How much does it cost to get a visa to the United States?
In recent years, with the increasingly frequent international exchanges, more and more people plan to travel, study or work in the United States. The cost of applying for a US visa is the focus of many people's attention. This article will introduce in detail the fee structure, application process and recent hot topics of the US visa to help you better plan your visa application.
1. Details of U.S. visa fees

The cost of a US visa varies depending on the type of visa. Here is a breakdown of fees for common visa types:
| Visa type | Fees (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 (tourism/business) | 160 | Additional SEVIS fee required (if applicable) |
| F1 (student visa) | 160 | There is an additional SEVIS fee of USD 350. |
| J1 (Exchange Visiting Scholar) | 160 | There is an additional SEVIS fee of USD 220. |
| H1B (work visa) | 190 | There is an additional anti-fraud fee of $500 |
| L1 (employees of multinational companies) | 205 | There is an additional anti-fraud fee of $500 |
2. Recent hot topics
1.U.S. visa appointment wait times extended
Recently, due to the surge in the number of applicants, the waiting time for visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China has been significantly extended. Especially for B1/B2 visas, the waiting time in some cities has exceeded 100 days. Applicants with travel plans are recommended to make an appointment as early as possible.
2.Visa fee adjustment rumors
There is news that the U.S. State Department is considering adjusting the fees for some visa types, especially H1B and L1 work visas. However, there has been no official notification yet, and applicants still need to refer to the current fees.
3.EVUS registration requirements
Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2 visas should note that EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System) registration is a necessary condition for entry into the United States. Failure to complete registration may result in denial of entry.
3. Visa application process
1.Fill out form DS-160
Filling out the DS-160 form online is the first step in applying for a U.S. visa. The form needs to be filled out in English and covers personal information, travel plans, etc.
2.Pay visa fee
After completing the form, you need to pay the visa fee through designated channels. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
3.Make an appointment for an interview
Log in to the U.S. visa application system to schedule an interview. Interviews usually take place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China.
4.Prepare materials
Prepare corresponding materials according to the type of visa, such as passport, photos, employment certificate, bank statements, etc.
5.Attend interview
Attend the interview at the scheduled time. The visa officer will decide whether to issue a visa based on the materials and interview situation.
4. Precautions
1.Fee payment method
The visa fee can be paid at CITIC Bank counter, ATM or online. The SEVIS fee is payable through the FMJfee.com website.
2.Visa validity
The validity period of visas varies. B1/B2 visas are usually 10 years, but the length of stay for each entry is determined by customs officials.
3.Post-rejection processing
If your visa is rejected, you can reapply, but you need to solve the problems that caused the visa rejection. The visa fee will not be refunded if the visa is refused.
5. Summary
The cost of a U.S. visa varies depending on the type, ranging from $160 to hundreds of dollars. Applicants need to choose the appropriate visa type based on their own circumstances and understand the relevant fees and procedures in advance. The waiting time for visa appointments has been long recently, so it is recommended to plan as early as possible. At the same time, pay attention to official information to avoid policy changes that may affect your application.
Through the introduction of this article, I hope it can help you better understand the cost and application process of a US visa, successfully complete the visa application, and realize your trip to the United States.
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