United States visa fees and government costs in 2026

Understanding US Visa Fees

When you apply for a US visa, you'll need to pay government fees. These fees support the immigration system and visa processing. The amount depends on the visa type you're applying for — work visas, tourist visas, family visas, and student visas each have different costs.

Fees change periodically, so it's important to check the official US State Department website before you apply. Don't rely on outdated information from social media or old articles. Your visa application could be rejected if you don't pay the correct amount.

Common Visa Types and Their Costs

Different visa categories have different fees:

• Tourist and business visas have one fee level
• Work visas typically cost more than tourist visas
• Student visas have their own fee structure
• Immigrant visas (for people moving permanently) usually cost more
• Family-based visas may have additional processing fees

Some visa types also require you to pay medical examination costs or security clearance fees on top of the visa fee itself.

How to Pay Your Visa Fees

Most US visa fees are paid online through the official payment system before your interview. You'll receive a payment receipt that you must bring to your appointment. Some countries allow payment at the visa application center when you submit your documents.

Payment methods usually include:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Bank transfers (in some countries)
• Local payment systems

Keep your receipt. You'll need proof of payment to move forward with your application.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond the government visa fee, plan for other expenses:

• Medical exam — required for many visa types
• Document translation — if your papers aren't in English
• Travel to the visa application center — transportation and accommodation
• Photos — passport photos in the correct format
• Background checks — some countries charge for police certificates

Where to Find Current Fee Information

Always check the official source for accurate, current information:

• Visit the US State Department website (state.gov)
• Find your country's US embassy or consulate website
• Look for the visa services section with fee schedules
• Call or email your local visa application center if you're unsure

Fees published on official government websites are always more reliable than information from other sources. Update your budget as you get closer to your application date to make sure you have accurate numbers.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.