U.S. nonimmigrant visa (MRV) fees
The U.S. nonimmigrant visa application fee — the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee — is $185 for visitor (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), exchange (J) and most categories; $205 for petition-based work visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R); $265 for K fiance(e) visas; and $315 for E treaty trader/investor visas. The MRV fee is paid before the interview and is non-refundable. These are State Department fees and are separate from any USCIS petition fee.
Source: U.S. Department of State — Fees for Visa Services. Data as of June 2026.
MRV fees by visa category
| Visa class | Type | MRV fee |
|---|---|---|
| B, C-1, D, F, I, M, T, U, TN/TD, S | Visitor, student, transit and most non-petition-based visas | $185 |
| H, L, O, P, Q, R | Petition-based temporary worker visas | $205 |
| E | Treaty trader and investor visas | $315 |
| K | Fiance(e) and spouse of U.S. citizen visas | $265 |
Source: U.S. Department of State — Fees for Visa Services. Data as of June 2026.
Examples by class
B, C-1, D, F, I, M, T, U, TN/TD, S — $185
B-1/B-2 (business/tourism), F-1 (academic student), M-1 (vocational student), J-1 (most exchange visitors), C-1 (transit), D (crew), I (media), T and U (trafficking/crime victims), TN/TD (USMCA professionals).
The standard application (MRV) fee for visas that do not require a separate USCIS petition. J-1 exchange visitors in U.S. government-funded programs are fee-exempt.
H, L, O, P, Q, R — $205
H-1B (specialty occupation), H-2A/H-2B (seasonal/temporary), L-1 (intracompany transfer), O (extraordinary ability), P (athletes/entertainers), Q (cultural exchange), R (religious worker).
Applies to nonimmigrant visa classes that first require an approved USCIS petition (usually Form I-129).
E — $315
E-1 (treaty trader), E-2 (treaty investor), E-3 (Australian specialty occupation).
The highest standard MRV fee category, reflecting the more complex treaty-based adjudication.
K — $265
K-1 (fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen), K-3 (spouse of a U.S. citizen).
K visas follow an approved Form I-129F petition filed by the U.S. citizen with USCIS.
What the MRV fee does and does not cover
The MRV fee covers the processing of your visa application and the interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It is paid whether or not the visa is approved. It does not cover:
- The USCIS petition fee (for example Form I-129 for a worker, or Form I-129F for a K-1 fiance(e)), which the U.S. petitioner pays separately. See our USCIS forms fees.
- A visa issuance (reciprocity) fee, which depends on your nationality and is charged only after approval for some categories.
- The new $250 Visa Integrity Fee created by H.R. 1, payable on issuance once it is implemented.
A note on the $250 Visa Integrity Fee
Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1) created a $250 Visa Integrity Fee applying to most nonimmigrant visa categories, payable when the visa is issued and potentially refundable if the visa holder complies with all conditions. As of June 2026, the fee had been signed into law but was not yet being collected — the State Department had not issued implementation guidance. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) travelers and immigrant visa applicants are exempt. Treat the extra $250 as a likely future cost, and confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the U.S. nonimmigrant visa application fee in 2026?
The standard MRV application fee is $185 for visitor (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), exchange (J) and most non-petition categories; $205 for petition-based work visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R); $265 for K fiance(e) visas; and $315 for E treaty trader/investor visas, as of June 2026.
Is the MRV fee refundable?
No. The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, whether the visa is approved or refused. It is paid before the interview.
What is the Visa Integrity Fee?
Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1) created a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most nonimmigrant visa categories, payable when the visa is issued and on top of the MRV fee. As of June 2026 it had been signed into law but was not yet operational, pending implementation guidance from the State Department.
Source
Fees from the U.S. Department of State — Fees for Visa Services, current as of June 2026. Informational only — not legal advice; confirm current fees on travel.state.gov before paying. See our methodology.
Last updated: 2026-06-15