The short answer
The visa application fee depends on the type of visa, and fees change from time to time, so always read the current amount on the State Department's visa fee page or your embassy's page. Some visas also have other fees.
What to know
- Everyone pays the application fee before the interview, and it is usually not refunded if the visa is refused.
- Students and exchange visitors also pay a separate SEVIS fee.
- Some visas based on a petition (such as H, L, O) have a different fee from visitor visas.
- After approval, some nationalities pay an extra visa issuance fee because of a reciprocity rule.
- Only pay on the official website or the embassy's official payment partner. Nobody can sell you a guaranteed visa.
For the exact rules, forms and fees, see the State Department visa website.
Visa Status is an unofficial site. This is general information in plain words, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change, so check the official website and your own papers. Written October 2026.