Whether they want to visit, study, or work, people from all over the world dream of visiting the USA with a U.S. visa, and it is a significant step in their journey. The visa requirements are specific but can differ considerably in terms of cost and eligibility depending on an applicant’s situation. In this Ultimate Guide to US Visa Fees 2025 (visitor, tourist, student and worker) we will discuss the important information about US Visa fee and the significance of US Visa Interview in Dubai.

Overview of U.S. Visa Categories

There are several types of US Visas for tourists in the United States that vary depending on what a person visits the U.S.

B-1/B-2 visitor visas are for business, tourism or medical treatment while F and M student visas are for academic and vocational studies. Exchange visitor visas (J) are for cultural programs, and temporary worker visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R) are for jobs.

Treaty trader and investor visas (E) are for individuals conducting trade or investment activities. Each of the listed categories has specific requirements and a fee that may change dynamically over time. Keeping track about the recent updates regarding the changes in the visa will allow the applicants to double check everything before submitting for the selected visa.

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees for 2025

Effective June 17, 2023 the U.S. Department of State raised the fees for some nonimmigrant visa applications. These fees are likely to continue through 2025. Here are the current fees:

• Non-Petition-Based Visas: The application fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B-1/B-2) and other non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas, such as student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) visas, is $185. This fee is for those who are interested in the USA visit visa fee.
• Petition-Based Visas: For temporary workers, including H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories, the application fee is $205. America visa price or USA visa price for job seekers need to pay this fee.
• E Visas: The US visitor visa fees for Treaty Trader, Treaty Investor, and E-category applicants for specialty occupations is $315. This category applies to individuals seeking to trade and invest in the US under a visitor visa.

These fees are non-refundable and required regardless of the result of your application. When applying for a visa, applicants should make sure that they will be in that same category to avoid financial losses.

Additional Fees and Reciprocity Fees

Besides general application fees, some applicants will also need to pay reciprocity fees/visa issuance fees. These fees are calculated according to the applicant’s nationality and are used to provide for reciprocal treatment of U.S. citizens.

For instance, starting in 2024, citizens of specific countries must pay issuance fees for B-1/B-2 visas. The fees you pay depend on the number of entries, validity of the visa, and the country. Applicants are advised to check the U.S. Department of State’s reciprocity schedule to see if they will be subject to these fees.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fees

In addition to the visa application fee, student applicants (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas must pay a SEVIS fee (Management System). The SEVIS fee is used to fund the operations of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System that monitors schools, programs, students, and exchange visitors in the USA.

• F and M Visa Applicants: The SEVIS fee totals $350.
• J Visa Applicants: For most exchange visitors, most pay a $220

SEVIS fee. However, applicants who are sponsored by the U.S. government into these programs are also not required to pay this fee.

The SEVIS fee should be paid prior to the visa interview and proof of payment is required to be presented during the interview process.

Special Considerations for Temporary Worker Visas

There are also extra fees attached to the petition process for temporary worker visas like the H-1B:

• Fee for H-1B Registration: As of now, the H-1B visa registration fee is $10. But that is set to jump again, to $215, in March 2025. The sponsoring employer usually pays this fee.
• Anti-Fraud Fee: $500 Anti-Fraud fee (for H-1B and L-1 petition) Typically, this is also the cost of the employer.
• Public Law 114-113 Fee: Employers with 50 or more employees in the United States, out of which, over 50% of employees are working as H-1B or L-1, are required to pay an extra $4,000 for H-1B petitions and $4,500 for L-1 petitions.

Applicants should consult with potential employers to know what fees may apply and who has to pay what.

The Green Card

Obtaining a Green Card in USA (or Permanent Resident Card) gives you the right to stay and work in the U.S. permanently. The process includes seeking eligible status for family and employment or means of asylum, among other factors. Fees is $1,140 for Form I-485, plus an $85 biometrics fee; $535 for Form I-130; $700 for Form I-140. Charges may apply depending on the category. Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS website to confirm the latest fee information when applying.

U.S. Visa Application Process from Dubai

Common steps include determining which type of visa one needs, filling out the DS-160 form, and paying the non-refundable visa application fee. Next step is to schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate and report in with the necessary documents.

Visiting official U.S. Embassy websites is the best way to verify. The process varies by visa type, and, so you should check category-specific guidelines.

Payment Methods for U.S. Visa Fees in Dubai

Applicants from Dubai must first pay the applicable U.S. visa fees in order to schedule an interview. U.S. Embassy guidelines will indicate whether payments should be made via bank deposits, online payments or mobile payment services. Visitors visa fees and US visa fees are not refundable, and must be paid even if the visa is denied.

If you are applying for US visa from Dubai, then it is important to keep the payment receipt from the bank safe, as it is the proof of payment that you will need while booking the appointment as it acts as a proof of payment. It is critical to note that payment details must be confirmed on the original U.S. visa software portal to keep away from fraud.

Processing Times for U.S. Visas

Processing time for U.S. visa application is different according to visa type, nationality and workload of embassy. B1 / B2 visa USA takes days to weeks and requires the U.S. to pay a visit visa fee before making an appointment. For students (F, M), it is faster with proof of admission and for employers to petition work visas. There’s no provision for expediting appointments outside of medical emergencies or urgent business travel. Applicants need to inquire at the embassy about the exact processing times.

Common Reasons for U.S. Visa Rejections

Some applications are denied after payment of the US visit visa fee along with document submissions. Reasons often include a lack of ties to the home country, incomplete paperwork, false information or security concerns. The applicants are advised to go through the denial query and file their petition again with solid papers. Reapplying for a visa USA costs the same.

How to Check U.S. Visa Fee Payment Status and Fee Refund Policy

Visa fee payments can be tracked on the official site by applicants, and the confirmation generally is received within 24 hours. Applicants from Dubai must have their payment confirmed prior to making an appointment for interview. As a non-refundable, non-transferable cost, you must apply wisely.

Final Thoughts on U.S. Visa Fees for 2025

For a smooth application process, it is necessary that you understand the U.S. fee structure for visitors and tourists as well as students and workers. The cost of the USA visa differs by visa category, therefore applicants must check the current fees before submitting an application. It is essential that people applying for the U.S. visa from Dubai pay through official channels to stay away from fraud.