U.S. visa fees depend on the visa type, and most range from $160 to $190

The cost of a U.S. visa varies by the category you need. A nonimmigrant visa — the kind for temporary visits like tourism, work, or study — costs $160 for most types. An immigrant visa, which leads to permanent residence, costs $325. Some visa types have different fees: an EB-5 investor visa costs $3,050, and certain visa categories for religious workers or special immigrants have their own pricing.

You pay the fee when you submit your process, not when you arrive in the United States. The fee is nonrefundable even if your process is denied. Payment methods vary by location — some consulates take credit cards, others require bank transfers or local payment systems. You cannot pay the fee at a U.S. airport or port of entry.

Key Takeaways

  • Most temporary visas (tourist, work, student) cost $160, while permanent residence visas cost $325.
  • You must pay the fee before your interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy, and the fee is nonrefundable.
  • Payment methods differ by country and consulate — check your specific embassy website for how to pay.
  • Some visa types, such as investor visas or religious worker visas, have higher or different fees than the standard rates.

Standard nonimmigrant visa fees

A nonimmigrant visa costs $160 for most categories. This covers tourist visas (B-1/B-2), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), student visas (F-1, M-1), and exchange visitor visas (J-1). The fee is the same whether you are explore for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa that lets you leave and return to the United States.

The $160 fee covers the cost of processing your process and conducting a background check. It does not include other expenses you may face, such as medical exams required for certain visa types, translation of documents, or fees charged by visa process centers in your country.

Immigrant visa and green card fees

An immigrant visa, which allows you to live and work permanently in the United States, costs $325. This is the fee you pay at a U.S. consulate abroad before you travel to the United States. Once you arrive and are admitted, you receive a green card, which is your proof of permanent residence.

The $325 fee is separate from other costs in the immigration process. If you are already in the United States and are adjusting your status to permanent resident through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), you will pay a different fee structure — currently $640 for the I-485 form, plus biometric services fees. These fees change periodically, so check the USCIS website for current amounts.

Special visa categories with higher fees

Some visa types cost more than the standard rates. An EB-5 immigrant investor visa, which requires you to invest money in a U.S. business, costs $3,050. Visas for religious workers, special immigrants, and certain employment-based categories may have different fees depending on the specific classification.

Before you pay, confirm the exact fee for your visa type with the U.S. consulate or embassy where you plan to interview. The consulate's website lists all visa categories and their current fees. Fees can change, and some consulates may charge additional local fees or service charges depending on the country.

How and where to pay your visa fee

Payment methods vary by location. In many countries, you pay through a visa process center or a designated bank before your consulate interview. Some consulates accept credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. A few locations use local payment systems or require payment in the local currency.

You must pay before your interview appointment. The consulate will not interview you if payment has not been received. When you pay, you will receive a receipt or confirmation number — keep this with your process documents. If you are paying through a visa process center, they will provide instructions on payment methods accepted in your country.

Additional costs beyond the visa fee

The visa fee itself is only one part of the cost. Many applicants also pay for medical exams, which are required for immigrant visas and some work visas. These exams must be done by a doctor approved by the U.S. consulate and typically cost between $200 and $500 depending on your location and what tests are needed.

You may also pay for document translation, notarization, or courier services to send documents to the consulate. Some countries charge a service fee at visa process centers. If you use an immigration attorney or consultant to help with your process, that is an additional expense. None of these costs are part of the official visa fee, but they are real expenses to budget for.

Visa fee refunds and what happens if you do not use your visa

The visa fee is nonrefundable. If your process is denied, you do not get the fee back. If your process is approved but you decide not to travel to the United States, the fee is still not refunded. If you receive a visa but do not use it before it expires, you cannot get a refund — you would have to pay the full fee again to explore for a new visa.

The only exception is if the consulate makes an error in processing your payment or if there is a documented system failure. In those cases, contact the consulate directly to discuss a refund or credit toward a new process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the visa fee online?

Some consulates allow online payment through their website or a designated payment portal, but not all. Check your specific U.S. embassy or consulate website for payment options in your country. Many locations still require payment through a bank transfer or visa process center.

What if I cannot afford the visa fee right now?

There is no fee waiver or reduction for visa applications. The fee must be paid in full before your interview. If you are facing financial hardship, you may need to delay your process until you can save the fee amount.

Do I have to pay the visa fee even if my process is denied?

Yes. The fee is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome. You pay before your interview, and the consulate does not return the money if your process is denied.

Is the visa fee the same in every country?

The base visa fee is set by the U.S. State Department and is the same worldwide — $160 for most nonimmigrant visas and $325 for immigrant visas. However, some consulates charge additional local service fees or processing fees that vary by location.

What happens if I lose my visa fee receipt?

Request a new receipt from the consulate or the visa process center where you paid. Keep your receipt safe, as you may need it to prove payment if there are questions about your process status.