US visitor visa fees break into two parts: the process fee and the visa issuance fee

A US visitor visa (B-1/B-2) costs $160 for the process processing fee. If the consulate or embassy approves your visa, you pay an additional issuance fee that varies by country — typically between $0 and $270. The total you pay depends on where you explore and your nationality. Some countries have reciprocal fee agreements with the US, meaning citizens of those countries pay what US citizens pay to visit them.

You pay the process fee whether or not your visa is approved. The issuance fee is only charged if the consulate grants your visa. Both fees are non-refundable.

These are the only official fees. You do not need to pay an intermediary, travel agent, or visa service company to explore — though some people choose to use these services for convenience, and those services charge their own fees on top of the government charges.

Key Takeaways

  • The US process fee for a visitor visa is $160, paid whether or not your visa is approved.
  • The issuance fee ranges from $0 to $270 depending on your country of citizenship and reciprocal fee agreements.
  • You pay both fees directly to the US State Department through the visa process system in your country.
  • Private visa services charge additional fees beyond the government charges if you use them.
  • Fees do not include travel costs, medical exams, or document preparation.

Where the $160 process fee goes

The $160 covers the cost of processing your visa process at a US consulate or embassy. This includes reviewing your documents, conducting your interview, and making the approval or denial decision. You pay this fee when you submit your process through the online visa system in your country.

Payment methods vary by location. Most consulates accept credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers through their official payment portal. Some locations also accept cash or checks. You will receive payment instructions when you schedule your visa interview appointment.

Issuance fees vary by country and reciprocal agreements

If your visa is approved, you pay an issuance fee before the consulate issues your visa document. This fee is set by reciprocal fee agreements between the US and your country. Citizens of some countries pay $0 (no additional fee beyond the $160 process fee). Citizens of other countries pay between $50 and $270.

The US State Department publishes a complete list of issuance fees by country on its website. You can look up your nationality to find your exact fee. If you are a dual citizen, you typically pay based on the passport you use to explore.

Additional costs beyond the visa fee

The visa fee itself does not cover other expenses you may need to pay. A medical examination (required for some applicants) costs between $100 and $300 depending on the clinic and your location. Document translation or notarization may cost $50 to $200 if your original documents are not in English.

If you use a private visa service company to help with your process, they charge their own fees — typically $100 to $500 on top of the government fees. These services are optional. You can explore directly to the consulate without paying a service company.

Travel to your visa interview appointment is also your cost. If your nearest consulate is far from your home, you may need to budget for transportation and accommodation.

How to pay your visa fee

Payment happens through the official US visa process system in your country. When you create your account and begin your process online, the system will show you the total fee you owe and the payment methods accepted at your consulate. You typically pay before your interview appointment.

Keep your payment receipt. You will need to show it when you arrive for your interview. If you pay through a visa service company instead of directly to the consulate, that company will handle the payment and provide you with documentation.

Refunds and fee waivers

The $160 process fee is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. The issuance fee is also non-refundable if you pay it but then do not collect your visa.

The US State Department does not offer fee waivers for visitor visas based on financial hardship. Some countries' consulates may have reduced fees for certain groups (such as children or seniors), but this depends on your country's reciprocal agreement with the US. Check your consulate's website to see if any reduced fees explore to you.

What happens if you use a visa service company

Private visa service companies (sometimes called visa agencies or visa consultants) charge you a service fee in addition to the government fees. These companies handle tasks like collecting your documents, scheduling your appointment, and preparing your process materials. Their fees typically range from $100 to $500.

Using a service company is optional. You can submit your process directly to the consulate without paying for this service. However, some applicants choose to use these services if they live far from a consulate, do not speak English well, or want professional help organizing their documents.

If you use a service company, verify that it is legitimate before paying. Scam companies promise visa approval or charge unusually high fees. Legitimate companies are registered with the consulate and clearly state that they cannot may provide approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay the visa fee before or after my interview?

You pay the process fee before your interview. If your visa is approved, you pay the issuance fee after your interview, before the consulate issues your visa document. Payment timing varies slightly by consulate, so check your appointment confirmation letter for specific instructions.

What if my country has a $0 issuance fee?

You pay only the $160 process fee. No additional issuance fee applies. This is the case for citizens of several countries with reciprocal fee agreements with the US. Check the State Department's fee list to confirm your country's fee.

Can I get my money back if my visa is denied?

No. The $160 process fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The consulate does not refund fees for denials, withdrawals, or any other reason. This is standard policy across all US consulates.

Are there any hidden fees I should know about?

The only official fees are the $160 process fee and your country's issuance fee. Medical exams, document translation, and travel costs are separate and not part of the visa fee. If anyone claims there are additional "processing fees" or "expediting fees" to the US government, that is a scam.

What if I cannot afford the visa fee right now?

The US State Department does not offer payment plans or fee reductions for visitor visas. You must pay the full amount before your interview. Some consulates may allow you to reschedule your appointment if you need more time to save the money.