The AFM, along with many other, US-based arts organizations and businesses are lobbying against such a high increase (upwards of 251% - from $460 to $1615). These lobbying efforts started mid-January. See here the message posted by AFM President Hair on February 10th: AFM Opposes Proposed USCIS Visa Increases - American Federation of Musicians.
At this time, the visa increases are proposed, not yet approved/implemented. USCIS announced the proposed increases in early January, and the proposal is now open for public comment which closes March 6th. As of March 7th, USCIS will review all comments submitted, and its after they are able to review all comments that they will make the final decision on all proposed increases.
If a fee increase of any kind is implemented, we project that won’t be until Fall at earliest. The last couple of increases were implemented about 7-9 months after the proposal was announced.
Aside, this is not just directed at musicians or the arts/entertainment community. There are Service/Visa-wide increases proposed, covering many sectors of employment. This is also International in scope, as all visa classifications, covering musicians from across the globe would be impacted.
Communication to members, February 14th
Did you know that being a member of the GMMQ makes it easier to obtain a temporary work permit in the United States (P2 Visa)?
As a member of the GMMQ, local 406, you are a member of the AFM. The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is recognized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an authorized petitioner for temporary work permits on behalf of AFM member musicians. Therefore, Canadian members who wish to perform (work) in the United States may apply for non-immigrant work permits through AFM. The AFM provides the exact same level of service as immigration lawyers or visa service agents.
The AFM provides immigration consulting services to members and non-members alike. However, petitioning for P2 Work Permits is a member-specific service, processed by AFM’s Canadian Office on behalf of Canadian AFM members exclusively.
To obtain these visas, musicians should contact the GMMQ's Member Service.
Manon Robert - Member Services
Tel: 514 842-2866, ext. 245
1 800 363-6688
membres@gmmq.com
Please allow for processing times when planning your tour, as the application must be made between 65 to 95 days in advance and the fee paid.
Expedited processing is possible, but you must send your application between 20 to 30 days in advance and pay an additional fee required by the immigration service to benefit from this priority processing.
Send Completed P2 Application packages to:
Attn: Artist Immigration Department
American Federation of Musicians
#202 - 150 Ferrand Drive,Toronto,
ON, M3C 3E5, Canada
1.Download the instructions, the checklist,
AND
2. Fill in the following forms :
-Visa P2 : part 1 to 4
-Visa P2 : part 5
-Visa P2 : part 6 (one musicien)
-Visa P2 : part 6 (2 musicians and more)
-Tour Itinenary
1) Travelling Contract | T2C-1
2) Border Info Document
3) CATSA | Tips for traveling safely with an instrument
Please note that there are deadlines to get your visa in time.
Work permit policy (revised July 15, 2014)