Visa fees depend on the type of visa you need
The cost of a U.S. visa varies widely depending on which visa category you are seeking. A tourist visa (B-2) costs $160. A work visa (H-1B) costs $190. A student visa (F-1) costs $160. These are the base fees you pay to the U.S. State Department, and they do not change based on where you live or which embassy or consulate processes your process.
Some visa categories have no fee at all. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens, certain refugees, and some special immigrant categories do not pay a visa fee. If you are unsure whether your category has a fee, the State Department's visa website lists every category and its cost.
The fee itself is only part of what you will spend. You will also pay for supporting documents, translation services, medical exams, and travel to the consulate or embassy. These costs vary by country and by your circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Tourist and student visas cost $160 each; work visas cost $190; the fee depends on your visa category, not your nationality or location.
- You pay the visa fee to the U.S. State Department only after your process is reviewed and approved—if it is denied, you do not get a refund.
- Additional costs include medical exams (if required), document translation, courier fees, and travel to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Fees are set by the U.S. government and do not vary by country, but the total cost of the process does vary depending on what documents you need and where you live.
When you pay the visa fee and what happens if you are denied
You do not pay the visa fee upfront. Instead, you pay it only after a consular officer has reviewed your process and decided to approve it. The fee is non-refundable, which means if your process is denied, you keep the money you already spent on preparation but you do not get another chance to use that fee payment.
If your process is denied and you want to try again, you must pay the full fee a second time. Some people wait weeks or months and reapply with stronger evidence. Others pay for a visa interview waiver (available in some countries) so they do not have to attend in person a second time. That waiver costs extra.
Additional costs beyond the base visa fee
The $160 or $190 fee covers only the visa itself. You will likely pay for other things as part of the process. Medical exams, required for some visa categories, cost between $100 and $300 depending on which consulate you use and what tests are included. If your documents are in a language other than English, you may need to pay a translator or use a certified translation service, which costs $50 to $200 per document.
If you use a courier service to mail your passport and documents to the consulate, that costs $20 to $50 each way. Some consulates offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Travel to the consulate for your interview is your own cost—flights, hotels, and local transportation add up quickly if the nearest consulate is far from your home.
Some countries charge a reciprocity fee, which is a fee your country charges U.S. citizens in return. If you are a citizen of a country with a reciprocity fee, you must pay it before the consulate will issue your visa. These fees range from $20 to $190 depending on your nationality.
Visa fees by category
| Visa Category | Fee (USD) | Who Uses It |
|---|---|---|
| B-1 (Business) | $160 | People attending meetings, conferences, or short business trips |
| B-2 (Tourist) | $160 | People visiting for vacation, family visits, or medical treatment |
| F-1 (Student) | $160 | Full-time students at accredited schools and universities |
| H-1B (Specialty Occupation Work) | $190 | Workers in specialty occupations sponsored by a U.S. employer |
| L-1 (Intracompany Transfer) | $190 | Employees transferring within the same company |
| O-1 (Extraordinary Ability) | $190 | Athletes, artists, scientists, and entertainers with exceptional talent |
| IR (when ready Relative) | No fee | Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens |
| DV (Diversity Visa Lottery) | $330 | Winners of the annual diversity visa lottery |
How to pay the visa fee
Payment methods vary by country. Most U.S. embassies and consulates accept payment through their official payment portal, which you access after you submit your online visa process (DS-160 form). You can usually pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Some consulates also accept payment in person at the consulate or through a visa process center.
Do not send cash by mail. Do not pay anyone claiming to represent the U.S. government outside of official channels. Scams are common, and paying the wrong person means you lose money and your process does not get processed.
Visa fee waivers and reduced fees
The U.S. State Department does not waive visa fees based on financial hardship. However, some visa categories have lower fees or no fee. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens, certain religious workers, and some special immigrant categories do not pay. If you fall into one of these categories, you will not be charged.
Some countries offer visa interview waivers, which let you skip the in-person interview and submit documents by mail instead. This does not reduce the visa fee itself, but it saves you the cost and time of traveling to the consulate. Not all countries offer this option, and not all visa categories may have access to.
What happens after you pay
After you pay the visa fee, the consulate processes your process. Processing times vary by country and by visa category. Tourist and business visas often take 3 to 5 business days. Student visas may take longer during peak seasons. Work visas can take 2 to 4 weeks or more depending on the consulate's workload.
Once your visa is approved, you will be notified by email or phone. You then pick up your passport with the visa stamp from the consulate or a visa process center. Some consulates mail your passport to you. Check your consulate's website for its specific process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable whether your process is approved or denied. If you want to reapply, you must pay the full fee again. Some people wait and gather stronger evidence before reapplying; others move forward with a different visa category.
Do I have to pay the visa fee before my interview?
No. You pay the fee only after your process is approved. You submit your process and pay the fee through the consulate's online portal before your interview appointment. If your process is denied at the interview, you do not pay anything.
What is a reciprocity fee and do I have to pay it?
A reciprocity fee is charged by your home country to U.S. citizens as a trade-off. If your country charges one, you must pay it before the consulate will issue your visa. The amount depends on your nationality. Check your consulate's website to see if your country has a reciprocity fee.
Are visa fees the same in every country?
Yes. The base visa fee is set by the U.S. State Department and is the same worldwide. However, additional costs like medical exams, translation services, and courier fees vary by country and by which consulate you use.
Can I pay someone else to pay my visa fee for me?
You can authorize someone to submit your process and pay on your behalf, but only through official channels. Use your consulate's official payment portal or visa process center. Never give money to an unofficial agent or intermediary claiming to represent the U.S. government.