U.S. Visa Fees Vary by the Type of Visa You Need
The cost of a U.S. visa depends on which visa category you are seeking. Most nonimmigrant visas (temporary visas for tourism, work, or study) cost $160. Immigrant visas (for people moving to the U.S. permanently) cost more and involve additional fees at different stages. Some visa types have no fee at all.
The U.S. State Department sets these fees, and they do not change based on your nationality or where you explore. However, you may also pay a separate fee to the visa processing service in your country, which handles scheduling and document collection. That fee varies by location and is set by the service provider, not the State Department.
Key Takeaways
- Most temporary visas (tourist, work, student) cost $160, paid directly to the U.S. State Department.
- Immigrant visas cost between $325 and $1,200 depending on the visa type and when you pay the fee.
- You may pay an additional processing fee to the visa process center in your country, which is separate from the State Department fee.
- Some visa types, including certain exchange visitor visas and visas for when ready family of U.S. citizens, have no State Department fee.
- Fees are nonrefundable even if your visa is denied.
Nonimmigrant Visa Fees: Temporary Visas
A nonimmigrant visa is for people entering the U.S. temporarily. This category includes tourist visas (B-2), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), student visas (F-1), and exchange visitor visas (J-1). Most of these visas cost $160.
The $160 fee covers the visa process processing and interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You pay this fee when you submit your process, before your interview. The fee is nonrefundable, meaning you do not get the money back if your visa is denied.
A small number of nonimmigrant visas have different fees or no fee. For example, some J-1 exchange visitor visas have no fee, and certain visas for religious workers cost $200. Check the specific visa category page on the State Department website to confirm the exact fee for your visa type.
Immigrant Visa Fees: Permanent Residency
An immigrant visa is for people who plan to live permanently in the U.S. The fees for immigrant visas are higher than nonimmigrant visas and are split into two payments at different stages of the process.
The first fee, called the immigrant visa process fee, is $325. You pay this when you submit your initial paperwork to the National Visa Center (NVC), which processes immigrant visa cases. The second fee, called the visa issuance fee, is $220. You pay this at your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, after your case is approved. The total is $545 for most immigrant visas.
Some immigrant visa types have different fees. For example, when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents) pay $325 for the process fee but no visa issuance fee, totaling $325. Diversity visa winners pay $330 total. Always check the NVC website or your case notice to confirm the exact fees you owe.
Additional Fees You May Pay
Beyond the State Department visa fee, you will likely pay a visa process service fee. This is charged by the company that handles visa appointments in your country. Common providers include VFS Global, TLScontact, and BLS International. These companies schedule your interview, collect your documents, and process your process on behalf of the U.S. embassy or consulate.
The service fee varies widely by country and location. In some countries it may be $20 to $50. In others it may be $100 or more. This fee is separate from the State Department fee and goes to the service provider, not the U.S. government. You can find the exact amount on the website of the visa process center serving your location.
You may also pay for document translation, notarization, or courier services if you need them. Medical exams, required for immigrant visas and some work visas, are paid separately to the approved civil surgeon or clinic. These costs are not set by the State Department and vary by provider and location.
Visa Types and Their Fees at a Glance
| Visa Type | Category | State Department Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (B-2) | Nonimmigrant | $160 |
| Work (H-1B, L-1, O-1) | Nonimmigrant | $160 |
| Student (F-1) | Nonimmigrant | $160 |
| Exchange Visitor (J-1) | Nonimmigrant | $0 or $160 (varies) |
| when ready Relative | Immigrant | $325 |
| Family-Sponsored | Immigrant | $545 |
| Employment-Based | Immigrant | $545 |
| Diversity Visa | Immigrant | $330 |
When and How to Pay Your Visa Fee
For nonimmigrant visas, you pay the $160 fee when you create your account on the State Department's online visa process system (DS-160 form). You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer, depending on your country. After payment, you receive a confirmation number that you bring to your visa interview.
For immigrant visas, you pay the process fee ($325) online through the NVC website after your case is assigned to you. You pay the visa issuance fee ($220) in person at your visa interview, usually by cashier's check, money order, or credit card. The NVC will send you instructions with the exact payment methods accepted at your location.
If you are using a visa process service center, you may be able to pay both the State Department fee and the service fee through that center. Some centers allow you to pay online before your appointment; others collect payment in person. Check your local visa process center's website for payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
No. The visa fee is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome of your process. This applies to both the State Department fee and the visa process service fee. If you reapply for a visa later, you will need to pay the full fee again.
Do I have to pay the visa fee before my interview?
For nonimmigrant visas, yes—you pay the $160 fee when you submit your online process, before your interview. For immigrant visas, you pay the process fee ($325) before your interview, but you pay the visa issuance fee ($220) at the interview itself, after approval.
What if I cannot afford the visa fee?
The State Department does not waive or reduce visa fees based on financial hardship. However, some countries offer payment plans or installment options through their visa process centers. Contact your local visa process center to ask if this option is available in your location.
Is the visa process service fee the same everywhere?
No. The service fee charged by visa process centers varies by country and location. You can find the exact fee on the website of the center serving your area. This fee is set by the service provider, not the U.S. State Department.
Do family members each pay a separate visa fee?
Yes. Each person, including children, pays the full visa fee. There are no discounts for family groups or dependents. If you are explore as a family of four, you will pay four separate fees.