assistance with your E2 visa application, don’t hesitate to reach out to on of the many amazing E2 visa lawyers that you can find worldwide.

Thanks for your time and best of luck as you explore your U.S. visa options!