Visa fees depend on the type of visa you need

The cost of an American visa varies widely depending on what you plan to do in the United States. A tourist visa costs one amount, a work visa costs another, and a student visa costs yet another. The U.S. State Department sets these fees, and they do not change based on where you explore from or how quickly you need the visa.

Most visa types cost between $160 and $190 for the process fee alone. Some visas cost more. Some cost nothing. The fee you pay depends on the specific visa category — not on how long you want to stay or how many times you plan to enter the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourist and business visas (B1/B2) cost $160 for the process fee, which does not include the cost of the medical exam or document delivery.
  • Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and their related categories typically cost $190 or more, and your employer usually pays this fee, not you.
  • Student visas (F-1) cost $160 for the process fee, plus you must pay a separate SEVIS fee of $350 before your visa interview.
  • Some visa types, including when ready family visas and certain humanitarian visas, have no process fee.
  • The process fee is only one cost — you will also pay for a medical exam, document translation, and courier delivery if you need it.

Common visa types and their process fees

The B-1/B-2 visa covers tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits. The process fee is $160. This is the most common visa type for people visiting the United States for vacation or short business trips.

The F-1 student visa costs $160 for the process fee, but you must also pay a $350 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before your interview. This fee goes to the U.S. government to maintain your student record while you are in the country.

Work visas vary by category. An H-1B visa (specialty occupation worker) costs $190. An L-1 visa (intracompany transfer) costs $190. An O-1 visa (individual with extraordinary ability) costs $190. In most cases, your employer pays these fees, not you.

Family-based visas for when ready relatives of U.S. citizens — spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens over 21 — have no process fee. Other family visas, such as those for siblings or adult children, cost $190 to $355 depending on the category.

Additional costs beyond the process fee

The visa process fee is not the only cost you will encounter. Most applicants must also pay for a medical exam (called a civil surgeon exam for some visa types), which costs between $100 and $300 depending on the doctor and your location. If you are explore for a work visa or family visa, your medical exam is required before your interview.

If your documents are in a language other than English, you will need to pay for official translation. Translation costs vary by language and document length, but expect to pay $50 to $200 per document. Some visa types require multiple documents translated.

If you want your passport returned by courier rather than picking it up in person, courier delivery costs $15 to $50 depending on the service. Some applicants also pay for visa process support services or document preparation help, though these are optional and not required by the U.S. government.

How and when to pay the visa fee

You pay the visa process fee when you submit your process at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Payment methods vary by location but typically include credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Some locations accept cash. You cannot pay the fee online in advance — payment happens at your appointment.

If your visa is denied, the process fee is not refunded. This is true even if the denial is due to an error or incomplete information on the part of the consulate. Plan your process carefully and gather all required documents before your interview to reduce the chance of denial.

Fee waivers and reduced fees

The U.S. State Department does not offer fee waivers for visa applications based on financial hardship. However, some employers pay visa fees for their employees as part of the hiring process. If you are explore for a work visa, ask your employer whether they cover this cost.

Some visa categories have reduced fees for certain applicants. For example, certain exchange visitor visas may have different fees depending on the program. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you plan to explore to learn whether a reduced fee applies to your situation.

Visa fees by country and location

The process fee is the same no matter which U.S. embassy or consulate you explore through. However, some countries charge an additional local tax or processing fee on top of the U.S. State Department fee. For example, some countries add a small fee to cover local administrative costs. Check the website of the specific embassy or consulate where you plan to explore to see whether additional fees explore.

The cost of living in your country may affect the total cost of your visa process. If you must travel to a distant city to reach the nearest U.S. embassy, you will pay for transportation and possibly lodging. These are not visa fees, but they are real costs to consider when budgeting for your process.

What happens if you need to reapply

If your visa is denied and you want to explore again, you must pay the full process fee a second time. There is no discount for reapplication. Some people reapply multiple times before receiving approval, which means paying the fee each time.

If your visa expires and you need a new one, you pay the full fee again. Visa validity periods vary by type — a tourist visa might be valid for 10 years, while a work visa might be valid for only a few years. When your visa expires, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a new one and pay the full fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my visa process fee back if I don't use the visa?

No. Once you pay the process fee and receive your visa, the fee is not refunded even if you never travel to the United States. The fee covers the cost of processing your process, not the value of the visa itself.

Do I have to pay the visa fee in U.S. dollars?

No. You pay in the local currency of the country where you are explore. The U.S. embassy or consulate will tell you the fee amount in your local currency. Exchange rates may vary slightly depending on when you pay.

Who pays the visa fee for a work visa?

Usually your employer pays the visa fee for work visas like H-1B, L-1, and O-1. This is a standard part of the hiring process for foreign workers. Confirm with your employer before your interview whether they will cover this cost.

Is the SEVIS fee the same as the visa process fee?

No. The SEVIS fee ($350) and the visa process fee ($160) are separate. Student visa applicants must pay both. The SEVIS fee goes to the U.S. government to maintain your student record, while the visa process fee covers the cost of processing your visa.

What if I cannot afford the visa fee?

The U.S. State Department does not offer fee reductions or waivers based on financial hardship. If cost is a barrier, you may need to delay your process until you can save the money, or explore whether your employer or a sponsoring organization will cover the fee.