U.S. Visa Application Fee: Cost, Types, and Payment Process

The U.S. visa application fee is a fixed amount that applicants must pay for their application to be reviewed. This fee is mandatory regardless of the visa type, whether it is a non-immigrant visa (tourist, student, work, or business) or an immigrant visa (permanent residence, family reunification, etc.). All applicants must pay the visa fee, except for specific categories that are exempt based on international agreements or special programs.

How Much Is the U.S. Visa Application Fee?

The fee amount depends on the visa category. Below are the main visa types and the applicable fees for 2025:

• Tourist and business visas (B1/B2 category) — $185
• Student visas (F, M, J categories) — $185
• Work visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R categories) — $205
• Transit visas (C1/D, C1 categories) — $185
• Immigrant visas — from $325 and up, depending on the type
• Trader and investor visas (E category) — $315
• Fiancé(e) visas (K category) — $265

It is important to note that the U.S. Department of State may change the visa fee amounts. Before submitting your application, check the latest fees on the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate.

How to Pay the U.S. Visa Application Fee?

The visa application fee can be paid using several methods:

1. Online payment via banking services — You can pay with a credit or debit card through the official payment system website.
2. Bank payment using provided details — In some countries, payment can be made in cash or via bank transfer through partner banks.
3. Electronic wallet or online banking — Some countries allow payment through online banking services.

After a successful payment, the applicant receives a receipt or a unique transaction number, which must be provided when scheduling the visa interview.

Validity of the Visa Application Fee

The U.S. visa application fee is valid for one year from the date of payment. This means that the applicant must schedule an interview and submit all required documents within this period. If the deadline expires, the payment becomes invalid, and the fee is non-refundable.

Who Is Exempt from Paying the Visa Application Fee?

Certain applicants may be exempt from paying the visa application fee, including:

• Participants in exchange programs funded by the U.S. government (e.g., Fulbright).
• Close relatives of diplomatic mission employees.
• Participants in humanitarian programs.

To check if you qualify for an exemption, consult the U.S. consulate or a visa agency in advance.

The U.S. visa application fee is an essential part of the visa process and requires careful attention. Before making a payment, verify all details to avoid mistakes that could result in financial loss. Also, keep in mind that paying the visa application fee does not guarantee visa approval, but it is a mandatory requirement for application processing.

If you have any questions about the visa fee payment or the visa application process, we recommend contacting the official U.S. consulate or our visa center for assistance.