US visa costs have changed several times in 2025 and 2026. New fees have been added, and some old fees have gone up. If you are planning a trip, a study programme or a job in the US, it helps to see every fee in one place.
This guide brings together the main US visa and travel fees as of October 2026. Use it as a budgeting tool, then check the official US embassy website for your country before paying.
Short on time? Here is the quick answer.
Your question
The short answer
Tourist visa?
185 dollars plus 250 dollar integrity fee.
Work visa?
205 dollars for H, L, O, P, Q and R.
ESTA?
40.62 dollars from 16 October 2026.
Student SEVIS?
350 dollars for F and M.
Visa Application Fees
Visa type
Fee
B1/B2, F, J, M, TN, C, I
185 dollars
H, L, O, P, Q, R
205 dollars
E treaty trader and investor
315 dollars
K fiancé
265 dollars
Border crossing card, age 15 and over
185 dollars
Border crossing card, under 15
15 dollars
Extra Fees on Top
Fee
Amount
Who pays
Visa Integrity Fee
250 dollars
Most nonimmigrant visa holders, at issuance
SEVIS fee
350 dollars
F and M students
SEVIS fee
220 dollars
Most J exchange visitors
Reciprocity fee
Varies by nationality
Some nationalities
Visa Free Travel Fees
Fee
Amount
Who pays
ESTA
40.62 dollars from 16 October 2026
Visa Waiver Program travellers
EVUS
31.75 dollars from 16 October 2026
Chinese 10 year B visa holders
I-94 at land borders
30 dollars
Land arrivals needing one
Special and Optional Fees
Fee
Amount
Notes
Expedited appointment pilot
750 dollars
Only in Mexico, B1/B2 only, ends 31 December 2026
H-1B registration
215 dollars
Paid by employers
H-1B 100,000 dollar payment
Blocked by courts
Not being collected
Budget Example
Student on F-1
Cost
Application fee
185 dollars
SEVIS fee
350 dollars
Visa Integrity Fee
250 dollars
Total
785 dollars
Fees You Pay Versus Fees Your Employer Pays
Work visas often have two sets of fees. The employer pays petition fees to USCIS before you apply, including the 215 dollar H-1B registration fee. You then pay the visa application fee and any integrity fee at the embassy. Some employers cover the visa fee too, but that is their choice.
Students pay the SEVIS fee before the interview. Keep the receipt, because the embassy will ask for it. Tourists usually pay only the visa fee and, where collected, the integrity fee.
Fees are not refunded if a visa is refused, except where the law says otherwise. So it is worth preparing a strong application before you pay.
Words You Will See
New to these terms? Here is what they mean in plain English.
Word
What it means
MRV fee
The main visa application fee
ESTA
Online permit for Visa Waiver Program travellers
EVUS
Online update for Chinese 10 year visa holders
I-94
The US arrival record
If you pay in local currency, the embassy sets an exchange rate, so the amount may differ slightly from the dollar figure. Pay only through the official payment channel listed by your embassy.
Fees above reflect official US government information as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.
The Honest Summary
US visas now cost more than they did a year ago. Most applicants should budget for the application fee plus 250 dollars, and students should add SEVIS. Always confirm on your embassy’s website.
Key takeaways
Tourist, business and student visa applications cost 185 dollars.
Most work visas such as H, L and O cost 205 dollars.
A 250 dollar Visa Integrity Fee is added at issuance where collected.
ESTA rose to 40.62 dollars on 16 October 2026.
Learn the US student visa process
World Visa Academy trains professionals on F-1 visas, costs and documents.
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