Money guide
The usual government fees in one place, each with a link to the official page. Fees change, so use this as a guide and always confirm on the official site before you pay.
Check the official page. Amounts here were last reviewed on October 10, 2026. If the official page shows a different number, the official page is right.
| Fee | Who pays | Amount | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee: visitor, student, exchange (B, F, M, J) Paid before you book the interview. Not refunded if the visa is refused. | Almost everyone who needs a visa | about $185 | State Department fee list |
| Visa application fee: work visas (H, L, O, P and similar) Different groups of work visas have different amounts. | Workers whose employer filed a petition | about $205 | State Department fee list |
| Visa application fee: treaty traders and investors (E) Check the list for your exact visa letter. | E-1 and E-2 applicants | about $315 | State Department fee list |
| Extra fee for some nationalities Depends on what your country charges U.S. citizens (a "reciprocity" fee). The embassy tells you. | Some countries only | varies | State Department fee list |
| Fee | Who pays | Amount | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 fee: F-1 and M-1 students Keep the payment receipt for the interview. | Students, paid once before the visa interview | about $350 | SEVIS fee payment site |
| SEVIS I-901 fee: J-1 exchange visitors Some J-1 groups (for example short programs) pay less. | Exchange visitors | about $220 | SEVIS fee payment site |
| Fee | Who pays | Amount | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA travel authorization Apply only on the official site. Copycat sites charge much more. | Citizens of Visa Waiver countries | about $21 | Official ESTA site |
| Fee | Who pays | Amount | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B registration (the lottery) A small fee per entry, set each year. Your employer normally pays. | Employers, each person entered | check USCIS | USCIS H-1B page |
| Petition fees (I-129 and related) Several fees add up and depend on employer size. Rules and amounts change often. | Employers | check USCIS | USCIS fee schedule |
| Premium processing An extra fee for a faster decision on some forms. The amount changes, so read the current page. | Employer or applicant, optional | check USCIS | USCIS premium processing |
| Fee | Who pays | Amount | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-160 online visa application form The form is free. The visa fee is paid separately. Never pay someone to fill it in on a "fee" site. | Everyone applying for a visa | no fee | Official DS-160 site |
| I-94 record Look up your latest record on the official site. | Anyone who has entered | no fee for the online record | Official I-94 site |
For most visitor, student and exchange visas the fee is about $185. Many work visas are about $205 and treaty visas about $315. The State Department sets the amounts and can change them, so read the official fee list before you pay.
No. The fee pays for the application and interview, not for an approval. A refusal does not return the money, and a new application needs a new fee.
Only the government, through the official instructions on the embassy site. Agents and websites that sell appointments or promise approval are not official.
Employer fees for work visas have several parts and change often, so a number printed here could be wrong within weeks. The linked USCIS page always has the current amount.
Unofficial site. This is not legal advice and not a price list. Some extra fees (for example a fee a new law adds) may apply to you, so read the current official notices.