The Department of State announced a final rule that affects the fees for some nonimmigrant visa applications. Starting June 17, 2023, processing fees for the following applications will increase:

• Visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2’s and BCC’s) and student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas) will now cost $185 instead of $160.
• Petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) will have a fee increase from $190 to $205.
• The fee for treaty traders, investors, and applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will rise from $205 to $315.

However, if you pay for your visa application before June 17, 2023, you won’t have to pay the higher fee.

The decision to increase fees is due to the result of a study based on the actual cost of providing nonimmigrant visa services. Petition-based nonimmigrant visa fees were last updated in 2012, while other fees were not until 2014.

This rule does not affect some consular fees, such as the two-year residency waiver for certain exchange visitors.

If you have any questions about your immigration process or any immigration-related issues, contact us. We are here to guide you every step of the way.