US Visa
Fee Guide
Every major US visa category and what it costs in 2026 — application fees, the exact fee codes, who pays them, and the extras that trip people up.
How US visa fees work
The application fee (MRV fee) is paid to the State Department when you file, before the interview. It is non-refundable — even if you are refused. Each visa category has its own fee code and price.
Fees changed in April 2024 and remain in effect for 2025–26. Tourist and student visas cost $185; work visas range from $190 to $315. Some visas also require an immigrant petition fee (I-130/I-140) paid to USCIS.
Temporary stays: tourism (B1/B2), study (F/M), work (H, L, O). Fees $185–315.
Permanent residence: family (IR/CR), employment (EB). Petition fees can be $535+.
Each visa has an official fee code (e.g. B1/B2 = $185). Always verify on travel.state.gov.
Where the fees go
The lifecycle of your visa fee, step by step.
-
1
Choose your visa
Identify the right category (tourist, student, work, family). The visa type drives the fee.
-
2
Pay the MRV fee
Pay the application fee online (or at a designated bank) before scheduling the interview. Non-refundable.
-
3
File the petition (immigrant)
For green cards and many work visas, the petitioner files a USCIS petition (I-130, I-140) first — that fee is separate.
-
4
Interview & biometrics
Attend the visa interview. Some categories require a biometric appointment.
-
5
Issuance fee
Certain nationalities pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee when the visa is approved.
2026 visa fee table
The current State Department application (MRV) fees.
| Visa type | Fee code | 2026 fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / business (B1/B2) | MRV | $185 |
| Student (F-1) / exchange (J-1) | MRV | $185 |
| Work visa petition (I-129) | USCIS | $460–1,055 |
| Temporary worker (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) | MRV | $205 |
| Treaty trader / investor (E) | MRV | $315 |
| Intracompany transfer premium | MRV | $315 |
| Family immigrant petition (I-130) | USCIS | $675 |
| Employment petition (I-140) | USCIS | $715 |
| Green card applicant (DS-260) | MRV | $345 |
| Diversity Visa lottery (DV) | MRV | $330 |
| Visa issuance (reciprocity) | Varies | $0–1,000+ |
Which fee applies to you?
Match your plan to the right fee path.
Tourist trip (B1/B2)
$185 application fee, valid 10 years for many nationalities. No USCIS petition.
Studying in the US (F-1)
$185 MRV fee + SEVIS I-901 ($350) + school-issued I-20.
Work visa (H-1B)
$205 MRV fee, plus the employer’s I-129 petition ($460–780) and possibly the $500 fraud fee.
Family green card
I-130 petition ($675) + DS-260 ($345) + issuance fee. Total can exceed $1,200 per person.
Renewal
Most renewals are the same MRV fee. Some categories waive the interview for renewals.
Transit / crew (C/D)
Transit (C-1) and crew (D) are $185 each — often the cheapest way through the US.
Paying correctly & Fee pitfalls
Paying correctly
- ✔Pay only through official channels (travel.state.gov, designated banks).
- ✔Keep your receipt — it is required for the interview.
- ✔Verify current fees on travel.state.gov before paying.
Fee pitfalls
- ✕MRV fees are non-refundable even on refusal.
- ✕Fees rise periodically — old guides go stale.
- ✕Third-party “visa assistants” overcharge for free forms.
US visa fee FAQ
How much is a US tourist visa in 2026?
Is the visa fee refundable if refused?
How much is a US student visa?
How much does an H-1B visa cost?
What is the difference between the MRV fee and USCIS fees?
How much does a green card cost?
When did US visa fees change?
Do I pay the fee before or after the interview?
Fees are current as of 2026 and can change without notice. Always verify amounts on official government sites before paying.
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