Visa fees depend on the type of visa you need
U.S. visa fees are set by the State Department and vary based on the category of visa you're seeking. Most nonimmigrant visas (temporary visas for work, study, tourism, or other short-term purposes) cost between $160 and $190. Immigrant visas (for people moving permanently to the United States) cost more, typically $335 to $385. The exact amount depends on which visa type matches your situation and which U.S. consulate or embassy processes your case.
The fee you pay covers the cost of processing your process, conducting a background check, and issuing the visa document itself. This is a one-time charge per visa process. If your process is denied, the fee is not refunded in most cases, even though you did not receive a visa.
Key Takeaways
- Nonimmigrant visas (tourist, work, student) typically cost $160 to $190, while immigrant visas cost $335 to $385.
- The exact fee depends on your visa category and the specific consulate processing your process, as some locations charge slightly different amounts.
- Visa fees are non-refundable if your process is denied, so you lose the money even if you do not receive approval.
- Additional costs beyond the visa fee itself include medical exams, police certificates, and translation services, which can add $200 to $500 or more depending on your situation.
- You typically pay the visa fee when you submit your process, either online through the State Department's payment system or in person at the consulate.
Common visa types and their fees
Tourist and visitor visas (B-1/B-2) cost $160 for a nonimmigrant visa. This covers people traveling for vacation, visiting family, or attending conferences. The B-1 portion covers business travel, and the B-2 covers tourism and personal visits. Both are processed together and share the same fee.
Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, and others) also cost $160 for the visa itself, though your employer may pay additional fees to sponsor you. An H-1B visa, for example, requires your employer to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you even explore for the visa, and that petition carries its own separate filing fee of $460 to $1,460 depending on company size.
Student visas (F-1 and M-1) cost $160 for the visa document. However, you must also pay a SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee) of $350 before your visa interview. This fee goes to the Department of Homeland Security, not the State Department, and is separate from the visa fee itself.
Immigrant visas for people moving permanently to the United States cost $335 to $385 depending on the consulate. These include family-sponsored visas, employment-based green cards, and diversity visa winners. The higher cost reflects the more extensive processing required for permanent residence.
Costs beyond the visa fee itself
The visa fee is only part of what you will spend. Most applicants also need a medical examination performed by a doctor approved by the U.S. consulate. This exam typically costs $100 to $300 and is required for immigrant visas and some nonimmigrant categories. You pay the doctor directly, not the State Department.
You may also need police certificates from any country where you have lived for more than six months. These documents prove you have no criminal record and cost $10 to $100 per country depending on where you request them. Getting them can take weeks, so plan ahead.
Document translation and notarization add another $50 to $200 if your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other supporting documents are not in English. The consulate specifies which documents must be translated and which translator they will accept.
If you need to travel to the consulate for your interview, factor in travel and accommodation costs. Some applicants live far from the nearest U.S. consulate and must travel internationally for their visa interview, which can mean flights, hotels, and meals.
How and when you pay the visa fee
For most nonimmigrant visas, you pay the fee online through the State Department's payment portal before your interview. You create an account, fill out the DS-160 form (the online visa process), and then pay using a credit card or debit card. The payment system accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. You receive a confirmation number that you bring to your interview.
At some consulates, you may be able to pay in person on the day of your interview, but this varies by location. Check the website of the specific consulate where you are explore to see which payment methods they accept.
For immigrant visas, the process is different. You pay the visa fee at the consulate during your final interview, after your medical exam and background check are complete. You can pay by cashier's check, money order, or sometimes credit card, depending on the consulate's rules.
What happens if your process is denied
If the consulate denies your visa process, you do not get your fee back. The State Department treats the fee as payment for processing your process, not as a conditional payment that depends on approval. This is true even if you are denied for reasons outside your control, such as administrative errors or policy changes.
If you want to try again, you must pay the full fee a second time. Some people reapply after addressing the reason for denial (for example, gathering more financial documents for a work visa or getting a job offer for an H-1B). Others decide the cost is too high and do not reapply.
Fee waivers and reductions
The State Department does not offer fee waivers for visa applications based on financial hardship. The fees are fixed and explore to all applicants in the same visa category, regardless of income.
However, some employers or schools may cover visa costs for their employees or students. If you are explore for a work visa, ask your employer whether they will pay the visa fee and related costs. If you are a student, check with your school's international office to see whether they have a fund to help with visa expenses.
Visa fees by country and consulate
While the State Department sets standard fees, some consulates charge slightly different amounts based on local currency exchange rates and administrative costs. For example, a B-1/B-2 tourist visa costs $160 in U.S. dollars, but a consulate in a country with a weaker currency may charge the local equivalent, which could be higher or lower depending on exchange rates at the time you pay.
Check the website of the specific U.S. consulate or embassy where you plan to explore. Each location lists its current fees, accepted payment methods, and any local variations. The main State Department visa website also has a fee lookup tool where you can search by visa type and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I don't use my visa?
No. Once you pay the visa fee and receive your visa, the fee is not refundable even if you never travel to the United States or your visa expires unused. The fee covers the processing and issuance of the visa document, not the right to enter the country.
Do I have to pay the visa fee if my process is still being reviewed?
You pay the fee before your interview, not after. If your process is still under review weeks later, you have already paid. If it is eventually denied, you do not receive a refund.
What if I can't afford the visa fee right now?
The State Department does not offer payment plans or fee reductions for financial hardship. You must pay the full amount upfront. Some employers or schools cover these costs for their employees or students, so ask your employer or school first.
Are there any visas that don't have a fee?
A very small number of visa categories, such as A-1 (foreign government officials) and G-1 (international organization employees), do not charge a fee. Most people explore for visas to the United States will pay a fee.
Do I pay the fee in U.S. dollars or local currency?
You pay in the local currency of the country where you are explore, or in U.S. dollars if you pay online. The State Department's online payment system accepts U.S. dollars and converts the amount based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.