The United States Department of State has rolled out a revised fee structure for non-immigrant visa applications, which officially took effect across all its embassies and consulates globally — including those in Abuja and Lagos — starting May 2025.
In its latest public notice, the Department stated that this updated pricing applies to a wide range of temporary visa categories including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work permits, and the K fiancé(e) visa, among others.
This revision impacts individuals from around the world, including Nigerian applicants seeking visas for academic purposes, tourism, business trips, or family visits. The updated fees must be paid upon submission of visa applications.
New Visa Fee Structure by Category (Effective May 2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the latest U.S. non-immigrant visa application costs:
– Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2): $185 – Ideal for those traveling for tourism or business meetings.
– Transit Visa (C-1): $185 – For travelers transiting through U.S. airports or seaports.
– Crew Member Visa (D): $185 – Required for airline or shipping crew entering the U.S.
– Academic Student Visa (F): $185 – Necessary for enrollment in American educational institutions.
– Vocational Student Visa (M): $185 – Tailored for technical or non-academic training programs.
– Exchange Visitor Visa (J): $185 – Covers cultural exchange initiatives, such as the Fulbright Program or internships.
– Media Visa (I): $185 – For credentialed foreign journalists reporting from the U.S.
– Victim of Trafficking Visa (T): $185 – Offers protection for individuals fleeing human trafficking.
– Victim of Criminal Activity Visa (U): $185 – For victims who assist U.S. authorities in criminal investigations.
– NAFTA Professional Visa (TN/TD): $185 – Available to Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA.
– Temporary Worker Visa (H): $205 – Includes the H-1B visa for skilled foreign employees.
– Intra-Company Transfer Visa (L): $205 – For staff being transferred within multinational companies.
– Extraordinary Ability Visa (O): $205 – Reserved for top-tier professionals across various fields.
– Artist, Entertainer, Athlete Visa (P): $205 – For globally recognized entertainers and sports professionals.
– Cultural Exchange Visa (Q): $205 – Targets individuals in international cultural programs.
– Religious Worker Visa (R): $205 – For missionaries and religious practitioners.
– Fiancé(e) Visa (K): $265 – For foreign partners of U.S. citizens planning to marry.
– Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E-1/E-2): $315 – Encourages investment from citizens of treaty nations.
– Australian Specialty Occupation Visa (E-3): $315 – Specially designed for Australians in select professions.
What You Need to Know
The revised fees pertain strictly to non-immigrant visa categories, which are issued for temporary stays in the U.S. for specific purposes like education, tourism, business, or cultural exchange.
These adjustments do **not** influence immigrant visa processes, which are for individuals intending to settle permanently in the United States and apply for Green Cards. Immigrant visa applicants undergo a different application system, including separate fees and interviews under U.S. immigration policy.
