Cost of a U.S. Visa: Updated Fees, New Charges and How Much You'll Really Pay
Planning a trip, study program, or work assignment in the United States? Before you start packing, you need to understand exactly what you'll pay in visa fees. U.S. visas are divided into nonimmigrant and immigrant categories, and the cost of visa USA applicants face depends on the type, their nationality, and several new charges introduced in late 2025. Here's a complete breakdown so you can budget with confidence.
Key Takeaways
Most nonimmigrant visa application fees start at $185, with higher amounts for work, investor, and fiancé(e) categories - visitor visa fees can vary from $185 to $315.
New fee increases took effect on September 30, 2025, including a jump in the I-94 land entry charge and nearly doubled ESTA cost.
A separate $250 visa integrity fee has been approved by Congress but is not yet in force as of October 2026.
Travelers eligible for the Visa Waiver Program pay only the ESTA fee (approximately $40) rather than a full visa application fee.
Visa fees are generally non-refundable, and additional costs such as SEVIS and reciprocity fees can add hundreds of dollars to the total price.
Overview: How Much Does a U.S. Visa Cost in 2026?
The total cost of a U.S. visa is more than just one fee. Nonimmigrant visas are for temporary stays such as tourism, study, and employment. Your total will typically include the application fee plus possible SEVIS, reciprocity, and integrity charges. All amounts are set in U.S. dollars.
The non-immigrant visa application fee was previously $160 before recent increases brought most categories to their current levels. Here are the 2026 nonimmigrant visa application fees you should know:
Tourist or business visitor (B-1/B-2): $185
Temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, R): $205
Fiancé(e) of U.S. citizen (K): $265
Treaty traders and investors (E): $315
These fees were last updated for fiscal year 2026. Every applicant must budget for these non-refundable costs before starting the visa application process.
Current U.S. Visa Application Fees by Category
The core cost is the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, which you must pay before you can schedule an interview appointment. This fee applies to every applicant, including children, regardless of age.
Here is how fees break down by visa type:
$185: B-1/B-2 visitor (business, tourism, medical treatment), C transit, D crew, F academic student, M vocational student, I media, J exchange visitor, TN/TD NAFTA professionals, and some humanitarian categories (T, U).
$205: The fee for a temporary worker visa covers H, L, O, P, Q, and R petition-based nonimmigrant visas - these are for employment, intracompany transfers, persons of extraordinary ability, athletes, artists, cultural exchange, and religious workers.
$265: The cost of a fiancé(e) visa is $265, covering K visas processed at consulates for fiancé(e)s and certain spouses of U.S. citizens.
$315: Treaty trader and investor visas cost $315, including E-1, E-2, and E-3 Australian specialty occupation categories.
Immigrant visa fees follow a different schedule and are typically higher. For example, Diversity Visa application fees are $330 for selected applicants. Nonimmigrant visa processing fees vary by category and are non-refundable. Payment methods and currencies vary by embassy or consulate, so follow the instructions on the specific post's website.
Additional Costs Beyond the Basic Visa Application Fee
The application fee is only one part of the total cost. Depending on your status, country, and visa type, you may need to pay several additional charges:
SEVIS fee: Required for most F-1 and M-1 students ($350 each) and J-1 exchange visitors ($220). This is paid separately to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program before the visa interview. Dependents (F-2, M-2, J-2) do not pay separately.
Reciprocity fees (visa issuance fee): Charged after approval but before visa issuance, based on how your country treats U.S. citizens. For example, Indian F-1 students may pay about $100 extra, while Chinese nationals may add roughly $140. Citizens of the UK or Canada often pay nothing. Reciprocity fees may apply based on nationality and visa type.
I-94 land entry fee: Increased to about $30 for most non-citizen land entrants as of late 2025.
Service or courier fees: Optional charges for document delivery, premium scheduling, or third-party assistance - not government fees.
These extra charges can significantly raise the total, especially for students and travelers from countries with high reciprocity fees. All such fees are usually non-refundable once paid, even if the visa is refused.
Fee Changes for 2026: Higher Visa Fees and the Planned $250 "Visa Integrity Fee"
The U.S. updated several visa fees and border charges starting September 30, 2025. Visa fees increased on that date under provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Three changes already affect many travelers:
The I-94 fee rose from $6 to $30 for most non-citizen travelers entering by land.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee is now $40, up from $21, for Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA.
The EVUS fee for certain Chinese nationals holding 10-year B visas increased to roughly $30.
These changes are set for fiscal year 2026 but can rise with inflation in later years.
A new $250 visa integrity fee will be implemented under Public Law 119-21, targeting certain nonimmigrant visa holders. The law allows no waiver or reduction. However, as of October 2026, there is no confirmed start date, collecting agency, or detailed process. The fee is not yet collected at embassies or ports of entry. Travel industry groups have warned that visa fee increases may discourage international tourism, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Who Pays What: Visa Waiver Program vs. Traditional Visa Applicants
There are two main pathways to a short-term U.S. visit: the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA, or a full visa application at an embassy.
Visa Waiver Program travelers from 40+ eligible countries may visit for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a traditional visa. They do not pay a consular application fee. Instead, they purchase an ESTA online. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee is $40 per approved authorization. Most travelers from Canada and Bermuda are exempt from both ESTA and the planned integrity fee for short visits, though those seeking student or work status still need visas.
Citizens of countries outside the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-1/B-2 or other appropriate visa and pay the applicable MRV fee - usually $185. Under current proposals, these travelers are likely the primary group subject to the upcoming $250 integrity fee once it takes effect. The new visa integrity fee is $250 for certain travelers, adding substantially to their upfront cost.
A quick comparison: a 10-day tourist from a VWP country pays only $40 (ESTA). A tourist from a non-VWP country pays at least $185 (MRV), plus a possible $250 integrity fee and travel to the nearest embassy - a significant difference in experience and expense.
Practical Tips to Keep Your U.S. Visa Costs Under Control
Careful planning can prevent paying fees more than once. Here is advice to follow:
Determine your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program before starting any full visa application.
Confirm the correct visa type so you pay only the necessary fee and avoid having to apply again.
Use only official websites - travel.state.gov, ceac.state.gov, cbp.gov/esta - to pay fees and avoid scams or service mark-ups.
Schedule your appointment with enough lead time to avoid paying extra for emergency changes or having to reschedule at added cost.
Keep fee receipts and confirmation pages (DS-160, SEVIS receipt, ESTA approval) in print or saved digitally for your interview and border crossing.
While the potential $250 integrity fee is refundable if you fully comply with your visa terms, do not rely on this as a short-term discount - reimbursement details are still being developed and will likely involve a process after departure. U.S. visa fees and rules are updated periodically, so always review the latest information shortly before each trip or application.
FAQ: Cost of a U.S. Visa
Below are answers to common money-related questions about U.S. visa costs that people often ask.
Is the U.S. visa application fee refundable if my visa is denied?
No. The MRV visa application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable in almost all cases, even if the consular officer refuses the visa or you withdraw your application. If you need to apply again - whether for the same or a different visa - you will need to pay a new application fee each time.
Do I have to pay the visa fee for my children?
Yes. Every individual applicant, including infants and children, must complete their own visa application and pay the same MRV fee for that visa type. Very limited exceptions exist for certain official or diplomatic travelers, and these are found on embassy websites.
Can I pay my U.S. visa fees in my local currency?
Visa fees are set in U.S. dollars, but most embassies and consulates accept payment in local currency at an official exchange rate. Acceptable methods - card, bank transfer, or cash at partner banks - differ by country, so check the website of the specific embassy or consulate involved.
How often do U.S. visa fees change?
There is no fixed schedule. Fee reviews typically happen every few years or when new legislation is signed into law, such as a budget or immigration bill. Check travel.state.gov and cbp.gov shortly before you pay to confirm the latest amounts and avoid any surprises.
Will the $250 visa integrity fee make my trip much more expensive?
For many non-Visa Waiver Program travelers, a $250 fee on top of the existing application and other charges would be a significant increase in upfront cost. However, as of October 2026, the fee has not yet gone into effect and implementation details are still being developed. Watch for official announcements before your planned trip to stay informed about the start date and the reason behind any further adjustments.