USA fee increase for student & tourist visas announced

In 2023, the US State Department confirmed that certain nonimmigrant visas, including those for students and tourists, will be subject to a fee increase.

There will be a $185 fee increase for nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) issued sans recourse, such as visitor visas (B1/B2).

A $205 fee will be charged based-on-petition for nonimmigrant worker visas in the H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories.

Temporary workers and those intending to work in the US temporarily are eligible for these visas. Subcategories within these visa types are determined by the nature of the employment.

Individuals applying for treaty trader or investor visas or specialty occupations (E category) will now have to pay $315 for their application fee, an increase from $205.

It is important to note that all other official charges will remain the same.

Visa applicants who have already paid a valid application fee but have yet to attend their visa interview or whose case is being processed will not be charged an additional cost.

According to the US State Department, visa costs are determined by reviewing expenses annually.

Within the context of President Joe Biden's foreign policy, the State Department highlighted the importance of international travel to the US economy.