How much does it cost to apply for a US visa? Analysis of the latest fees and hot topics
Recently, U.S. visa application fees and procedures have become one of the hot topics on the Internet. With the arrival of the summer travel season and the peak of study abroad applications, many netizens are concerned about the specific fees, application procedures and related policy changes for applying for a US visa. This article will combine the popular data of the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of US visa fees and hot topics.
1. Overview of the latest US visa fees
According to the latest announcement from the U.S. Department of State, non-immigrant visa application fees have been adjusted in 2023. Here is a breakdown of fees for common visa types:
| Visa type | Application fee (USD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 tourist visa | 185 | Additional visa center service fee is required |
| F1 student visa | 185 | SEVIS fee $350 required |
| H1B work visa | 190 | Additional anti-fraud fees apply |
| J1 Exchange Visitor Visa | 185 | SEVIS fee of USD 220 is required |
2. Inventory of recent hot topics
1.US visa appointment queue time extended: Recently, the waiting time for appointments at many U.S. embassies and consulates has exceeded 100 days, especially in popular consular areas such as Shanghai and Guangzhou. Netizens are hotly discussing how to shorten the waiting time through expedited service or changing consular areas.
2.Visa rejection rate rises: Some applicants have reported that the rejection rate for B1/B2 visas has increased recently, especially for single young people and those without stable income. Experts recommend providing more complete proof of financial resources and travel plans.
3.EVUS registration fee dispute: Passengers holding 10-year B1/B2 visas need to update their EVUS information every two years. Some netizens complained that the system was unstable and resulted in repeated payments.
3. Other potential costs of applying for a US visa
In addition to the visa application fee, the following fees also need to be considered:
| Project | Fee (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Visa center service fee | About 320 yuan |
| Passport postage fee | 50-100 yuan |
| photo shoot | 30-80 yuan |
| Translation and notarization fees | 200-500 yuan |
4. How to save the cost of US visa application?
1.Fill out the DS-160 form yourself: Avoid the high service fees charged by intermediaries (usually 500-2,000 yuan).
2.Choose a non-popular consular area: Shenyang, Chengdu and other consular districts have shorter waiting times for appointments.
3.Prepare materials in advance: Reduce additional courier costs for resubmitted materials.
5. Answers to frequent questions from netizens
Q: Will the US visa fee increase?
A: According to the 2023 proposal of the US State Department, the fees for some visa types may be increased by 5%-15%, but it has not yet been implemented.
Q: Can I get a refund after being refused a visa?
A: No. Once paid, the visa application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether it is approved.
Q: Do children need to pay the full fee?
A: Children under 14 years old are exempt from the visa application fee, but need to pay the visa center service fee.
From the above analysis, it can be seen that the total cost of applying for a U.S. visa varies greatly depending on the visa type and personal circumstances. It is recommended that applicants plan their budget in advance and pay attention to policy developments. For the latest information, please visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China.
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