How much does a US visa cost: detailed explanation of fees and summary of recent hot topics
Recently, changes in U.S. visa fees and policies have become a hot topic on the Internet. This article will combine the popular search data of the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the U.S. visa fee structure, and attach relevant hot content.
1. List of basic US visa fees
| Visa type | Fees (USD) | Validity period |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 tourist visa | 185 | 10 years (subject to consulate approval) |
| F1 student visa | 185 | 5 years |
| H1B work visa | 190 | 3 years |
| J1 Exchange Visitor Visa | 185 | project cycle |
2. Recent hot topics
1.Early warning of visa fee adjustment in 2023:The U.S. State Department plans to increase the fees for some visa types starting in January 2024, among which the B1/B2 visa may rise to US$200.
2.Appointment wait times hit record high:The B visa interview appointments at the Beijing and Shanghai consulates have been scheduled until March 2024, and the Guangzhou consulate is relatively relaxed.
| Consulate | Current appointment waiting time |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 158 days |
| Shanghai | 172 days |
| Guangzhou | 89 days |
3.New rules for EVUS registration:Travelers holding 10-year B visas should note that the EVUS registration fee may increase from US$8 to US$12 starting in 2024.
3. Analysis of Hidden Costs
In addition to the visa fee, applicants also need to pay:
| project | Fee (RMB) |
|---|---|
| passport photo | 40-80 yuan |
| Visa center service fee | About 320 yuan |
| Express fee | 65-120 yuan |
4. Key points of recent policy changes
1.Relaxation of interview exemption conditions:Starting from November 2023, some qualified applicants can renew their visas without an interview, including:
- Last visa expired within 48 months
- Same visa category
- No visa refusal record
2.DS-160 form optimization:A new required field of "Social Media Account" has been added, and usage records for the past five years must be provided.
5. Tips for saving money
1. Plan ahead: avoid the peak periods of summer vacation (June-August) and winter vacation (December-January)
2. Material preparation: ensure one pass and avoid repeated payment.
3. Pay attention to offers: some bank credit cards offer cash rebates on visa fees
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a refund if my visa is rejected?
A: All visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
Q: Do children need to pay the same fee?
A: The application fee for children under 14 years old is the same, but they can apply without an interview.
Q: What are the payment methods?
A: Supports Alipay, UnionPay, credit card and other payment methods.
Recently, with the resumption of air routes between China and the United States and the arrival of the study abroad season, the number of U.S. visa inquiries has increased by 35% year-on-year. Applicants are advised to plan in advance and follow official channels for the latest information. If you need further help, you can consult a professional immigration lawyer or an authorized agency.
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