Visa fees depend on the type you need, and they do not include travel or processing by a lawyer

The U.S. State Department charges between $160 and $265 for a visa, depending on whether you are explore for a temporary visit (tourist, work, student) or an immigrant visa (permanent residency). The fee covers the consulate's processing of your process and is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. This is separate from any fees charged by your country's U.S. embassy or consulate, which may add a small local service charge.

Most temporary visas cost $160. Immigrant visas cost $265. Some visa types have no fee at all — for instance, when ready relatives of U.S. citizens and certain visa categories for religious workers. The State Department publishes the full fee schedule on travel.state.gov, organized by visa category.

What the visa fee does not cover: passport fees (your home country charges those), travel to the consulate, translation of documents, medical exams required for some visas, or any fees charged by a lawyer or visa service company. If you use a visa agency to help with paperwork, that is an additional cost you choose to pay, not a government requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • The State Department charges $160 for most temporary visas and $265 for immigrant visas; this fee is non-refundable.
  • Your country's U.S. embassy or consulate may charge a small additional service fee on top of the State Department fee.
  • Visa fees do not include passport costs, travel to the consulate, required medical exams, or translation services.
  • Some visa categories have no fee, including when ready relatives of U.S. citizens and certain religious worker visas.
  • Hiring a lawyer or visa service company to help with your process is optional and costs extra.

How to pay the visa fee

Payment methods vary by location. Most U.S. embassies and consulates accept bank transfers, credit cards, or cash, but the specific options depend on which country you are in. When you schedule your visa interview appointment, the consulate will tell you which payment methods they accept and when payment is due — usually at the time of your interview.

Some consulates require you to pay before your appointment; others collect payment on the day you appear. A few locations use third-party payment processors. Check the website of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to interview to confirm their payment process and accepted methods.

Costs beyond the visa fee

A valid passport is required before you can get a visa. Your home country charges a passport fee, which ranges widely — typically $50 to $200 depending on where you live and how quickly you need it. If your passport is expired or does not exist, budget for that first.

Some visa categories require a medical exam performed by a doctor approved by the U.S. State Department. This exam costs $50 to $300 depending on your location and the doctor. Immigrant visas, visas for people with certain health conditions, and some work visas require this exam. The consulate will tell you if you need one.

If your documents are in a language other than English, you may need to pay for translation. Official translation costs $20 to $100 per document depending on length and your location. Some consulates accept translations done by any bilingual person; others require a certified translator. Ask the consulate which documents must be translated and whether certification is required.

Travel to the consulate is your own cost. If the nearest U.S. consulate is far from your home, budget for transportation, accommodation, and meals. Some countries have only one or two consulates, so applicants may need to travel across the country.

Visa fees for specific categories

Temporary visas — tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student (F-1), work (H-1B, L-1, O-1, and others), and exchange visitor visas all cost $160. This covers the consulate's processing time and background checks.

Immigrant visas — visas for permanent residency, including family-sponsored and employment-based categories, cost $265. This higher fee reflects additional processing steps, including visa security checks and adjustment of status paperwork.

Visa-free or reduced-fee categories — when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (IR visas), certain religious workers, and a few other categories have no fee. Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens also pay no fee. The State Department website lists all categories with reduced or zero fees.

What happens if your visa is denied

The visa fee is non-refundable. If the consulate denies your process, you do not get the money back, but you can reapply by paying the fee again. Some people reapply multiple times, which means paying the full fee each time.

If you are denied, the consulate will give you a written reason. Common reasons include insufficient proof of ties to your home country, criminal history, or health issues. Understanding why you were denied helps you decide whether to reapply and what documents to bring if you do.

Visa fees for dependents and family members

Each person needs their own visa and pays their own fee. If you are bringing a spouse and two children, you pay four separate fees — one for each person. Children under 16 do not receive a discount; they pay the same fee as adults for the same visa category.

Some visa categories allow dependents to be included on a single process (for example, an H-1B worker can bring a spouse and children on H-4 visas), but each dependent still pays the visa fee separately at the time of their interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my visa fee back if I do not use the visa?

No. The fee is non-refundable whether you use the visa or not. Once you pay and receive your visa, the fee is gone. If you decide not to travel to the United States, you do not get a refund.

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

It depends on your location. Some consulates require payment before your appointment; others collect it on the day of your interview. The consulate website will specify when and how to pay. Contact them directly if the payment timeline is unclear.

What if I cannot afford the visa fee?

The State Department does not waive or reduce fees based on financial hardship. If you cannot pay, you cannot proceed with the visa process. Some visa categories have no fee, so check whether yours is one of them. Otherwise, you must save the money or find someone to help you pay.

Is the visa fee the same in every country?

The State Department fee is the same worldwide — $160 or $265 depending on visa type. However, your local U.S. embassy or consulate may add a small service charge on top of that, which varies by location. Check your specific consulate's website for the total amount you will pay.

Do I pay the visa fee if I am explore for a green card through the mail?

If you are adjusting status to become a permanent resident while already in the United States, you do not pay a separate visa fee. You pay an I-485 filing fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services instead, which is different from the consular visa fee. If you are explore for an immigrant visa at a consulate abroad, you pay the $265 visa fee.