U.S. Visa Fees by Type
The fee you pay depends on which visa you are seeking. The State Department sets different prices for different visa categories. Most nonimmigrant visas (temporary visas for work, study, or tourism) cost $160. Immigrant visas (permanent residency) cost $325 for the visa itself, plus additional fees for medical exams and background checks that can add $200 to $500 more.
Some visa types have their own fees. An H-1B work visa costs $190. An L-1 intracompany transfer visa costs $190. An O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability costs $190. A K-1 fiancé visa costs $160. These fees are set by U.S. law and do not change based on your country of origin or how quickly you need the visa.
The fee is nonrefundable even if your visa is denied. You pay it when you submit your process, not after approval. Some consulates may charge a local processing fee on top of the visa fee itself—this varies by country and consulate location.
Key Takeaways
- Most temporary U.S. visas cost $160, while work visas like H-1B and L-1 cost $190.
- Immigrant visas cost $325 for the visa fee alone, plus $200 to $500 more for required medical exams and background checks.
- Visa fees are nonrefundable even if your process is denied.
- Some consulates charge additional local processing fees on top of the standard U.S. State Department fee.
- You pay the fee when you submit your process through the consulate or embassy where you are interviewing.
How and When to Pay the Visa Fee
Payment methods vary by consulate. Most U.S. embassies and consulates accept bank transfers, credit cards, or payment through a local bank. Some accept cash at the window. You typically pay at the time of your visa interview or when you submit your process, depending on the consulate's process.
Before your interview, check the website of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you will interview. The website lists accepted payment methods, whether you pay before or at the appointment, and whether you can pay online. Some consulates require payment before you schedule your interview slot.
Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
The visa fee itself is only one cost. You will also pay for a medical exam (called a civil surgeon exam for immigrant visas), which costs $200 to $500 depending on the doctor and your location. You may pay for police certificates or background checks required by your country. Translation services for documents cost $50 to $200 per document.
If you are explore for an immigrant visa, you will pay an Affidavit of Support review fee of $120 if a consulate officer reviews it. You may also pay for courier services to send documents to the consulate, which costs $20 to $100 depending on the service. Travel to the consulate for your interview is your own cost and not included in any government fee.
Who Does Not Pay the Standard Visa Fee
Some people are exempt from paying the visa fee. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, unmarried child under 21, parent of a U.S. citizen over 21) do not pay the immigrant visa fee. Certain visa categories for government officials, diplomats, and their families do not charge a fee. Refugees and asylees do not pay a visa fee.
If you are seeking a visa based on a job offer through a U.S. employer, the employer may pay your visa fee as part of sponsorship, but this is not required by law—it depends on the employer's policy. Ask your employer or immigration attorney whether they cover visa costs.
Visa Fee Increases and Changes
The State Department can raise visa fees, and has done so several times in the past decade. Fees are set by Congress and the State Department based on the cost of processing visas. If you are planning to explore, check the State Department's official visa website or your consulate's website for the current fee, as the amount listed here may change.
Some countries have reciprocal fees—if a country charges U.S. citizens a high visa fee, the State Department may charge citizens of that country a higher fee for a U.S. visa. This is rare but does occur. Your consulate can tell you if a reciprocal fee applies to you.
What Happens If You Cannot Pay the Fee
If you cannot afford the visa fee, you have limited options. The State Department does not waive visa fees for financial hardship. Some nonprofit organizations or your employer may help pay the fee, but this is not may provide. Contact the consulate where you plan to interview and ask whether any fee reduction or payment plan is available—policies vary by location.
If you are a victim of human trafficking, you may be able to seek a T visa or U visa, which have different fee structures. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for information about these visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my visa fee back if my process is denied?
No. The visa fee is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome of your process. You pay it when you explore, and you do not get it back if the consulate denies your visa request.
Do I have to pay the fee before my interview or after?
This depends on your consulate. Some require payment before you schedule your interview. Others let you pay at the interview window. Check your consulate's website or call them to find out the exact process for your location.
What if my employer says they will pay my visa fee but then refuses?
The visa fee is your legal responsibility, not your employer's. If your employer promised to pay and then refuses, you are still responsible for paying it yourself if you want to proceed with the visa. You may have a contract dispute with your employer, but that is separate from your visa process.
Are there visa types that cost less than $160?
Refugees and asylees do not pay a visa fee. Some government-sponsored visa categories have no fee. Most other visa types cost $160 or more. Check your specific visa category on the State Department website to confirm the exact fee.
Does the visa fee include the medical exam?
No. The visa fee and the medical exam are separate. The visa fee goes to the State Department. The medical exam is paid directly to the civil surgeon or doctor who performs it, and costs $200 to $500 on top of the visa fee.