The US visa fees in 2026 start at $185 for the B1/B2 tourist visa MRV application fee, with ESTA costing $40 for Visa Waiver Program travellers. Higher fees apply to work, student, and treaty investor visas. A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee was signed into law in July 2025 but remains not yet operational as of May 2026 — the Department of Homeland Security has not finalised the collection mechanism. This guide covers all current US visa fees, ESTA pricing, the Visa Integrity Fee status, and what UK and international applicants should expect to pay.
Source: U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov)
US Visa Fees Overview 2026: Complete Cost Guide
US visa fees are managed by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. The headline fee for most applicants is the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, which ranges from $185 for tourist and student visas to $315 for treaty investor visas. Several additional fees were introduced in 2025 under Public Law 119-21, including the substantially increased ESTA fee ($21 → $40), I-94 land border fee ($6 → $30), EVUS fee ($30 for Chinese 10-year B1/B2 holders), and the pending $250 Visa Integrity Fee.
The US tourist visa (B1/B2) MRV application fee is $185. ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries is $40. Work visas (H/L/O) cost $205, student visas (F-1/M-1/J-1) cost $185, and treaty investor visas (E) cost $315. The additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee signed into law in July 2025 is not yet being collected as of May 2026.
What Are MRV Fees and How Do They Work?
The MRV fee is the base application fee for US nonimmigrant visas, ranging from $185 for tourist and student visas to $315 for treaty investor visas. This fee must be paid before scheduling your visa interview and is non-refundable even if your visa is denied. Your payment receipt is valid for 12 months from the date of payment.
The MRV fee covers processing of your DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application. Once paid, your receipt is valid for one year from the payment date — within which you must schedule your visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. The MRV fee is sometimes informally called the "DS-160 fee" because it accompanies the DS-160 form submission.
Key Points About MRV Fee Payment
- Non-refundable: The fee cannot be refunded if your visa is denied
- Non-transferable: Cannot be transferred to another applicant or another visa category
- Valid for 12 months: Schedule your interview within one year of payment
- Country-specific payment methods: Vary by location — bank transfer, cash deposit, or online card payment depending on the embassy
- Per applicant: Each family member requires their own MRV fee payment, including children
If your visa is denied, you can reapply but must pay the MRV fee again. Reading our US visa refusal reasons guide before your interview can help avoid the most common denial grounds, particularly Section 214(b) refusals which account for the majority of B1/B2 rejections. Before applying, also review our complete USA B1/B2 visitor visa requirements and application guide to understand documentation expectations.
Nonimmigrant Visa Fees by Category 2026
US nonimmigrant visa MRV fees in 2026 are: $185 for B1/B2 tourist, F-1 student, J-1 exchange, and most other categories; $205 for H, L, O, P, and Q work visas; $265 for K fiancé(e) visas; and $315 for E treaty investor and trader visas. Work visa petitioners must also pay separate USCIS fees on top of the State Department MRV fee.
Tourist, Student and Work Visa MRV Fees
| Visa Type | Category | MRV Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Tourist / Business Visitor | $185 |
| F-1 | Academic Student | $185 |
| M-1 | Vocational Student | $185 |
| J-1 | Exchange Visitor | $185 |
| C / D | Transit / Crew Member | $185 |
| H-1B / H-2B / H-3 | Temporary Worker | $205 |
| L-1A / L-1B | Intracompany Transferee | $205 |
| O-1 / O-2 | Extraordinary Ability | $205 |
| P-1 / P-2 / P-3 | Athlete / Performer | $205 |
| Q | Cultural Exchange | $205 |
| R | Religious Worker | $205 |
| K-1 / K-3 | Fiancé(e) / Spouse of US Citizen | $265 |
| E-1 / E-2 | Treaty Trader / Investor | $315 |
For applicants concerned about approval likelihood at these fee levels, our US visa rejection rate by country analysis provides detailed FY2024 statistics showing approval rates by nationality. High-rejection-rate countries face significant financial risk given that the MRV fee is non-refundable on denial.
ESTA and Visa Waiver Program Fees
ESTA costs $40 in 2026 (increased from $21 on 30 September 2025). This is the only fee for Visa Waiver Program travellers — there is no additional Visa Integrity Fee for ESTA users. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple trips of up to 90 days each for tourism or business.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is available to citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, including the United Kingdom, most EU member states, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. For UK citizens planning short trips to the US, ESTA at $40 represents significant savings compared to the $185+ B1/B2 visa MRV fee — and avoids the in-person interview requirement.
ESTA Fee Increase History
| Period | ESTA Fee | Change Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 – 30 Sept 2025 | $21 | Original VWP fee structure |
| 30 Sept 2025 – present | $40 | Public Law 119-21 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) |
| FY 2027 onwards | Annual CPI inflation adjustments | Statutory annual increase |
The new $40 ESTA fee comprises three components: a $17 pre-existing travel authorisation fee, a $10 minimum new charge under H.R. 1, and a $13 new travel authorisation portion. ESTA approvals issued before 30 September 2025 at the $21 rate remain valid until their expiration date.
Other Border-Related Fees (Effective 30 September 2025)
| Fee Type | Old Amount | New Amount | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-94 (Land Border) | $6 | $30 | Land entries only (not air or sea) |
| EVUS | Free | $30 | Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas |
| ESTA | $21 | $40 | Visa Waiver Program travellers |
All three fees will be indexed to inflation annually starting fiscal year 2027.
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee Explained
The Visa Integrity Fee is a $250 charge introduced under Public Law 119-21 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed 4 July 2025). Although the law is in force, the fee is not yet being collected as of May 2026 — the Department of Homeland Security has not finalised cross-agency coordination with the Department of State for collection. ESTA users and Canadian citizens are exempt. Once operational, the fee will be charged only upon visa approval, not at application.
The Visa Integrity Fee is structurally different from the MRV fee. While the MRV fee is paid at application and is non-refundable on denial, the Visa Integrity Fee will be collected only at visa issuance — meaning denied applicants will not pay it. The fee may also be refundable for compliant travellers who depart before their authorised stay expires, though no refund mechanism currently exists.
Who Will Be Required to Pay (Once Implemented)
| Visa Category | Fee Required? |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist / Business Visa | Yes — $250 |
| F-1 / M-1 Student Visa | Yes — $250 |
| H-1B / L-1 / O-1 Work Visa | Yes — $250 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | Yes — $250 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa | Yes — $250 |
| E-1 / E-2 Treaty Trader/Investor | Yes — $250 |
| Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) | No — Exempt |
| Canadian Citizens (visa-exempt) | No — Exempt |
| A / G / NATO (Diplomatic) | No — Exempt |
| Immigrant Visa Applicants | No — Exempt |
Total Cost Projection (Once Implemented)
When the Visa Integrity Fee is eventually collected, total US visa costs will increase substantially:
| Visa Type | MRV Fee | Integrity Fee | Total (Future) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist | $185 | $250 | $435 |
| F-1 Student | $185 | $250 | $435 |
| J-1 Exchange | $185 | $250 | $435 |
| H/L/O/P Work | $205 | $250 | $455 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) | $265 | $250 | $515 |
| E-2 Treaty Investor | $315 | $250 | $565 |
US Visa Fees from the UK (GBP Equivalents)
UK applicants pay the same USD fees as other applicants. ESTA at $40 (~£32) is the cheapest option for most UK travellers visiting for tourism or business under 90 days. A B1/B2 visa costs $185 (~£148) MRV fee currently. UK passport holders qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and rarely need a B1/B2 visa unless their travel history disqualifies them from ESTA.
US Visa Fees from UK in GBP (Current Exchange Rate)
| Application Type | USD Fee | GBP Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA | $40 | ~£32 |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (MRV) | $185 | ~£148 |
| F-1 Student Visa (MRV) | $185 | ~£148 |
| J-1 Exchange (MRV) | $185 | ~£148 |
| H-1B Work Visa (MRV) | $205 | ~£164 |
| L-1 Intracompany (MRV) | $205 | ~£164 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) (MRV) | $265 | ~£212 |
| E-2 Treaty Investor (MRV) | $315 | ~£252 |
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 0.80 GBP (May 2026). Rates fluctuate — check current conversion before payment.
For UK travellers planning the reverse trip, our UK visa fees overview provides comparable information for international visitors heading to the United Kingdom. The UK has its own electronic travel authorisation system (ETA) that complements the visa structure. Note that comparing US and UK visa systems is complex — the UK requires an ETA from most ESTA-equivalent countries, while the US continues to use the older Visa Waiver Program structure.
Additional Work Visa Fees (USCIS Petition Fees)
For employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), the petitioning US employer must pay USCIS petition fees on top of the State Department MRV fee. Petition fees range from $460 (Form I-129 base) to $4,000+ depending on visa type, employer size, and whether premium processing is requested. Employees typically pay only the MRV fee themselves; employers cover petition costs.
US work visas involve a two-step fee structure that confuses many applicants:
- Step 1 — USCIS petition fee: Paid by the US employer (petitioner) to file Form I-129 and approve the worker's eligibility
- Step 2 — State Department MRV fee: Paid by the worker (beneficiary) when applying for the visa stamp at a US embassy abroad
Common USCIS Work Visa Petition Fees (Employer Costs)
| Fee Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 (base petition) | $460 | Required for H, L, O, P, Q work petitions |
| H-1B Anti-Fraud Fee | $500 | Additional fee for H-1B petitions |
| H-1B ACWIA Training Fee | $750 / $1,500 | $750 if employer has ≤25 employees; $1,500 if 26+ |
| L-1 Anti-Fraud Fee | $500 | L-1 visa specific |
| Premium Processing (optional) | $2,805 | 15-business-day guarantee on most categories |
| Public Law 114-113 Fee | $4,000 / $4,500 | For employers with 50+ employees and 50%+ on H-1B/L-1 |
For US citizens or green card holders considering naturalization separately, our USCIS citizenship application fees guide covers the N-400 cost ($710 online / $760 paper). The interview process for both work visas and naturalization applications has parallels — see our US visa interview questions and answers guide for preparation tips applicable to most categories.
Fee Exemptions and Special Categories
Several categories are exempt from US visa MRV fees: A-class diplomatic visas, G international organisation visas, NATO visas, certain J-1 exchange programmes sponsored by the US government, US government employees on official business, and family members of US government employees killed or critically injured in the line of duty. Most diplomatic categories are also exempt from the future Visa Integrity Fee.
MRV Fee-Exempt Visa Categories
- A-1, A-2, A-3: Foreign diplomats and officials
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5: International organisation representatives (UN, IMF, World Bank, etc.)
- C-2, C-3: Officials in transit to international organisations
- NATO-1 through NATO-7: NATO personnel
- J-1 visas under US government-sponsored programmes: Such as Fulbright
- US government officials: On official business
- Charitable medical treatment cases: On case-by-case basis
- B1/B2 tourist visa: $185 MRV fee
- ESTA (VWP): $40 — increased from $21 on 30 September 2025
- F-1 / J-1 student / exchange: $185 MRV fee
- H/L/O work visas: $205 MRV fee + employer USCIS petition costs
- K-1 fiancé(e): $265 MRV fee
- E-1/E-2 treaty: $315 MRV fee
- I-94 land border fee: $30 (up from $6)
- EVUS: $30 for Chinese 10-year B1/B2 holders
- $250 Visa Integrity Fee: Signed into law July 2025 — NOT yet operational as of May 2026
- UK citizens: Should use ESTA ($40) unless ineligible — saves substantial time and money vs B1/B2
FAQs: US Visa Fees 2026
How much does a US tourist visa cost in 2026?
A US B1/B2 tourist visa MRV application fee is $185 in 2026. The additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee signed into law in July 2025 has not yet begun being collected as of May 2026. Once the Visa Integrity Fee becomes operational, the total cost will rise to $435. The MRV fee is paid when scheduling your interview and is non-refundable on denial.
How much is ESTA in 2026?
ESTA costs $40 in 2026 (increased from $21 on 30 September 2025). This is the only fee for Visa Waiver Program travellers — there is no additional Visa Integrity Fee for ESTA users. ESTA is available to citizens of 42 VWP countries including the UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Has the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee started being collected?
No, as of May 2026 the $250 Visa Integrity Fee is not yet being collected. Although signed into law on 4 July 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Department of Homeland Security has not finalised the collection mechanism. A 22 July 2025 Federal Register notice confirmed cross-agency coordination is still required. Applicants currently approved for US visas are not paying this fee.
How much is an H-1B visa in 2026?
The H-1B visa MRV fee paid by the worker is $205 in 2026. However, the US employer (petitioner) must also pay USCIS petition fees: $460 base I-129 fee, $500 anti-fraud fee, $750 or $1,500 ACWIA training fee depending on company size, and optionally $2,805 for premium processing. Total employer costs typically range from $1,710 to $4,265+ per H-1B petition.
What is the F-1 student visa fee?
The F-1 student visa MRV fee is $185 in 2026. Students must also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee separately ($350 for F-1 and M-1, $220 for J-1) before their visa interview. Some F-1 applicants from countries with reciprocity arrangements may also pay visa issuance fees on approval. Total typical F-1 cost: $535–$700 plus any reciprocity fees.
How much does a US visa cost from the UK?
UK applicants pay the same USD fees as international applicants. The B1/B2 MRV fee is $185 (~£148), but most UK citizens qualify for ESTA at just $40 (~£32) for trips under 90 days. ESTA is dramatically cheaper and avoids the in-person interview requirement. A B1/B2 visa is only required for UK citizens with disqualifying travel histories, previous ESTA denials, or longer stays.
Is the US visa fee refundable if denied?
No, the MRV application fee ($185–$315) is non-refundable regardless of outcome. If your visa is denied, you cannot recover this fee. The future $250 Visa Integrity Fee (when operational) is structurally different — it will only be charged on visa issuance, so denied applicants will not pay it. The Integrity Fee may be refundable for compliant travellers who comply fully with visa terms, though the refund mechanism does not yet exist.
How long is the MRV fee valid?
Your MRV fee payment is valid for one year (12 months) from the date of payment. You must schedule your visa interview within this period. Your actual interview appointment can occur after the one-year mark, as long as you scheduled it within the validity period. If you fail to schedule within 12 months, you must pay the MRV fee again.
What is the DS-160 fee?
The DS-160 fee is the same as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee — these terms are used interchangeably. It ranges from $185 for standard nonimmigrant visas to $315 for treaty investor visas. You must pay this fee to schedule your visa interview. The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form required for all US visa applicants regardless of category.
Are there any US visa fee exemptions?
Yes. MRV fee exemptions apply to A-class diplomatic visas, G international organisation visas (UN, IMF, World Bank), NATO visas, J-1 visa holders in US government-sponsored programmes (such as Fulbright), US government employees on official business, and family members of US government employees killed or critically injured in the line of duty. Charitable medical treatment cases may also be exempt on a case-by-case basis.