Visa process fees depend on the visa type you need

The cost of a U.S. visa process varies by the category of visa you are seeking. Most nonimmigrant visas—those for temporary travel like tourism, work, or study—cost $160. Immigrant visas, which are for people planning to live permanently in the United States, cost $325. Some visa types have different fees, and a few categories are free.

The fee you pay does not may provide approval. It covers the cost of processing your process and the visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. You pay this fee whether your process is approved or denied.

Key Takeaways

  • Most temporary visas (B-1, B-2, F-1, H-1B, and others) cost $160 per person.
  • Immigrant visas for permanent residence cost $325 per person.
  • Some visa types, including K visas (fiancé) and certain special immigrant categories, have no fee.
  • You typically pay the fee when you schedule your visa interview, not when you submit your initial process.
  • Visa fees are set by the U.S. State Department and do not vary by country or embassy location.

Common visa types and their costs

The B-1/B-2 visa for business and tourism costs $160. This is the most common visa type for people visiting the United States temporarily. The F-1 visa for students also costs $160, as does the H-1B visa for specialty occupation workers and the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees.

The J-1 visa for exchange visitors costs $160. The O visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, or business costs $160. The P visa for athletes and entertainers costs $160. If you are seeking an immigrant visa to become a permanent resident, the fee is $325.

Some visa categories have no fee. The K-1 visa for fiancés of U.S. citizens is free. The IR visa for when ready relatives of U.S. citizens is free. Certain special immigrant categories, including some religious workers and former U.S. government employees, also have no fee.

When and how you pay the fee

You do not pay the visa fee when you first submit your process online through the State Department's system. Instead, you pay when you schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The fee is typically paid in the local currency of the country where your interview is scheduled.

Payment methods vary by location. Many embassies and consulates accept credit cards, bank transfers, or cash. Some locations use third-party payment processors. When you schedule your interview, the embassy or consulate website will show you the accepted payment methods and how to submit payment before your appointment.

If your visa process is denied, you do not receive a refund of the fee. If you do not attend your scheduled interview, you also do not receive a refund. However, if you cancel your interview before the scheduled date, some locations may allow you to reschedule without paying the fee again.

Additional costs beyond the visa fee

The visa process fee itself is separate from other costs you may encounter. If you need a medical exam for certain visa types (such as immigrant visas or some work visas), you pay for that exam separately. The cost of a medical exam varies by location and doctor, typically ranging from $100 to $300 or more.

You may also need to pay for document translation, notarization, or courier services to send documents to the embassy. If you use a visa agency or consultant to help prepare your process, that service is a separate cost not included in the government fee. Travel to the embassy or consulate for your interview is also your own expense.

Visa fees for dependents and family members

Each person explore for a visa pays the full fee. If you are explore with a spouse and children, each family member pays the standard fee for their visa category. For example, if a family of four applies for B-2 tourist visas, the total cost is $640 (four people × $160).

Children and infants pay the same fee as adults for the same visa category. There are no reduced fees for minors or dependents. If a child is included on a parent's passport in certain countries, they may not need a separate visa, but this depends on the country of passport issuance and the specific embassy rules.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee

The U.S. State Department does not offer fee waivers or reductions based on financial hardship. The fee is required to proceed with your visa interview. If you cannot pay the fee at the time of your scheduled interview, you will not be able to attend, and your interview will be cancelled.

If your circumstances change and you need to reschedule your interview, contact the embassy or consulate where your interview is scheduled. Some locations allow you to reschedule without losing your fee, though policies vary. Check the specific embassy website for their rescheduling policy before your interview date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your process is approved or denied. The fee covers the cost of processing your process and conducting your interview.

Do I pay the fee before or after my interview?

You pay the fee before your interview. Payment is typically made when you schedule your interview appointment through the embassy or consulate website. You must complete payment before you can attend your interview.

Is the visa fee the same at every U.S. embassy?

Yes. The visa fee is set by the U.S. State Department and is the same at all embassies and consulates worldwide. However, the fee is paid in the local currency of the country where your interview is scheduled, so the amount in your home currency may vary based on exchange rates.

What visa types do not have a fee?

K-1 visas for fiancés of U.S. citizens and IR visas for when ready relatives of U.S. citizens have no fee. Some special immigrant categories, including certain religious workers and former U.S. government employees, also have no fee. Check the State Department website for your specific visa category.

Do children pay the same visa fee as adults?

Yes. Each person, including children and infants, pays the full visa fee for their visa category. There are no reduced rates for minors or dependents. If you are explore as a family, multiply the per-person fee by the number of people in your group.