Navigating the complexities of international travel often begins with understanding visa requirements and associated costs. For those planning a trip to the United States, grasping the nuances of Travel Visa Services and fees is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the various US visa categories and their corresponding fees, empowering you with the knowledge needed for your visa application journey.
Nonimmigrant Visa Services: Temporary Visits to the US
Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, education, or work. The application process involves specific fees that vary depending on the visa category. It’s important to note that these travel visa services are essential for ensuring you apply for the correct visa type and understand the associated costs.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fees
A non-refundable application processing fee is mandatory for almost all nonimmigrant visa categories. Understanding this fee structure is the first step in budgeting for your US travel visa.
General Nonimmigrant Visa Fee: $185.00
This fee applies to a wide range of non-petition-based visas, including:
| Visa Category | Description |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Visitor Visa: Business, Tourism, Medical Treatment |
| C-1 | Transiting the United States |
| D | Crewmembers – Airline, Ship |
| F | Student, Academic |
| I | Media and Journalists |
| J | Exchange Visitors (most categories) |
| M | Students, Vocational |
| TN/TD | NAFTA Professionals |
| S | Witness or Informant* |
| T | Victim of Trafficking in Persons* |
| U | Victim of Criminal Activity* |
*While technically petition-based, these categories are processed at the $185.00 fee.
Petition-Based Visa Fee: $205.00
For certain temporary worker and trainee visas that require a petition filed by a US employer, the application processing fee is slightly higher. These categories include:
| Visa Category | Description |
|---|---|
| H | Temporary Workers/Employment or Trainees |
| L | Intracompany Transferees |
| O | Persons with Extraordinary Ability |
| P | Athletes, Artists & Entertainers |
| Q | International Cultural Exchange |
| R | Religious Worker |
Specialty Visa Fees:
- E – Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty Visa: $315.00 – This category involves specific treaty agreements and has a unique fee.
- K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen Visa: $265.00 – For those entering the US to marry a US citizen.
Border Crossing Card Fees
For eligible Mexican citizens, Border Crossing Cards offer convenient entry into the United States.
- Border Crossing Card – Age 15 and Over (10-year validity): $185.00
- Border Crossing Card – Under Age 15 (valid until age 15 or 10 years): $15.00 (for Mexican citizens under 15 whose parent/guardian has or is applying for a BCC).
Additional Nonimmigrant Visa Fees
- L Visa Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500.00 – Applicable to principal applicants under L blanket petitions.
- Consolidated Appropriations Act Fee (Certain H-1B and Blanket L-1 Visas): $4,500.00 – For companies with a high percentage of H-1B and L-1 employees filing blanket L-1 petitions.
Situations Where the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee is Waived
In certain specific circumstances, the nonimmigrant visa application fee is not required. These include:
- Diplomatic and Official Visas: Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas.
- US Government-Sponsored Exchange Programs: Participants in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges (J visa).
- Visa Reissuance (No Applicant Fault): Replacement of a machine-readable visa due to errors not caused by the applicant.
- International Agreements Exemptions: Applicants exempted by international agreements.
- Charitable Services: Individuals traveling to the US to provide charitable services, as determined by Visa Services.
- US Government Employees: Traveling on official business.
- Family of Deceased/Critically Injured US Government Employees: For travel related to funeral/burial or emergency visitation.
Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance Fees and Exemptions
Separate from the application processing fee, some nonimmigrant visas may also have an issuance fee. However, this fee is waived in several cases, including for:
- Foreign Government Representatives and Diplomats: Official representatives, diplomats, and their families.
- UN Transit: Applicants transiting to and from the United Nations Headquarters.
- US Government-Sponsored Programs: Participants and dependents in US government-sponsored programs.
- Charitable Service Providers: Individuals traveling to provide charitable services.
Visa Waiver Program: Visa-Free Travel
It’s worth noting that citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing them to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without a visa. This is a significant aspect of travel visa services to consider if applicable to your nationality.
Immigrant Visa Services: Permanent Residence in the US
Immigrant visas are for foreign nationals intending to live permanently in the United States. The fee structure differs from nonimmigrant visas and involves both petition filing fees and application processing fees. Utilizing travel visa services can be particularly helpful in navigating the more complex process of immigrant visa applications.
Immigrant Visa Petition Filing Fees
These fees are for petitions filed with USCIS but may be collected by US Embassies and Consulates. These fees are subject to change by USCIS.
| Petition Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Immigrant Petition for Relative (Form I-130) | $675.00 |
| Orphan (Intercountry Adoption) Petition (I-600/I-800) | $775.00 |
Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees
These fees are non-refundable and are per person.
| Visa Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Immediate Relative and Family Preference Visas (I-130, I-600, I-800) | $325.00 |
| Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (I-140, I-526) | $345.00 |
| Other Immigrant Visas (including I-360, Special Immigrant Visas, SB-1) | $205.00 |
| Certain Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas | No Fee |
Other Immigrant Visa Fees
- Diversity Visa Lottery Fee: $330.00 – Per person applying as a DV program selectee.
- Affidavit of Support Review Fee: $120.00 – For domestic review of the Affidavit of Support.
Important Note: Many immigration forms are processed by USCIS. For fees related to forms starting with “I” (not listed above as collected by the Department of State), please refer to the USCIS website.
Special Visa Services and Fees
Beyond standard nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, there are specific travel visa services for unique situations, each with its own fee structure.
| Service Description | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Application for Determining Returning Resident Status (Form DS-117) | $180.00 |
| Transportation Letter for Legal Permanent Residents | $575.00 |
| J Waiver Application (Form DS-3035) | $120.00 |
| Application for Waiver of Visa Ineligibility (Form I-601) (USCIS Fee) | $930.00 |
| Refugee or Significant Public Benefit Parole Case Processing | No Fee |
Note: Fee information is based on the Code of Federal Regulations and is subject to change.
Understanding the fees associated with US travel visa services is a critical part of planning your journey to the United States. Whether you are visiting temporarily or planning to immigrate, being informed about these costs will help you navigate the application process more effectively. For the most up-to-date information and personalized guidance, always refer to official sources and consider consulting with reputable travel visa services providers.
