Where and how to pay your US visa fee
You pay your US visa fee to the State Department through a system called the Visa Fee Payment System, which processes payments online before your visa interview. The fee amount depends on your visa type — most nonimmigrant visas (tourist, work, student) cost $160, while some visa categories cost more or less. You cannot pay the fee at the embassy or consulate itself; you must pay online first and bring proof of payment to your interview.
The payment process happens through the official State Department website. You create an account, enter your visa information, select your payment method, and receive a confirmation number. This confirmation number is what you bring to your interview — not a receipt, not a printed page, but the actual number from the system.
Payment methods accepted are credit card, debit card, or bank transfer, depending on which country you are explore from. Some countries offer only credit or debit; others offer bank transfer as well. The system tells you which methods work in your location when you log in.
Key Takeaways
- You pay your visa fee online through the State Department's Visa Fee Payment System before your interview, not at the embassy or consulate.
- Most nonimmigrant visas cost $160, but fees vary by visa type, so check the fee amount for your specific category before paying.
- You need your passport number and visa case number to start payment, and you will receive a confirmation number that you must bring to your interview.
- Payment methods vary by country — credit card and debit card are most common, but some locations also accept bank transfer.
- The fee is nonrefundable even if your visa is denied, so make sure you have the correct visa type before you pay.
Finding your visa fee amount by category
The State Department website lists visa fees by type on its main visa page. Nonimmigrant visas (B-1/B-2 for tourism and business, F-1 for students, H-1B for workers, and others) are typically $160. Some categories cost $190 or $265. Immigrant visas (green card applications) have different fees, usually higher.
The fee you owe depends on the exact visa category you are explore for, not on how long you want to stay or what you plan to do. Two people explore for the same visa type pay the same fee, regardless of their circumstances. If you are unsure which category you need, your consulate's website lists the categories and what each one is for.
A few visa types are free or have reduced fees — when ready relatives of US citizens, certain government officials, and some exchange visitors. These are rare. If your visa type is not listed as free, you owe the standard fee.
Steps to pay through the State Department system
Log into the Visa Fee Payment System using your passport number and the visa case number you received from your consulate. If you do not have a case number yet, contact your consulate to ask when it will be issued — you cannot start payment without it. The system will not let you proceed without both pieces of information.
Once logged in, review your visa information to make sure it is correct. The system shows your name, passport number, visa type, and the fee amount. If anything is wrong, stop and contact your consulate before paying. Paying with incorrect information can delay your interview or require you to pay again.
Select your payment method from the options shown for your country. Enter your card or bank details. The system will process the payment when ready. You will see a confirmation page with a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. This number is what you bring to your interview.
Print the confirmation page or save it as a PDF. Some consulates ask you to bring a printed copy; others only need the number. Check your consulate's website to see what they want you to bring.
What to do if payment fails or is declined
If your card is declined, the system will tell you why — usually insufficient funds, incorrect card details, or a block from your bank. Check your card information and try again. If the problem persists, contact your bank to ask if they are blocking international payments. Many banks require you to notify them before making an overseas transaction.
If you are using a debit card and the payment fails, try a credit card instead. Debit card declines are more common because banks flag them as fraud more often. If you do not have a credit card, ask a family member if you can use theirs, or contact your consulate to ask about alternative payment methods.
If the system itself is not working — the website is down, pages will not load, or you get an error message — wait a few hours and try again. The system occasionally goes offline for maintenance. If the problem continues for more than a day, contact your consulate's visa section by email or phone.
Bringing proof of payment to your interview
Bring your confirmation number to your interview. Write it on a piece of paper or have it on your phone. The consulate will check that you paid before they interview you. If you do not have proof of payment, they may reschedule your interview or ask you to pay on the spot, which is not always possible at every location.
Some consulates ask for a printed confirmation page as well. Check your consulate's website under "what to bring" or "interview requirements" to see what they want. If the website does not say, bring both the number and a printed page to be safe.
The fee is nonrefundable. Even if your visa is denied, you do not get the money back. This is true regardless of the reason for denial. Pay only when you are certain you are explore for the correct visa type.
Visa fee amounts by common categories
| Visa Type | Category | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or business | B-1/B-2 | $160 |
| Student | F-1 | $160 |
| Work (specialty occupation) | H-1B | $190 |
| Work (temporary worker) | H-2A, H-2B | $190 |
| Exchange visitor | J-1 | $160 |
| Fiancé(e) | K-1 | $265 |
| Investor or manager | E-2 | $205 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my visa fee at the embassy or consulate instead of online?
No. The State Department requires all visa fees to be paid through the online Visa Fee Payment System before your interview. You cannot pay in person at the embassy or consulate. If you have not paid online before your interview appointment, contact your consulate when ready to reschedule.
What happens if I pay the wrong fee amount?
The system will not let you pay less than the required amount. If you pay more by mistake, contact your consulate to ask about a refund. Some consulates will refund overpayments; others will not. It is better to check the fee amount twice before you pay.
Do I need to pay the visa fee if my process is still being reviewed?
No. You pay the fee only after your consulate has assigned you a visa case number and scheduled your interview. If you have not been scheduled yet, you do not pay. Your consulate will tell you when to pay as part of the interview scheduling process.
Can I use someone else's credit card to pay my visa fee?
Yes. The card does not have to be in your name. The system only cares that the payment goes through. Make sure the cardholder knows you are using their card and that the transaction will appear on their statement.
Is the visa fee refundable if my visa is denied?
No. The fee is nonrefundable under all circumstances, including visa denial. You do not get the money back even if you are denied and reapply later. You will have to pay the fee again for your next process.