The recent quadrupling of visa costs by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to impact international artists who tour in the U.S. dramatically. As of April 1, fees for performance visas have seen a staggering 250% increase, affecting bands and their support crews alike. For example, a seven-member K-pop group like BTS will now face fees ranging from $11,305 to $11,585, solely for the performers, excluding any additional staff such as bodyguards or crew members. This substantial rise in costs could potentially discourage smaller and emerging artists from scheduling U.S. tours due to financial constraints.
This increase could also have broader economic implications, according to Gabriel Castro from BAL Sports and Entertainment Practice. Castro predicts a noticeable decrease in international acts touring the U.S., which could lead to less frequent international performances. This reduction is expected not only to impact venues but also local businesses such as restaurants and bars that thrive on concertgoers. He also pointed out that American artists are often exempt from similar international restrictions, enjoying freer travel for performances abroad.
The policy change comes at a time when international interest in U.S. tours is high, following the global success of K-pop and other genres. Major entertainment companies like HYBE, which manages groups like BTS, Seventeen, and NewJeans, have expressed concerns over the timing of these hikes. They fear these changes could negatively affect planned tours and fan experiences across the country. As the industry adjusts to these new regulations, the future landscape of international music tours in the U.S. remains uncertain.
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