US increases student and tourist visa costs by 15%

The U.S. Department of State has announced a 15% increase in application costs for some types of nonimmigrant visas, including travel visas.

It stated that the cost of Border Crossing Cards for Mexico nationals 15 years of age and older, B-1/B-2 visiting visas, and student and exchange visitor visas will rise from $160 to $185.

The cost of several nonimmigrant visas (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) for temporary employees will also rise from $190 to $205.

In the meantime, the charge for treaty traders, investors, and speciality vocation (E category) applicants will rise from $205 to $315.

The Federal Register published these increases on March 28, 2023, and they will take effect on May 30, 2023.

The US Department said in a statement on Wednesday, “NIV fees are set based on the actual cost of providing NIV services and are determined after conducting a study of the cost of these services.

“The Department uses an Activity-Based Costing methodology to calculate, annually, the cost of providing consular services, including visa services. The fees for most non-petition based NIVs were last updated in 2012, and certain other NIV fees were last updated in 2014.

“Other consular fees are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors.

“Visas for work and tourism are essential to President Biden’s foreign policy, and we recognize the critical role international travel plays in the U.S. economy.”