US Visa Fees 2023 vary based on the type of nonimmigrant visa applied for. The most common categories, such as tourist, business, student, and exchange visas, come with a fee of $185. Petition-based visas, like work and religious visas, cost $205. K visas for fiancé(e)s are priced at $265, while E visas have a fee of $315.
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Table of Contents
1. US Visa Fees 2023: Introduction
Understanding U.S. Visa Application Fees
Understanding U.S. visa application fees can be complex due to factors such as the visa category you’re applying for. The U.S. Department of State offers the official schedule of visa application fees and other associated costs. It’s worth noting that many immigration forms are processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of State. For comprehensive information, refer to the USCIS website and check out our detailed posts on USCIS Application Fees for 2023, US Visa Approval Rates 2023, and US Visa Refusal Rate by Country.
Non-refundable and Non-transferable MRV Fees
All applicants, including children, must pay a non-refundable and non-transferable MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, regardless of the outcome of their visa application.
Variability in Fee Amounts
The fee amount depends on the type of nonimmigrant visa you’re applying for. Certain nationalities may also be subject to an additional “reciprocity” fee.
Validity Period of MRV Fee Payments
MRV fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the issuance date of the payment receipt. Within this period, you must schedule an interview or submit an interview waiver application. Note: the interview does not need to occur within this timeframe.
Extension for Pre-October 2022 Payments
If you paid the MRV fee prior to October 1, 2022, your receipt’s validity has been extended until September 30, 2023.
US Visa Fee Updates for 2023
Effective June 17, 2023, the U.S. will implement an increase in US application fees for specific visa categories. The fee for visitor visas, among other non-immigrant categories, will rise from $160 to $185. In a parallel development, the application fee for certain petition-based non-immigrant visas—covering temporary workers in H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories—will see an increase from $190 to $205. Importantly, applicants who have already paid their visa application fees prior to the effective date of June 17, 2023, will not be subject to any additional charges.
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2. Nonimmigrant Visa Fees
Coming to the United States Temporarily: Nonimmigrant Visa Fees
If you’re contemplating a temporary sojourn to the U.S. for purposes like work, travel, or study, you’ll require a nonimmigrant visa. The associated fees for these visas differ according to the specific category. Although each applicant is typically obliged to pay a visa application processing fee, certain exceptions do exist, as outlined by the U.S. Department of State.
Note: For the latest updates on US visa fee increase 2023, keep an eye on official announcements.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of U.S. visa fees is pivotal for anyone aiming to visit, work, or study in the United States during 2023. Administered by the Department of State, these fees are subject to fluctuation based on the visa type. The subsequent list elucidates the fees for various nonimmigrant visas in 2023.
2023 Nonimmigrant US Visa Fee Structure
- Visitor Visa (B): Applicable for business, tourism, or medical visits. Fee: $185.00. Duration is contingent upon the travel purpose.
- Transit Visa (C-1): Required for brief transits through the U.S. Fee: $185.00.
- Crewmembers (D): Obligatory for airline and ship crew members. Fee: $185.00.
- Academic Student (F): Necessary for academic studies. Fee: $185.00.
- Media and Journalists (I): For foreign journalists and members of the media covering stories or events in the U.S. Fee: $185.00.
- Exchange Visitors (J): Designed for individuals participating in cultural, educational, or professional exchange programs. Fee: $185.00.
- Vocational Student (M): Applicable for those enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs. Fee: $185.00.
- Victims of Human Trafficking (T): For victims who are willing to assist law enforcement in the investigation of trafficking cases. Fee: $185.00.
- NAFTA Professionals (TN/TD): For professionals from Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Fee: $185.00.
- Victims of Criminal Activity (U): Intended for victims of qualifying criminal activities willing to assist law enforcement. Fee: $185.00.
Petition-Based US Visa Fees for 2023
- Temporary Workers (H): Ideal for individuals seeking temporary employment in specialized fields within the U.S. Fee: $205.00.
- Intracompany Transferees (L): Designed for professionals transferring to a U.S. branch of their current employer. Fee: $205.00.
- Persons with Extraordinary Ability (O): For individuals who have achieved national or international acclaim in their field. Fee: $205.00.
- Athletes, Artists & Entertainers (P): Suitable for athletes, artists, and entertainers participating in specific events or performances. Fee: $205.00.
- International Cultural Exchange (Q): For participants in international cultural exchange programs. Fee: $205.00.
- Religious Worker (R): Intended for ministers and other religious workers coming to the U.S. Fee: $205.00.
- Fiancé or Spouse of U.S. Citizen (K): For individuals engaged or married to a U.S. citizen and intending to travel to the U.S. for marriage. Fee: $265.00.
- Treaty Trader/Investor (E): Applicable for traders and investors from countries with which the U.S. has a trade treaty. Fee: $315.00.
Additional Visa Categories and Their Fees
- Border Crossing Card (Ages 15 and Over): Valid for a period of 10 years and priced at $185.00.
- Border Crossing Card (Under 15): Exclusively for Mexican citizens below the age of 15, whose parent or guardian possesses or is in the process of applying for a Border Crossing Card. Valid until the holder turns 15 or for 10 years, whichever comes first. US Visa Fee 2023: $15.00.
L Visa Fraud Prevention and Detection Fees
Additional charges may apply during the U.S. visa application process, contingent on visa type and unique circumstances. Notably, a $500 fraud prevention and detection fee is applied solely to principal applicants named in an L blanket petition. Additionally, companies employing more than 50 individuals in the U.S. are subject to an increased fee of $4,500 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 if over 50% of their U.S.-based employees hold either H-1B or L-1 status. This fee is collected by consular sections for blanket L-1 visa applications.
Exceptions to US Visa Fees for 2023
Under specific conditions, applicants may be exempted from the standard nonimmigrant U.S. visa application fee. Such exemptions include:
- Individuals applying for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas, as outlined in 22 CFR 41.26.
- J visa holders participating in U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges.
- Applicants receiving a defective machine-readable visa through no fault of their own will not be charged for replacement.
- Those defined by international agreements, including UN-recognized staff and observer mission members, along with their immediate families.
- Individuals traveling to perform charitable services as defined by Visa Services.
- U.S. government employees on official business.
- Immediate family members of a U.S. government employee critically injured or killed in the line of duty.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of situations where visa application fees may be waived.
Visa Issuance Fees and Reciprocity
Applicants are advised to consult the Visa Reciprocity Tables for information on specific visa issuance fees, which may vary and are often reciprocal.
Waivers on Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Fees
Some individuals are exempt from nonimmigrant visa issuance fees, including:
- Official foreign government representatives, UN-recognized observer mission members, and diplomatic visa applicants under item 22(a), along with their immediate families: No Fee.
- Persons transiting to and from UN Headquarters: No Fee.
- Participants in U.S. government-sponsored programs and their dependents: No Fee.
- Individuals performing charitable services as defined by Visa Services: No Fee.
Visa Waiver Program and Related Costs
Citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may incur a nominal fee if they meet the program’s conditions. For more information, please consult the USCIS Fees page.
This comprehensive guide aims to assist applicants in understanding the nuances of nonimmigrant visa issuance fees and the available exemptions.
3. US Visa Fees 2023 for Immigration Service
Cost Overview for Immigrating to the United States
Navigating the path to U.S. immigration involves various fees depending on the visa category you are applying for. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify the different kinds of costs associated with immigrating to the United States.
Standard Fees for Immigrant Visa Petition
- Immigrant Petition for Relative (I-130): $535.00
- Orphan (Intercountry Adoption) Immediate Relative Petition (I-600, I-800): $775.00
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees
- Immediate Relative and Family Preference Applications (I-130, I-600, or I-800 approved petitions): $325.00
- Employment-Based Applications (I-140 or I-526 approved petitions): $345.00
- Other Immigrant Visa Applications (Including approved I-360, SB-1, and others except DV): $205.00
- Certain Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Applications: No Fee
Other Associated Fees
- Diversity Visa Lottery Fee: $330.00
- Affidavit of Support Review (Domestically Reviewed Only): $120.00
Additional Notes
- All fees are payable in U.S. currency.
- Fees listed pertain to petitions submitted either abroad or domestically to the Department of State.
- For other fees related to USCIS forms starting with “I,” consult the USCIS Forms and Fees page.
4. Special Visa Services and Their Fees
Specific Cases and US Visa Cost for 2023
- Returning Resident Status Application, Form DS-117: US Visa Application Fee $180.00
- Transportation Letter for Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S.: $575.00
- Waiver of Two-Year Residency Requirement, Form DS-3035: US Visa Fees $120.00
- Waiver of Visa Ineligibility, Form I-601 (Collected for USCIS and subject to change): US Visa Fee $930.00
- Refugee or Significant Public Benefit Parole Case Processing: No Fee
Note: The listed fees are in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations — Title 22, Part 22, Sections 22.1 through 22.7.
5. Country Specific Details
US Visa Fees 2023
US Visa Fees 2023 in Indian Rupees
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 84 = 15,540 INR
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 84 = 17,220 INR
- Fiancée Visas (K): $265 x 84 = 22,260 INR
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 84 = 26,460 INR
Note: The exchange rate mentioned (84 INR = 1 USD) is valid through October 2, 2023. It’s advisable to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
US Visa Fee from Pakistan 2023
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 320 = 59,200 PKR
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 320 = 65,600 PKR
- Fiancée Visas (K): $265 x 320 = 84,800 PKR
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 320 = 100,800 PKR
Note: The exchange rate specified (320 PKR = 1 USD) is valid through October 3, 2023. Be sure to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
US Visa Fee from Nigeria 2023
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 850 = 157,250 NGN
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 850 = 174,250 NGN
- Fiancée Visas (K): $265 x 850 = 225,250 NGN
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 850 = 267,750 NGN
Note: The exchange rate specified (850 NGN = 1 USD) is valid through October 4, 2023. Be sure to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
US Visa Fee from the Philippines 2023
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 58 = 10,730 PHP
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 58 = 11,890 PHP
- Fiancée Visas (K): $265 x 58 = 15,370 PHP
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 58 = 18,270 PHP
Note: The exchange rate specified (58 PHP = 1 USD) is valid through October 4, 2023. Be sure to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
US Visa Fee from China 2023
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 7.5 = 1,387.5 CNY
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 7.5 = 1,537.5 CNY
- Fiancée Visas (K): $265 x 7.5 = 1,987.5 CNY
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 7.5 = 2,362.5 CNY
Note: The exchange rate specified (7.5 CNY = 1 USD) is valid through October 2, 2023. Be sure to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
US Visa Fee from Egypt 2023
- Tourist, Business, Student, and Exchange Visas: $185 x 33 = 6,105 EGP
- Petition-Based Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): $205 x 33 = 6,765 EGP
- Fiancé(e) Visas (K): $265 x 33 = 8,745 EGP
- Treaty Trader/Investor Visas (E): $315 x 33 = 10,395 EGP
Note: The exchange rate specified (33 EGP = 1 USD) is valid through October 4, 2023. Be sure to check for the most current exchange rates, as they are subject to change.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
US Visa Fees 2023: Key Points
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When do the new U.S. visa fees for 2023 come into effect?
The revised visa fees will be effective starting June 17, 2023.
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Will I be charged extra if I paid my visa application fee before the new rates take effect?
No, if you paid your visa application fee before June 17, 2023, you will not be subject to any additional charges.
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How much does it cost to apply for a visitor visa in 2023?
The application fee for a visitor visa for 2023 will be $185.
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What is the application fee for an H-1B visa in 2023?
The application fee for an H-1B visa in 2023 will be $205.
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Are there any fee exemptions for certain categories of visas?
Yes, some visa categories like A, G, and NATO are exempt from application fees. More details are provided in our section titled “US Visa Fees 2023 Exemptions.
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Is there an extra fee for L Visa Fraud Prevention?
Yes, an additional fee of $500 is applicable for L visa fraud prevention and detection, which is specific to the principal applicant included in an L blanket petition.
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How do I know if my company has to pay the extra fee of $4,500 for L-1 visas?
The additional fee of $4,500 applies to companies employing 50 or more individuals in the United States, where over 50% of those employees hold H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status.
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Is the visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the visa application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
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How long is the provided exchange rate valid?
The exchange rates are valid through specific dates in October 2023, as stated in each country-specific section. Be sure to check for the most current rates.
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Are there any additional fees apart from the application fee?
Yes, some types of visas may require additional fees for processing or issuance. Always double-check the U.S. Department of State website for the most current information.
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What payment methods are accepted for the visa fee?
Accepted payment methods can vary by country and application location. Common methods include bank transfers, cash payments at designated banks, and credit cards.
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Can I pay the visa fee in my local currency?
Yes, the blog post provides the visa fees converted into the local currencies for India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, and China.
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Are visa fees the same for children and adults?
Generally, visa fees are the same for applicants of all ages. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s advisable to check the U.S. Department of State website for specific details.
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Are there fee waivers or discounts available?
Fee waivers are rarely available and usually depend on the type of visa and circumstances of the applicant. Consult the U.S. Department of State website for more information.