Understanding US visa fees is essential when planning your American journey in 2026. This comprehensive guide covers all visa costs including the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee introduced in July 2025, ESTA pricing, and fees for tourist, student, and work visas. Whether you're applying from the UK, India, Pakistan, or elsewhere, we'll break down exactly what you need to pay.
US Visa Fees Overview 2026
The US visa fees landscape changed significantly in 2025 with the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee. For most visa applicants, total costs have increased substantially. The U.S. Department of State manages these fees, which apply to all visa categories.
The US tourist visa (B1/B2) costs $185 as the base MRV application fee. However, from October 2025, most applicants must also pay a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee upon visa issuance—bringing the total to $435. ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries now costs $40.
What Are MRV Fees and How Do They Work?
The MRV fee is the base application fee for US visas, ranging from $185 for tourist/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 is valid for 12 months.
The MRV fee covers processing of your DS-160 online application. Once paid, your receipt is valid for one year from the payment date—within which you must schedule your visa interview.
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
- Valid for 1 year: Schedule your interview within 12 months of payment
- Country-specific payment: Methods vary by location (bank transfer, cash, card)
What is the New Visa Integrity Fee in 2026?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new $250 charge introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025). Unlike the MRV fee paid at application, this fee is collected only when your visa is approved and issued. ESTA users and Canadian citizens are exempt.
The Visa Integrity Fee is designed to address visa overstays. If your visa is denied, you won't pay this fee. The fee may be refundable after your visa expires if you entered the US using the visa, fully complied with all visa terms, and departed before your authorized stay ended—though the refund process is not yet operational.
Who Must Pay the Visa Integrity Fee?
What Are the Nonimmigrant Visa Fees in 2026?
Nonimmigrant visa fees in 2026 range from $435 (tourist visa) to $565 (treaty investor). The MRV base fee ranges from $185 to $315 depending on visa category, plus the $250 Visa Integrity Fee upon approval. Work visa petitioners must also pay additional USCIS fees.
Tourist, Student and Work Visa Fees
For work visas, employers must also pay USCIS petition fees which can range from $460 to over $4,000 depending on the visa type, employer size, and whether premium processing is requested. These are separate from the State Department fees listed above.
How Much Does ESTA Cost in 2026?
ESTA costs $40 in 2026 (increased from $21 in September 2025). This is the only fee required for Visa Waiver Program travellers—there is no additional Visa Integrity Fee. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is available to citizens of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries, including the United Kingdom. For UK citizens planning short trips to the US, ESTA at $40 represents significant savings compared to the $435 B1/B2 visa.
US Visa Fees from UK (GBP Equivalent)
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 0.80 GBP (January 2026). Rates fluctuate—check current rates before payment.
- ESTA (VWP countries): $40 only—no Integrity Fee
- B1/B2 Tourist Visa: $435 total ($185 + $250)
- F-1 Student Visa: $435 total ($185 + $250)
- H/L/O/P Work Visas: $455 total ($205 + $250)
- K-1 Fiancé Visa: $515 total ($265 + $250)
- E-2 Treaty Investor: $565 total ($315 + $250)
- New $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to all nonimmigrant visas from October 2025
- ESTA users and Canadian citizens are exempt from the Integrity Fee
- MRV fee is non-refundable; Integrity Fee may be refundable for compliant travellers
- UK citizens should use ESTA ($40) unless ineligible, saving nearly $400
- MRV payment valid for 12 months from payment date
For detailed information about US visa rejection rates by country, common refusal reasons, and interview preparation tips, explore our other US visa guides. For US citizens planning to visit the UK, see our guide on USCIS citizenship fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a US tourist visa cost in 2026?
A US B1/B2 tourist visa costs $435 total in 2026. This includes the $185 MRV application fee plus the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee charged upon approval. The MRV fee is paid when scheduling your interview; the Visa Integrity Fee is collected when your visa is issued.
What is the new Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a $250 charge introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (July 2025). It applies to all nonimmigrant visas and is collected when your visa is approved—not at application. Visa Waiver Program travellers (using ESTA) and Canadian citizens are exempt from this fee.
How much is ESTA in 2026?
ESTA costs $40 in 2026 (increased from $21 in September 2025). This is the only fee for Visa Waiver Program travellers—there is no additional Visa Integrity Fee. ESTA is available to citizens of 41 VWP countries including the UK and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Is the US visa fee refundable if denied?
The MRV application fee ($185-$315) is non-refundable regardless of outcome. However, you only pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee if your visa is approved. If denied, you will not be charged this additional fee. The Visa Integrity Fee may be refundable after your visa expires if you fully complied with all visa terms.
Do UK citizens need a US visa?
Most UK citizens do not need a visa—they can travel to the US using ESTA ($40) for stays up to 90 days. However, a B1/B2 visa ($435) is required for longer stays, certain travel histories (visits to Iran, Iraq, Syria since 2011), previous ESTA denials, or some criminal records.
What is the DS-160 fee?
The DS-160 fee is another name for the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This ranges from $185 for standard 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.
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. However, your actual interview appointment can occur after the one-year mark, as long as you scheduled it within the validity period.
Are there any US visa fee exemptions?
Yes, certain applicants are exempt from MRV fees including: A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visa applicants; J visa holders in US government-sponsored programmes; US government employees on official business; and family members of US government employees killed or critically injured in the line of duty. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with complex applications.