I am a Singaporean U.S. immigration attorney based in Los Angeles specializing in H-1B1 visas for Singaporeans. My California State Bar record can be found here and my law firm website can be found here. Feel free to connect with me on Linkedin.
I am writing to provide two updates regarding H-1B1 consular processing in Singapore.
1. MRV Fees for H-1B1 to Increase from $190 USD to $205 USD effective June 17, 2023
The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee for the H-1B1 visa has traditionally been $190 USD per applicant. As of June 17, 2023 (slightly delayed from the initial effective date of May 30, 2023), this will be increased slightly to $205 USD.
Therefore, do not be surprised by the slightly higher fee if you encounter it from June 17, 2023 onwards.
2. Interview Waiver Process - Please use the Aramex Office in CHINATOWN for H-1B1 cases
Many eligible Singaporeans have been utilizing the Interview Waiver Process which I have written about here.
There are two possible document drop-off locations for this process in Singapore: the Aramex office in Chinatown, and the Aramex office in Changi.
However, it was recently brought to my attention that at least one representative from the Changi Aramex office has been telling Singaporean H-1B1 visa applicants not to drop off their LCA (Labor Condition Application). In my view this is INCORRECT because the interview waiver confirmation letter (also known as the dropbox submission confirmation letter) that is typically issued to eligible Singaporeans indicates that the LCA is in fact required for H-1B1 cases. Moreover, the LCA data such as the LCA number and the LCA expiry date would be annotated on a Singaporean's H-1B1 visa - I cannot see how it is possible for the Embassy to insert these LCA data annotations on the applicant's H-1B1 visa without the LCA. In contrast to Changi, the Chinatown Aramex office continues to routinely accept the inclusion of the LCA for H-1B1 interview waiver cases. Thus, the Changi Aramex office is problematic and should be avoided at this time.
In conclusion, for H-1B1 interview waiver cases I would recommend Singaporeans to please use the CHINATOWN Aramex office instead of the Changi one, in order to minimize issues or delays.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice
