U.S. visa fees depend on the visa type, and most are nonrefundable even if your process is denied

The cost of a U.S. visa ranges from $160 to $190 for most temporary visas, with some specialty visas costing more. The State Department sets these fees, and they do not change based on where you explore or how long you wait. The fee covers the cost of processing your process — it is not a deposit or may provide of entry.

You pay the fee when you submit your process at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or sometimes before you schedule your interview. The payment method depends on which country you are explore from; some locations accept credit cards, others require bank transfers, and a few still use money orders or cashier's checks. If your process is denied, the fee is not returned.

Key Takeaways

  • Most temporary visas cost $160, including tourist, business, and student visas, though some categories run $190 or higher.
  • The fee is nonrefundable regardless of whether your process is approved or denied.
  • Payment method varies by country and embassy; check the specific U.S. consulate website for your location to learn whether they accept cards, transfers, or checks.
  • Some visa types, such as certain work visas, require additional fees paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on top of the State Department visa fee.
  • Exchange rates affect what you pay if your country's currency is not the U.S. dollar, so the local-currency cost may shift month to month.

Standard visa fees for the most common types

A B-1/B-2 visa (tourist and business combined) costs $160. An F-1 student visa also costs $160. An H-1B work visa costs $190. These are the fees charged by the State Department and are the same whether you explore in Mexico City, London, or Tokyo.

Some visa categories fall outside this range. An L-1 visa (intracompany transfer) costs $190. An O-1 visa (person with extraordinary ability) costs $190. A J-1 visa (exchange visitor) costs $160. The State Department publishes the full fee schedule on its website under "Visa Fees" — if you are unsure which visa type you need, that page lists every category and its cost.

Additional fees you may owe beyond the visa fee

The State Department visa fee is only part of the cost. If you are explore for an H-1B, L-1, or certain other work visas, your employer must also file a petition with USCIS and pay a separate filing fee. That fee ranges from $460 to $1,500 depending on the visa type and your employer's size. Your employer typically covers this cost, but you should confirm before you assume.

Some countries charge a reciprocity fee — a fee that matches what the U.S. charges citizens of that country for visas. For example, if the U.S. charges Mexican citizens $160 for a visa, Mexico may charge U.S. citizens $160 for a Mexican visa, and the U.S. consulate in Mexico will collect that fee from you when you explore. This fee is separate from the visa fee itself and varies by country.

If you use a visa agency or courier service to submit your process instead of going to the embassy yourself, that service charges its own fee — usually $50 to $150 — on top of the visa fee. This is optional; you can always go to the embassy directly and pay nothing extra.

How and where to pay the visa fee

Payment method depends on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are explore. Some locations accept Visa or Mastercard online before your interview. Others require you to pay in person at the consulate on the day of your appointment. A few still accept bank transfers, money orders, or cashier's checks.

To find out how your specific location handles payment, go to the State Department's "Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate" tool, locate your country, and click through to that consulate's website. The visa section will list accepted payment methods and whether you pay before or during your appointment. Do not assume all locations work the same way — payment rules vary significantly by country.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee upfront

The visa fee must be paid before your process is processed. There is no payment plan, no deferral option, and no waiver based on financial hardship. If you cannot pay the fee, you cannot move forward with your process.

Some consulates allow you to pay online weeks before your interview appointment, which gives you time to save. Others require payment on the day of your interview. Check your consulate's website to see which applies to you, and plan your finances accordingly.

Fees for visa renewals and replacements

If your visa expires and you want to renew it, you pay the full fee again — there is no discount for renewals. If you lose your visa or it is damaged, you pay the full fee to replace it. Some countries offer a "visa reissuance" process that costs less than a new process, but this is not available everywhere; ask your consulate whether it is an option.

If you are already in the United States and want to extend your stay or change your visa status, you file a form with USCIS instead of going through the consulate. USCIS charges its own filing fees, which are separate from the consulate visa fee. Those fees range from $85 to $1,500 depending on the form and your situation.

Exchange rates and local currency costs

If you are paying in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the consulate converts the fee at the current exchange rate. This means the amount you pay in your local currency can shift from week to week. If the dollar strengthens against your currency, you will pay more in local terms. If it weakens, you will pay less.

Some consulates publish the local-currency equivalent on their websites so you know the exact amount before you pay. Others do not, and you will not know the final cost until you arrive at the consulate or attempt to pay online. If the exchange rate matters to your budget, check your consulate's website or call ahead to ask what the current conversion is.

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. You pay it when you submit your process, and it covers the cost of processing — not a may provide of approval. If you are denied, you can reapply and pay the fee again, but the first fee is gone.

Do I have to pay the visa fee if I am a U.S. citizen?

No. U.S. citizens do not need visas to travel to most countries. You need a passport. If you are a U.S. citizen explore for a visa to another country, that country sets the fee — the State Department fee only applies to foreign nationals explore for U.S. visas.

What if my employer is paying the visa fee for me?

Your employer can pay the fee on your behalf, but you still need to provide the payment information or authorize the charge. Some employers pay directly to the consulate; others reimburse you after you pay. Confirm the process with your employer's immigration or HR department before your appointment.

Are there any visa types that do not have a fee?

A-1 visas (diplomats and their families) and G-1 visas (international organization employees) do not have fees. Most other visa types do. If you believe you fall into a category that should be fee-exempt, ask the consulate before you assume — do not show up without payment and expect to be processed.

Can I pay the visa fee online before my interview?

Some consulates allow online payment weeks in advance; others require payment in person on the day of your interview. Check your specific consulate's website to see which applies. If online payment is available, it is usually the faster option and lets you confirm the payment is received before you travel.