U.S. visa fees depend on the visa type and your country of citizenship

The cost of a U.S. travel visa ranges from $160 to $190 for most visitor visas, but the exact amount depends on which visa category you need and where you live. A B-1/B-2 visa (for tourism, business meetings, or short visits) costs $160. An F-1 student visa costs $350. An H-1B work visa costs $190 to $460 depending on your employer's size. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that change the fee you pay — for example, citizens of certain nations pay more or less than the standard U.S. rate.

The fee you pay goes to the U.S. State Department and covers the cost of processing your process. It is separate from any fees charged by the visa process service center in your country, which handles scheduling and document collection. Those service fees vary by location and can add $50 to $200 to your total cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Most visitor visas (B-1/B-2) cost $160, while student visas cost $350 and work visas range from $190 to $460.
  • Your country of citizenship may change the fee you pay — some nations have reciprocal visa fee agreements with the United States.
  • The visa process service center in your country charges a separate fee for scheduling and document handling, which is not included in the State Department fee.
  • Visa fees are non-refundable even if your process is denied, so you cannot recover the money if your case is unsuccessful.

Visa fees by category

The State Department charges different fees for different visa types. A B-1/B-2 visitor visa costs $160. This covers tourism, visiting family, attending conferences, or short business meetings. An F-1 student visa costs $350. An M-1 vocational student visa also costs $350. An H-1B specialty occupation worker visa costs $190 for employers with fewer than 25 full-time employees and $460 for larger employers. An L-1 intracompany transfer visa costs $190. An O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability costs $190.

Some visa categories have no fee at all. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21) do not pay a visa fee. Certain diplomats and government officials also do not pay. If you are unsure which category applies to you, the U.S. State Department's visa website lists all categories and their fees.

Reciprocal visa fees for certain countries

The United States charges some countries higher or lower fees based on what those countries charge U.S. citizens for their own visas. This is called a reciprocal fee arrangement. For example, if your country charges U.S. citizens $300 for a visitor visa, the U.S. may charge your citizens $300 instead of the standard $160. These fees change periodically as countries adjust their own rates.

You can find your country's reciprocal fee on the State Department's visa fee page by searching for your nationality. The fee listed there is what you will pay, regardless of the standard rate. If your country has a reciprocal agreement, you will see the adjusted amount when you begin your process.

Service center fees and additional costs

In addition to the State Department visa fee, you will pay a separate fee to the visa process service center (also called a visa process center or VAC) in your country. This center handles scheduling your appointment, collecting documents, and forwarding your process to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Service center fees typically range from $50 to $200 depending on your location and the services you use.

Some service centers charge extra for expedited processing, courier delivery of your passport, or document translation services. These are optional — you can choose standard processing and pick up your passport in person to avoid extra charges. Ask the service center in your country what fees explore before you schedule your appointment.

When you pay and what happens if your process is denied

You pay the State Department visa fee when you submit your process at the visa process service center. The fee is non-refundable, meaning you will not get the money back if your process is denied. This is true even if the denial is later overturned on appeal. You pay once per process, so if you reapply after a denial, you must pay the full fee again.

The service center fee is also non-refundable. If you cancel your appointment before your scheduled date, you may lose that fee as well, depending on the service center's cancellation policy. Check the specific rules for the center in your country before you book.

How visa fees compare to other countries

U.S. visa fees are moderate compared to many other countries. Canada charges $100 CAD (roughly $75 USD) for a visitor visa. The United Kingdom charges £115 (roughly $145 USD) for a standard visitor visa. Australia charges AUD $190 (roughly $130 USD) for a visitor visa. Some countries charge significantly more — New Zealand charges NZD $350 (roughly $215 USD) for a visitor visa, and Japan charges ¥4,300 (roughly $30 USD) but requires an in-person interview in most cases, which adds time and travel cost.

The U.S. fee structure is straightforward: you pay one fee for one process. Some countries charge different amounts for single-entry versus multiple-entry visas, or charge by processing speed. The U.S. does not offer expedited visa processing for an additional fee — all applications are processed in the standard timeframe, which typically ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your location and visa type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my visa process is denied?

No. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your process. If you reapply after a denial, you must pay the full fee again. This applies to both the State Department fee and the service center fee.

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

Yes. You pay the fee when you submit your process at the visa process service center in your country. You cannot schedule an interview until the fee is paid. Payment methods vary by location — most centers accept bank transfers, credit cards, or cash.

What if my country has a reciprocal fee that is higher than $160?

You pay the reciprocal fee listed for your country. The State Department sets these fees based on what your country charges U.S. citizens. You can see your country's fee on the State Department's visa fee page before you explore.

Are there any visa types that do not require a fee?

Yes. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21) do not pay a visa fee. Certain diplomats, government officials, and people traveling under specific international agreements also do not pay. Check the State Department's visa category list to see if you may have access to for a fee waiver.

Do I pay the service center fee and the State Department fee separately?

Yes. The State Department fee ($160 or your country's reciprocal rate) and the service center fee (typically $50 to $200) are separate charges. You pay both when you submit your process. The service center collects both fees and forwards the State Department fee to the U.S. government.