Planning a trip to the United States involves more than just booking flights and hotels. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you will likely need a travel visa. One of the first questions many travelers ask is, “How Much Is A Travel Visa?” Understanding the costs associated with obtaining a US visa is crucial for budgeting and ensuring a smooth application process. This article breaks down the various fees involved in getting a US travel visa, providing a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the expenses.
Non-Immigrant Visa Fees: For Temporary Visits
Non-immigrant visas are for travelers planning to visit the United States temporarily for tourism, business, study, or work. The application processing fees for these visas are non-refundable and vary depending on the visa category.
Standard Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fee
For most common non-immigrant visas, the application processing fee is $185. This category includes several visa types, such as:
| Visa Category | Description | Common Purposes |
|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 | Visitor Visa | Tourism, Business, Medical Treatment |
| C-1 | Transit Visa | Transiting through the United States |
| D | Crewmember Visa | Airline or Ship Crew |
| F-1 | Student Visa (Academic) | Studying at a US educational institution |
| I | Journalist and Media Visa | Working as a journalist or in media |
| J | Exchange Visitor Visa | Cultural and educational exchange programs |
| M-1 | Student Visa (Vocational) | Vocational or non-academic studies |
| TN/TD | NAFTA Professionals Visa | Professionals from Canada and Mexico under NAFTA/USMCA |
| S | Witness or Informant Visa | Providing information to law enforcement |
| T | Victim of Human Trafficking Visa | Victims of human trafficking |
| U | Victim of Criminal Activity Visa | Victims of certain criminal activities |
It’s important to note that while some visas like S, T, and U are petition-based, their processing fee falls under this standard $185 category.
Petition-Based Visa Fees
Certain non-immigrant visas require a petition to be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can apply for the visa. The application processing fee for these petition-based visas is slightly higher at $205. These categories include:
| Visa Category | Description | Common Purposes |
|---|---|---|
| H | Temporary Worker/Employment or Trainee Visa | Temporary work in specialized occupations |
| L | Intracompany Transferee Visa | Transfer within a company to a US branch |
| O | Person with Extraordinary Ability Visa | Individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics |
| P | Athlete, Artist, or Entertainer Visa | Athletes, artists, and entertainers performing in the US |
| Q | International Cultural Exchange Visa | Participating in international cultural exchange programs |
| R | Religious Worker Visa | Religious work in the United States |
Higher Fee Categories
There are specific non-immigrant visa categories that have different fee structures:
- E Visa (Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty Visa): $315 – This visa is for treaty traders and investors, as well as Australian professionals in specialty occupations.
- K Visa (Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen Visa): $265 – This visa is for fiancé(e)s and spouses of US citizens.
Border Crossing Card Fees
For certain Mexican citizens, a Border Crossing Card (BCC) can serve as both a visa and identification document for entry into the United States. The fees for BCCs are:
- Border Crossing Card (age 15 and over, valid 10 years): $185
- Border Crossing Card (under age 15, for Mexican citizens with parent/guardian applying for or having BCC, valid 10 years or until age 15): $15
Additional Potential Fees
Beyond the standard application fees, there are other fees to be aware of:
- L Visa Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500 for principal applicants included in an L blanket petition.
- H-1B and L-1 Surcharge: $4,500 for blanket L-1 visa applications (principal applicant only) from companies with 50 or more employees in the US, where over 50% are in H-1B or L-1 status. This fee is based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016.
When You Don’t Pay the Non-Immigrant Visa Fee
In some specific situations, the non-immigrant visa application processing fee is waived. These include:
- Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas. These are typically for government officials and diplomats.
- Participants in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges on a J visa.
- Replacement of a machine-readable visa when the original visa was improperly issued through no fault of the applicant.
- Applicants exempted by international agreements, such as UN observer mission members.
- Individuals traveling to provide charitable services, as determined by Visa Services.
- U.S. government employees traveling on official business.
- Certain family members of U.S. government employees killed or critically injured in the line of duty, traveling for funeral/burial or emergency visitation.
It’s important to verify if you qualify for any of these exemptions when applying.
Immigrant Visa Fees: For Permanent Residence
Immigrant visas are for individuals who intend to live permanently in the United States. The fee structure for immigrant visas is different from non-immigrant visas.
Immigrant Petition Filing Fees
When a U.S. Embassy or Consulate collects fees for USCIS, the following petition fees apply:
| Petition Type | Form | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Immigrant Petition for Relative | I-130 | $675.00 |
| Orphan (Intercountry Adoption) Petition | I-600/800 | $775.00 |
These fees are subject to change by USCIS and are paid in addition to application processing fees.
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees
The non-refundable application processing fees for immigrant visas are as follows:
| Visa Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Immediate relative and family preference applications | $325.00 |
| Employment-based applications | $345.00 |
| Other immigrant visa applications | $205.00 |
| Diversity Visa Lottery (per person applying as a DV program selectee) | $330.00 |
“Other immigrant visa applications” includes categories like approved I-360 self-petitioners, special immigrant visa applicants, and returning resident (SB-1) applicants. Certain Iraqi and Afghan special immigrant visa applicants may have their fees waived.
Other Immigrant Visa Fees
- Affidavit of Support Review: $120.00 (only when reviewed domestically). This fee is for reviewing the Affidavit of Support form, which demonstrates that a sponsor can financially support the immigrant.
Special Visa Services Fees
Beyond standard visa applications, there are fees for specific visa services:
| Service | Form | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application for Determining Returning Resident Status | DS-117 | $180.00 |
| Transportation Letter for Legal Permanent Residents of the United States | N/A | $575.00 |
| Application for Waiver of Two-Year Residency Requirement (J Waiver) | DS-3035 | $120.00 |
| Application for Waiver of Visa Ineligibility | I-601 | $930.00 |
| Refugee or Significant Public Benefit Parole Case Processing | N/A | No Fee |
These fees cover services like determining returning resident status or applying for waivers of certain visa requirements.
Understanding the Cost of Your US Travel Visa
So, how much is a travel visa to the USA? The answer depends significantly on the type of visa you need. For a temporary visit, most non-immigrant visas cost $185 for the application processing fee. Immigrant visas, for permanent residency, have a more varied fee structure, with application fees ranging from $205 to $345, in addition to potential petition filing fees.
It’s crucial to remember that these fees are subject to change and it’s always best to check the official U.S. Department of State website or the website of your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information before you begin your application process. Budgeting for these visa costs is an essential part of planning your trip to the United States.
