Traveling to the United States is a dream destination for many people around the world. Whether it’s for leisure, study, or work, the US offers a plethora of opportunities for foreigners to explore and experience. However, before you can enter the land of the free and the home of the brave, you need to acquire a US visa. And just like any other travel documents, there are costs involved. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of US visas and their respective costs to help you prepare for your application.
Types of US Visas
The cost of a US visa will depend on the type of visa you need. There are two main categories of US visas: immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas, also known as permanent residency visas, are intended for individuals who plan to live permanently in the US. This visa category is further subdivided into different types:
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
If you have a US citizen or permanent resident family member who is willing to sponsor you, you can apply for a family-based immigrant visa. The cost of this visa is $325 per person. However, there may be additional costs depending on your situation, such as medical exams, police certificates, and other fees.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
For individuals who have a job offer from a US employer or possess extraordinary skills or talents, they can apply for an employment-based immigrant visa. The cost of this visa is $345 per person. Similar to family-based visas, there may be additional costs involved.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
Also known as the Green Card Lottery, the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is a random selection process that awards 50,000 immigrant visas every year to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the US. The application for this visa is free, but if you’re selected, you need to pay a fee of $330.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Nonimmigrant visas are for individuals who intend to stay in the US temporarily. This visa category is also subdivided into different types:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is intended for individuals who want to visit the US for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The cost of this visa is $160 per person.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 student visa is for individuals who plan to study full-time in the US. The cost of this visa is $160 per person.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 exchange visitor visa is for individuals who participate in exchange programs, such as work-and-study and cultural exchange programs. The cost of this visa is $160 per person.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The H-1B specialty occupation visa is intended for individuals who have a job offer from a US employer in a specialty occupation, such as engineering, science, and IT. The cost of this visa varies depending on the size of the employer and the duration of the visa.
Additional Costs
Aside from the visa fees, there are other costs involved in the US visa application process. Here are some of them:
DS-160 Application Fee
The DS-160 is the online application form for nonimmigrant visas. The cost of this application is $160 per person.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
For individuals who are applying for an immigrant visa, they need to pay a USCIS immigrant fee of $220 before they can receive their Green Card.
Medical Examination Fee
Most US visa applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by the US embassy or consulate. The cost of this examination varies depending on the country and the physician.
Conclusion
Acquiring a US visa is not a cheap process. However, with proper preparation and understanding of the costs involved, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure a smooth application process. Remember to factor in the visa fees, application fees, and additional costs when planning your budget for your US trip. Good luck!
