US Visa Application Fee Calculator – DS-160, MRV, SEVIS & Reciprocity Costs (2026 Rules)

Calculate total out-of-pocket costs for US B1/B2 tourist, F-1 student, and H-1B work visas. Incorporates 2026 Department of State MRV fee schedule, SEVIS I-901, and passport photos.

Visa Classification Category

Applicant Nationality / Passport Country

Include Emergency Appointment & Document Logistics (~$160)

Student & Exchange SEVIS I-901 Fee:$0

Country-Specific Visa Issuance Reciprocity Fee:$0

Biometric 2x2 Inch Photos & Passport Courier:$45

Estimated Total Visa Cost

$230

All mandatory US government fees

Base MRV Processing Fee

$185

Paid to US Department of State

Detailed Expense Breakdown:

Includes mandatory MRV fee ($185), biometric photos ($15), document courier ($30). Fully up to date for FY2026.

Important Consular Rule: Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fees are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable, valid for 365 days from payment date to schedule an in-person interview.

Immigration and consular fee estimate based on official 2026 USCIS and Department of State fee schedules. This tool is for informational planning only and does not constitute formal legal representation or immigration attorney advice.

Official 2026 US Department of State Visa Fee Schedule

Navigating the United States non-immigrant visa process requires budgeting beyond the headline Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. Following the Department of State fee adjustments, non-petition visitor and student visas (B1/B2, F-1, J-1, M-1) are established at $185 USD, while temporary worker petition visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R) require $205 USD.

Ancillary Government & Compliance Fees

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS I-901): F-1 and M-1 academic students must pay a mandatory $350 SEVIS fee to DHS before consular interview scheduling. J-1 exchange visitors pay $220.
Visa Issuance Reciprocity Fees: Based on how foreign governments treat US citizens, certain nationalities (e.g. Australia, Papua New Guinea) are subject to reciprocal issuance surcharges collected at the embassy counter upon visa approval.
Biometric Digital Photos & Passport Return: Consulates mandate 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) compliant white-background portraits meeting strict facial geometric specs, plus courier dispatch fees for home passport delivery.

100% Client-Side Privacy

Visa applications handle sensitive travel plans and nationality details. This calculator processes your inputs entirely inside your local browser memory sandbox. Zero personal information is logged or transmitted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a refund if my DS-160 visa is denied under 214(b)?

No. Department of State MRV processing fees cover the adjudication labor costs of consular officers and are strictly non-refundable regardless of approval or refusal.

How long is my visa fee receipt valid?

US visa fee receipts remain valid for 365 days from the date of payment. You must schedule and book an interview appointment within that one-year window.

Do children under 14 pay the full visa fee?

Yes. Every applicant, regardless of age or waiver of in-person interview requirements, must pay the full individual MRV application fee.

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