How much does it cost to apply for a US visa?
In recent years, with the increasingly frequent international exchanges, more and more people choose 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 the fee structure of the US visa in detail, combined with the hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days, to provide you with comprehensive reference information.
1. Overview of U.S. visa fees

The cost of a U.S. visa varies depending on factors such as the type of visa and the age of the applicant. Here are the common U.S. visa types and their fees:
| Visa type | Fees (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 tourist visa | 160 | Suitable for traveling, visiting relatives or business visits |
| F1 student visa | 160 | Additional SEVIS fee required |
| H1B work visa | 190 | Suitable for professional and technical workers |
| J1 Exchange Visitor Visa | 160 | Additional SEVIS fee required |
2. Hot topics in the past 10 days: changes in US visa policies
Recently, there have been some adjustments to the U.S. visa policy, which has triggered widespread discussion. The following are some hotly discussed topics in the past 10 days:
1.Visa appointment waiting times extended: Due to the surge in applicants, the waiting time for U.S. visa appointments has been extended to several months in some areas, especially for B1/B2 visas.
2.SEVIS fee increases: Starting from 2023, the SEVIS fee for some students and exchange visitors will increase. The SEVIS fee for F1 visa will increase from US$200 to US$220.
3.Visa interview exemption scope expanded: The U.S. State Department announced that eligible applicants can renew their visas without an interview. This policy has received widespread attention.
3. Other related expenses
In addition to the visa application fee, applying for a U.S. visa may also involve the following fees:
| Expense items | Amount (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS fee (F1/J1) | 220/220 | Students and exchange visitors pay |
| Passport postage fee | 20-50 | Varies by region and type of service |
| photo shoot fee | 10-20 | Photos that meet U.S. visa requirements |
| Translation and notarization fees | 50-200 | Non-English materials need to be translated and notarized |
4. How to save visa fees
1.Plan ahead: Make an appointment early to avoid rush service fees.
2.Prepare all materials: Reduce duplicate application fees due to incomplete materials.
3.Pay attention to preferential policies: Certain special groups (such as children, the elderly) may enjoy fee reductions.
5. Summary
The cost of processing a U.S. visa varies depending on the type and personal circumstances, but usually ranges from $160-220. Recent changes in visa policies and hot topics are also worthy of attention, especially adjustments to appointment waiting times and SEVIS fees. Applicants are advised to plan in advance and understand the latest policies to ensure a smooth visa application.
Through the structured data in this article, you can clearly understand the cost structure of a US visa and make more informed application decisions based on recent hot topics.
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