U.S. visa fees form a complex but essential part of the application process, covering everything from temporary tourist visits to permanent residency paths. These costs, set by the Department of State for nonimmigrant visas and USCIS for related petitions, have seen updates like the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and FY2026 inflation adjustments. Understanding what you pay—and why—helps applicants budget effectively and avoid surprises, as fees are almost always non-refundable.
Nonimmigrant Visa Breakdown
Nonimmigrant visas allow temporary stays for purposes like tourism, business, study, or work, with Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fees paid upfront to schedule interviews. As of early 2026, the standard MRV fee stands at $185 for most categories, including popular B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1/M-1 student visas, and J-1 exchange visitor visas. Petition-based work visas such as H-1B (specialty occupations), H-2A/H-2B (seasonal/agricultural workers), L-1 (intracompany transferees), O-1 (extraordinary ability), and R-1 (religious workers) also carry this $185 base fee after USCIS approval.
The game-changer in recent years is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, applied at visa issuance for nearly all nonimmigrant categories (excluding diplomatic A, G, and a few others like C-2 for UN transit). Enacted under new immigration budget laws and tied to FY2026 inflation, this fee bolsters anti-fraud efforts and program security amid surging global demand. For example, a B-2 tourist visa now effectively costs $435 ($185 MRV + $250 Integrity), payable in stages.
Other notables include the K-1 fiancé(e) visa at a higher $265 MRV, plus the Integrity Fee, and treaty trader/investor E visas at $205 (with potential reciprocity add-ons). ESTA (visa waiver electronic authorization) jumped to $13, while land border I-94 admissions rose to $24. Fees can be paid via bank draft, credit card, or local methods, but vary by U.S. embassy/consulate—check country-specific instructions.
Reciprocity fees add another layer: If your home country charges U.S. citizens extra for equivalent visas, you’ll pay the same upon U.S. visa issuance. For Filipinos applying from Quezon City, B-1/B-2 reciprocity is currently $0, but H-1B might incur $500+ depending on updates—always verify via the State Department’s reciprocity tables.
| Common Nonimmigrant Types | MRV Fee | Integrity Fee | Reciprocity Potential | Total Example (No Reciprocity) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Visitor | $185 | $250 | Varies by country | $435 |
| F-1/M-1 Student | $185 | $250 | Often $0 | $435 |
| H-1B/L-1 Worker | $185 | $250 | Up to $5,000+ | $435+ USCIS fees |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) | $265 | $250 | Varies | $515 |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $13 |
Immigrant Visa Costs
Immigrant visas lead to green cards and involve two stages: USCIS petition approval (e.g., family-based I-130 at $675 or employment I-140 at $715 post-FY2026 hikes), followed by National Visa Center (NVC) and consular processing. State Department application fees are $325 for immediate relatives or family preference categories (post-I-130 approval), $345 for employment-based (post-I-140), and $205 for diversity, self-petitions, or returning residents.
Affidavit of Support (I-864) review adds $120, and if an interview occurs, expect minor consular surcharges. Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winners pay $330 after selection, plus shipping for documents. Special immigrant visas (e.g., for certain Iraqi/Afghan allies) are often fee-exempt to encourage applications. USCIS fees fund 96% of operations without taxpayer dollars, with FY2026 bumps such as the I-485 adjustment from $1,440 to $1,500 and the initial EAD (I-765) from $550 to $560.
| Immigrant Category | USCIS Petition Fee (Examples) | State Processing Fee | Additional Common Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Family (e.g., Spouse) | I-130: $675 | $325 | I-864: $120; Medical |
| Family Preference | I-130: $675 | $325 | Wait times add USCIS renewals |
| Employment-Based | I-140: $715 | $345 | Premium processing: $2,805 |
| Diversity Visa | None (lottery entry free) | $330 post-select | Document shipping |
Additional and Optional Fees
Beyond basics, premium processing ($2,805 for many USCIS forms like I-129/I-140) guarantees 15-day decisions. Biometrics ($85, often bundled), medical exams ($200-$600 via embassy-approved panels), and translations/notarizations pile on. Expedited reviews or waivers (e.g., for children) have niche fees, while fraud prevention surcharges apply in high-risk cases.
For H-4 dependents or L-2 spouses, no separate MRV but USCIS I-129 fees (~$460-$780) precede. Optional courier delivery of passports post-approval adds $20-50.
Why These Fees Matter
Fees sustain a self-funded system: The State Department uses MRV collections for consular staffing, secure facilities, and vetting millions annually. USCIS, fee-reliant since 1982, invests in backlogs, tech upgrades, and fraud detection—hence inflation ties and the Integrity Fee targeting overstay risks. Reciprocity promotes equity; for instance, high fees from some nations mirror their charges to Americans.
Recent pressures like post-pandemic demand and policy shifts (e.g., “Beautiful Act” influences) drove hikes, ensuring solvency without congressional appropriations. Economically, they deter frivolous applications while funding security that protects U.S. borders and economy.
Payment Process and Tips
Pay MRV online or at designated banks before scheduling via usvisas.state.gov—receipt needed for appointments. USCIS accepts checks, cards, or e-filing. Fees aren’t waived easily (only for extreme hardship), and changes mid-process require refunds via DS-164. Track updates, as reciprocity or inflation shifts annually.
FAQs
Are U.S. visa fees refundable if I’m denied?
No. All U.S. visa fees are non-refundable.
Do I have to pay the Visa Integrity Fee if my visa is denied?
No. The Integrity Fee is charged only at issuance, after approval.
Why do some people pay more for the same visa?
Nationality-based reciprocity fees and petition requirements cause cost differences.
Is USCIS funded by U.S. taxpayers?
No. USCIS relies almost entirely on application and filing fees.
Will U.S. visa fees increase again?
Yes. Many fees, including the Integrity Fee, are adjusted annually for inflation.
