So you’ve decided to visit the U.S. for business or pleasure, but do you know how much it’s going to cost you to get your visa? Between the application fees, travel expenses for any required interviews, and additional costs like photos or courier services, applying for a U.S. visa often comes with sticker shock. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we break down the exact fees and typical additional budget items you’ll need to account for in your U.S. visa application. We’ll look at the costs of tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and more so you know exactly what to expect before you start your application. Getting a U.S. visa may not be cheap, but with the right budgeting and preparation, the process can go smoothly. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of U.S. visa fees and costs so you can plan the trip of your dreams.
Visa Application Fees
Costs for Different U.S. Visa Types The fees for U.S. visas vary depending on the type of visa you need. The most common ones are:
Visitor Visas
B-1 Business Visitors and B-2 Tourist Visas have an application fee of $160. These allow short-term stays for business or pleasure.
Work Visas
H-1B and L-1 visas for skilled workers and international transfers within companies cost $190. Permanent resident visas like the EB-5 investor green card ($1,500) and the EB-3 skilled worker green card ($345) also have their fees.
Family Visas
Whether you’re applying for a K-1 fiancé visa ($265), CR-1 spouse visa ($325), or F-1 family preference green card ($330), you’ll need to budget for the required medical exam and any translation or document fees as well.
Student Visas
F-1 and M-1 student visas cost $350. Be prepared for potential SEVIS fees for your school’s 1-20 or DS-2019 form and living costs like housing and insurance in the U.S.
The key is submitting a complete application with all required evidence and documentation. While the U.S. aims to process most nonimmigrant visas in under 2 weeks, more complex cases can take 3 months or more. Plan and budget wisely to avoid delays. With proper preparation, you’ll be on your way to your U.S. trip or new life before you know it!
Additional Visa Costs
Medical Exams, Photos and More. In addition to the visa application fee itself, there are a few other costs to keep in mind when applying for a U.S.visa.
Medical Examination
Most visa applicants need to undergo a medical exam. The fees for these exams vary but typically range from $150 to $300. The exam will check for certain communicable diseases and ensure you meet the health requirements for entering the U.S.
Digital Photograph
You’ll need a digital photo to upload with your visa application. While you can take your photo, many people find it easier to get one taken at a photo shop. Fees for a single digital photo suitable for a U.S. visa application are usually around $10 to $20.
Shipping and courier fees
If an interview is required for your visa application, you’ll need to ship your passport, documentation, and any other materials to the U.S. embassy or consulate. Fees for shipping and courier services can cost $20 to $100 or more, depending on the country. It’s best to use a trackable courier service in case anything gets lost or delayed.
Travel Costs
Don’t forget to budget for any travel costs to and from your interview appointment, if required. This may include gas, bus or train tickets, parking fees, and meals. The total cost will depend on the distance to the embassy or consulate.
Between the application fee, medical exam, photos, and other costs, applying for a U.S. visa may end up costing $500 to $1,000 or more per person. Make sure you understand all the potential fees involved so you can budget accordingly. The good news is that if your application is approved, the investment will be well worth it!
Tips for Budgeting for Your U.S. Visa Application
To budget for your U.S. visa application, keep these tips in mind:
Do your research.
Check the U.S. State Department website for the current visa fees for your application type. Fees can change annually, so make sure you have the latest information. The site provides a full list of fees for each visa category.
Account for additional costs.
The base application fee typically only covers your interview appointment. You’ll also need to pay for:
- A photo: around $15 for a set of 2-inch by 2-inch photos. You’ll need at least one photo for your
- Travel to and from the interview: costs will vary depending on how far you need to travel.
- Medical exam (if required): between $150 and $300. Some visa types, like immigrant visas, require a medical exam.
- Courier or mailing fees (if applicable): around $30 to have your passport and documents mailed to you after processing.
- Accommodations (if staying overnight): hotel costs will vary significantly depending on location.
Pay the right amount.
Double-check that you pay the exact fees specified on the official government website. Some visa support companies may charge additional ‘ service’ or ‘application’ fees, which are not required or endorsed by the government. Only pay fees that are listed on the official U.S. State Department website.
Have funds ready.
Ensure you have a way to pay the necessary fees, like a credit or debit card, a certified bank check, or a money order. Personal checks are not accepted. Fees must be paid before your interview appointment, so plan.
Following these budgeting tips will help ensure you go into your visa application fully prepared for any costs. Do your homework, account for additional expenses, pay only legitimate fees and have funds ready. Then you can focus on preparing for your interview!
Conclusion
So there you have it—a rough estimate of the fees and costs you can expect to incur when applying for a U.S. visa. While the government fees themselves may not seem too steep, the additional expenses for travel, accommodation, and document shipping can add up. The key is to budget adequately and avoid any surprises. Give yourself plenty of time to save, book cheap travel and lodging in advance, and look for ways to keep other costs down where possible. Applying for a U.S. visa is rarely a quick or straightforward process, but going in with realistic expectations about the potential costs will help make the experience less stressful and frustrating. With the right preparation and budgeting, you’ll be well on your way to securing your visa and planning an amazing trip to the United States!
