What You Pay for a U.S. Visa

U.S. visa fees depend on the visa type and where you are explore. Most nonimmigrant visas (temporary visas for tourism, work, or study) cost between $160 and $190. Immigrant visas (permanent residency) cost more — typically $335 to $385 for the visa itself, plus additional fees for medical exams and background checks that can add $100 to $200.

The State Department sets these fees and they do not change often, but they can vary slightly by country and consulate. The fee you pay does not include other costs: passport photos, translation of documents, medical exams, or courier services if you need faster processing. These add $50 to $300 depending on what you need.

Payment methods vary by location. Most U.S. consulates and embassies accept bank transfers, credit cards, or local payment systems. Some require payment before your interview; others collect it on the day you appear. Check the website of the specific consulate where you are explore to see their payment rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Nonimmigrant visas (tourism, work, study) typically cost $160 to $190, while immigrant visas cost $335 to $385 plus medical and background check fees.
  • Visa fees are set by the U.S. State Department and do not include passport photos, document translation, medical exams, or courier services.
  • Payment methods and timing differ by consulate, so check the website of the location where you are explore before your appointment.
  • Some visa types have no fee at all — diplomats, certain government officials, and some family members of U.S. citizens may not pay.

Common Nonimmigrant Visa Costs

The most common temporary visas are B1/B2 (business and tourism), F-1 (student), H-1B (specialty occupation work), and L-1 (intracompany transfer). All of these cost $160. The visa itself is valid for multiple years depending on your country and visa type — a U.S. citizen can often get a 10-year tourist visa, while citizens of other countries may receive shorter validity periods.

Some visa types cost more. O visas (individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, or athletics) and P visas (entertainers and athletes) cost $190. E visas (treaty investors and traders) also cost $190. These higher fees reflect the additional documentation and review required.

The visa fee covers the cost of processing your process and conducting a background check. It does not cover the consulate's interview appointment itself — that is a separate step that happens after you pay. If your visa is refused, the fee is not refunded.

Immigrant Visa and Green Card Fees

If you are explore for permanent residency through an immigrant visa, the visa itself costs $335. However, you will also pay for a medical examination (typically $100 to $200), police clearance certificates (varies by country), and document translation if needed. Some countries charge additional fees for background checks or security clearances.

After you enter the United States on an immigrant visa, you must pay a $85 fee to have your green card produced and mailed to you. This is separate from the visa fee and is collected by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you arrive.

when ready relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21) do not pay the $335 immigrant visa fee. Other family-based immigrants, employment-based immigrants, and diversity visa winners do pay the full amount.

Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee

The visa fee itself is only part of what you will spend. Passport photos meeting U.S. specifications cost $10 to $25 per set. If documents are in a language other than English, you need certified translations, which cost $50 to $150 per document depending on length and language.

Medical exams for immigrant visas must be performed by a consulate-approved civil surgeon and cost $100 to $200. Police clearance certificates from your home country vary widely — some are free, others cost $20 to $100. If you need documents shipped to the consulate or want expedited processing, courier services add $30 to $100.

Some applicants hire immigration attorneys or visa consultants to prepare their paperwork. This is optional but costs $500 to $2,000 depending on visa complexity and your location.

Visa Fees That Are Waived or Reduced

Certain people do not pay visa fees. Diplomats and their families, officials of international organizations, and people traveling on official government business typically receive fee waivers. when ready relatives of U.S. citizens explore for immigrant visas pay no visa fee, though they still pay for medical exams and other required services.

Some visa categories have reduced fees in specific circumstances. For example, if you are renewing a visa of the same type in the same country, you may be able to use the mail-in renewal process, which costs less than an in-person interview in some locations. Check with your consulate to see if you may have access to.

K visas (fiancé of a U.S. citizen) cost $265, which is higher than most nonimmigrant visas but lower than immigrant visas. This reflects the fact that K visa holders are on a path to permanent residency.

How Visa Fees Have Changed

The State Department last raised most nonimmigrant visa fees in 2010, when they increased from $131 to $160. Immigrant visa fees were last raised in 2015. These fees have remained stable for over a decade, though the State Department reviews them periodically to account for inflation and processing costs.

Fees can vary slightly by country due to local economic conditions and consulate operating costs. Some countries with higher costs of living may charge slightly more, while others may charge slightly less. The State Department publishes the exact fee for each visa type at each consulate on their website.

Where to Find Your Specific Visa Fee

The U.S. State Department maintains a fee schedule on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. You can search by visa type and country to find the exact amount you will pay. The website also lists which payment methods each consulate accepts and whether you pay before or during your appointment.

Your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate website will have the most current fee information for your location. Some consulates post fees in local currency as well as U.S. dollars. If you are explore through a visa process center (a private company that collects applications on behalf of the consulate), they may charge an additional service fee of $50 to $150 on top of the visa fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?

No. The visa fee is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome of your process. You pay the fee when you submit your process or at your interview, and it covers the cost of processing and background checks whether your visa is approved or denied.

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

It depends on your consulate. Some require payment before you schedule your interview appointment. Others collect payment at the time of your interview. Check the website of the specific consulate where you are explore to find out their process.

What if I explore through a visa process center instead of the consulate directly?

Visa process centers are private companies that collect applications on behalf of the consulate. You still pay the State Department's visa fee, but the process center charges an additional service fee, usually $50 to $150. This covers their cost of receiving your documents, taking photos, and forwarding everything to the consulate.

Are visa fees the same in every country?

Nonimmigrant visa fees are the same worldwide — $160 or $190 depending on type. Immigrant visa fees are also standardized at $335. However, some consulates charge additional local fees for services like police clearances or document authentication, which vary by country.

Do children pay the full visa fee?

Yes. Children pay the same visa fee as adults. There are no reduced fees for minors. However, if a child is included on a parent's passport (which is rare in modern practice), they may not need a separate visa.