Visa fees depend on the type of visa you need

U.S. visa fees are not one fixed amount. The State Department charges different fees for different visa categories, and the fee you pay depends on which visa type matches your purpose for travel or work. Most visitor visas cost between $160 and $190, while work visas and immigrant visas often cost more. Some visa types have no fee at all.

The fee you pay covers the cost of processing your process and conducting a background check. It does not cover travel to the consulate, translation services, photos, or any other expenses you incur during the process. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.

Key Takeaways

  • Visitor visas (B1/B2) cost $160 for most nationalities, though some countries pay $190 depending on reciprocal agreements with the United States.
  • Work visas like H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas typically cost $190 to $205, plus additional fees if your employer uses a visa sponsorship service.
  • Student visas (F-1) and exchange visitor visas (J-1) cost $160 and $190 respectively.
  • Immigrant visas (green card visas) cost $335 to $385 depending on whether you are adjusting status in the U.S. or explore through a consulate abroad.
  • You must pay the fee before your visa interview, and payment methods vary by consulate location.

Visitor visa fees for tourism and business

If you are traveling to the United States for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business meetings, you need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The standard fee is $160. However, some countries have reciprocal visa fee agreements with the United States, meaning citizens of those countries pay $190 instead. The reciprocal fee applies to citizens of Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, and a few others.

To find out which fee applies to your nationality, check the State Department's visa fee table on the travel.state.gov website. Search for your country of citizenship to see whether you fall under the standard $160 rate or the reciprocal $190 rate.

Work visa fees and sponsorship costs

Work visas cost more than visitor visas because they require additional processing and background checks. An H-1B visa (specialty occupation worker) costs $190. An L-1 visa (intracompany transfer) costs $190. An O-1 visa (person with extraordinary ability) costs $190. A P visa (athlete or entertainer) costs $190.

These fees cover only the consular processing fee. Your employer may also pay separate fees to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to file your petition before you even explore for the visa. USCIS petition fees range from $460 to $2,500 depending on the visa type and your employer's size. Some employers use immigration law firms or visa sponsorship services, which add their own fees on top of government costs. Ask your employer what the total cost will be before you begin the process.

Student and exchange visitor visa fees

An F-1 student visa costs $160. A J-1 exchange visitor visa (for academic exchange programs, au pairs, and interns) costs $190. Both fees cover the consular processing only.

Before you pay the visa fee, you must also pay a separate SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee) to the Department of Homeland Security. The SEVIS fee is $200 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 exchange visitors. You pay this fee directly to SEVIS, not to the State Department, and you must pay it before your visa interview. Keep your SEVIS payment receipt—you will need to show it at your interview.

Immigrant visa and green card fees

An immigrant visa (also called a green card visa) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The fee depends on whether you are explore through a U.S. consulate abroad or adjusting your status while already in the United States.

If you are explore through a consulate outside the U.S., the visa fee is $325. If you are adjusting your status (filing your green card process while inside the U.S.), the fee is $985 for most applicants, though some categories pay $1,140. These fees cover the visa processing and the green card itself. You may also owe additional fees for medical exams, police certificates, and document translation, which vary by country and individual circumstances.

How to pay your visa fee

Payment methods vary by consulate location. Most U.S. consulates accept payment through their official online payment portal, which you access when you schedule your visa interview appointment. Some consulates accept bank transfers, credit cards, or cash at the consulate itself. A few consulates use third-party payment processors.

Check the website of the specific U.S. consulate or embassy where you plan to have your interview. The consulate's website lists accepted payment methods, the exact fee amount for your visa type and nationality, and instructions for paying before your appointment. Do not send payment to an unofficial website or to a private visa service unless you have confirmed with the consulate that they are authorized to collect fees on their behalf.

What the visa fee does and does not cover

The visa fee covers the cost of processing your process, conducting background checks, and issuing the visa document itself. It does not cover travel to the consulate, hotel stays, meals, translation services, or certified copies of documents. It does not cover medical exams (required for immigrant visas and some work visas), police certificates, or passport photos.

If your visa is denied, the fee is non-refundable. You cannot get your money back even if you are denied and reapply later. If you do not attend your scheduled interview, you forfeit the fee unless you cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my visa fee refunded if my visa is denied?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your process. You pay the fee when you schedule your interview, and you do not get it back if you are denied, if you do not attend, or if you withdraw your process.

Do I have to pay the visa fee before or after my interview?

You must pay before your interview. Most consulates require payment when you schedule your appointment online. Some consulates allow you to pay at the consulate on the day of your interview, but you should confirm this with your specific consulate beforehand.

What if I cannot afford the visa fee?

The State Department does not waive or reduce visa fees based on financial hardship. If you cannot pay the fee, you cannot proceed with your visa process. Some employers or sponsoring organizations may offer to pay the fee on your behalf, but you should ask them directly.

Is the visa fee the same for all nationalities?

No. Most nationalities pay the standard fee for each visa type, but some countries have reciprocal fee agreements with the United States. Citizens of those countries pay a higher fee. Check the State Department's visa fee table to find the fee for your specific nationality and visa type.

Do I need to pay additional fees beyond the visa fee?

Yes, in most cases. Work visas require USCIS petition fees paid by your employer. Student visas require a separate SEVIS fee. Immigrant visas may require medical exams and police certificates. Check with your employer, school, or sponsoring organization to understand the full cost before you begin.