Nonimmigrant Visa Fees Will Increase on June 17, 2023
2 MINUTE READ
May 25, 2023
The U.S. Department of State has increased certain nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fees. These fee increases are effective as of June 17, 2023.
· The application fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s ), and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, has increased from $160 to $185.
· The application fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) has increased from $190 to $205.
· The application fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor, and treaty applicant in a specialty occupation (E category) has increased from $205 to $315.
Other consular fees remain the same, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors. Applicants who have already paid a visa application fee that is currently valid and non-expired, but who have not yet appeared for their visa interview or are waiting for their case to be processed, will not be charged any additional fees.
For detailed information, please visit the State Department’s press release at https://www.state.gov/publication-of-final-rule-on-nonimmigrant-visa-fee-increases/
As someone deeply immersed in the field of immigration and international travel, I can confidently speak to the intricacies of nonimmigrant visa processes and their associated fees. In the case of the U.S. Department of State's recent fee adjustments for nonimmigrant visa applications, these alterations are pivotal in understanding the financial aspect of temporary stays and visits to the United States.
The fee increases, effective from June 17, 2023, specifically impact various nonimmigrant visa categories:
-
Visitor Visas (B1/B2) and Other Non-Petition Based NIVs (Student and Exchange Visitor Visas): The application fee has escalated from $160 to $185.
-
Certain Petition-Based Nonimmigrant Visas (Temporary Workers - H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories): The application fee has increased from $190 to $205.
-
Treaty Trader, Treaty Investor, and Treaty Applicant in a Specialty Occupation (E Category): The application fee has substantially risen from $205 to $315.
It's crucial to note that while these fees have increased, certain consular fees, including the waiver for the two-year residency required fee for specific exchange visitors, have remained unaltered. Furthermore, applicants who have already paid a valid and non-expired visa application fee but have not yet appeared for their interview or are awaiting their case's processing will not face additional fees.
For more comprehensive details regarding these fee modifications and their implications, the State Department's official press release at offers in-depth information.
Understanding these changes is vital for anyone planning to apply for nonimmigrant visas to the United States after June 17, 2023, ensuring they're well-prepared for the updated financial aspects of their application process.
