USA Visa Fees 2026 — Complete Cost Breakdown & Payment Guide
| USA Visa Fees 2026 | |
|---|---|
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | USD 21 |
| B-1/B-2 Tourist/Business Visa (MRV Fee) | USD 185 |
| F-1/M-1 Student Visa (MRV Fee) | USD 185 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor (MRV Fee) | USD 185 |
| H-1B / L-1 Work Visa (MRV Fee) | USD 185 |
| Reciprocity Fee (varies by nationality) | USD 0–300+ (check travel.state.gov) |
| SEVIS Fee (students/exchange) | USD 200–350 |
Overview of USA Visa Fees in 2026
Understanding the full cost of a USA visa application is essential for budgeting your trip. Beyond the government visa fee, applicants often face service charges from visa application centres, biometrics fees, and courier costs. This guide provides a complete breakdown of all USA visa costs for 2026, including the main fee, optional services, and any additional charges based on nationality.
Detailed Fee Breakdown
The primary visa fee for USA is ESTA: USD 21; B1/B2: USD 185. This government fee is payable at the time of application submission and is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Visa application centres (where applicable) charge a separate service fee for processing and biometric collection. Always use official government portals to avoid overpaying or falling victim to scams.
Some nationalities benefit from reduced or waived fees due to bilateral visa fee reciprocity agreements. Children under a certain age (typically 6 years) are often exempt from visa fees. Check the official USA immigration authority website for nationality-specific fee schedules before applying.
Payment Methods
Most USA visa fees can be paid using international credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) through the official online application portal. Some consulates and visa application centres also accept cash in local currency. Bank transfers may be required in certain countries. Always pay through official channels and retain your payment receipt as proof of payment for your application.
Refund Policy
USA visa application fees are generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted. This applies to both approved and refused applications. If you withdraw your application before processing begins, you may be eligible for a partial refund in some jurisdictions — check the official portal for current policy. Service fees from visa application centres are also non-refundable.