B-1/B-2 Government Filing Fees — Current Costs

What You Actually Pay for a B-1/B-2 Visa

A denied B-1/B-2 application doesn't refund your fees. The difference between approval and rejection often comes down to documentation you bring to the interview — yet most applicants focus their budget planning on the wrong costs.

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa allows temporary entry to the United States for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2). The government charges two separate fees: one to the Department of State for processing your DS-160 application, and one to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if you later file to extend your stay or change your status while in the country. Those are the two core fees, but they are not the only ones you pay.

The Two Core Government Fees

The Department of State (DOS) charges a nonimmigrant visa application fee when you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. As of 2026, DOS lists this fee on the Consular Electronic Application Center fee schedule at travel.state.gov — fees change annually via Federal Register rulemaking, so confirm the current amount before you pay. The visa application fee is paid through the consular payment system in your country and is non-refundable whether your visa is approved or denied.

If you are already in the United States on a B-1/B-2 visa and file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), USCIS charges a separate filing fee. As of 2026, USCIS publishes all current fees on its fee schedule at uscis.gov/forms — extension and change-of-status fees are set by regulation and typically increase every two years. The I-539 fee applies whether you are extending your B-1/B-2 stay or changing to a different nonimmigrant status. This fee is also non-refundable regardless of the decision.

What the Fees Cover vs. What They Don't

The DOS visa application fee covers consular processing: the interview, the security clearance check, and the visa foil placed in your passport if approved. It does not cover the cost of required photographs, the DS-160 confirmation page printing, courier fees to retrieve your passport, or travel to the consulate. If your visa is denied under Section 214(b) — the most common ground, based on failure to prove nonimmigrant intent — you can reapply and pay the fee again.

The USCIS I-539 fee covers adjudication of your extension or change-of-status request. It does not include biometrics fees, which USCIS may charge separately if you are required to appear for fingerprinting. If USCIS denies your extension, there is no appeal right for I-539 decisions — you can file a motion to reconsider or reopen, but each motion carries its own filing fee.

Fee Variations by Nationality: Reciprocity

The United States applies a reciprocity principle: if a foreign country charges U.S. citizens a visa fee, the U.S. charges nationals of that country a matching fee. For many countries, the standard B-1/B-2 fee applies. For others, an additional reciprocity fee is charged at the time of visa issuance.

Reciprocity fees are listed on the DOS Reciprocity Schedule by country at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html. This schedule also shows visa validity periods and the number of entries allowed, which vary by bilateral agreement. For example, nationals of some countries receive single-entry B-1/B-2 visas valid for three months, while nationals of other countries receive ten-year multiple-entry visas — all for the same base application fee, but with different reciprocity surcharges.

Reciprocity fees are non-refundable and paid in addition to the base visa fee. If your nationality requires one, budget for both amounts before your interview.

Biometrics and Other USCIS Fees

When you file Form I-539 to extend or change your B-1/B-2 status, USCIS may require you to provide biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, signature) at an Application Support Center. As of 2026, USCIS lists the biometrics services fee separately on its fee schedule — some applicants are exempt based on age or prior collection, but most first-time extension filers pay it.

Biometrics fees are paid along with the I-539 filing fee. If you include dependents on a single I-539 application, each dependent may incur a separate biometrics fee. The fee is non-refundable even if USCIS later waives your biometrics appointment or adjudicates your case without requiring an in-person appearance.

Premium Processing Is Not Available for I-539

USCIS does not offer premium processing for Form I-539. All extension and change-of-status applications are processed in the order received. Processing times vary by service center and can range from several months to over a year. You can check current posted times at uscis.gov/check-case-processing-times, but those estimates do not bind USCIS to a specific deadline.

If your authorized stay expires while your I-539 is pending and you filed the extension before your I-94 expiration date, you are generally allowed to remain in the United States while USCIS adjudicates your case — but you cannot work and you cannot travel internationally without abandoning the pending application. There is no fee to expedite I-539 processing; expedite requests are granted only for emergencies and must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence.

The Cost Breakdown Most Applicants Miss

Bottom line: Budget for the base DOS fee plus any reciprocity fee if your country requires one. If you plan to extend your stay, add the I-539 fee and biometrics fee. Fees change annually — confirm current amounts before you pay, and pay them in the order the process requires (DOS fees first, USCIS fees only if you later file from within the United States).

Here's the Honest Answer: Fees Don't Guarantee Approval

Let's be direct: paying the government fees does not make your visa more likely to be approved. The consular officer adjudicates your application under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which presumes every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant unless you prove otherwise. The proof is your documentation — employment verification, property ownership, family ties abroad, a detailed itinerary — not the fee receipt.

If your visa is denied, the fee is gone. You can reapply immediately and pay the fee again, but unless the reason for denial has changed, the second application will likely produce the same result. Consular decisions under 214(b) are not appealable, and there is no administrative review process. The officer's determination is final unless you reapply with stronger evidence.

Similarly, paying the I-539 fee does not guarantee USCIS will approve your extension. If you overstayed a prior visit, entered without inspection, worked without authorization, or cannot show you maintained B-1/B-2 status throughout your stay, USCIS will deny the extension and may place you in removal proceedings. The filing fee is not refunded in those circumstances.

What If I Can't Afford the Fees?

There is no fee waiver for B-1/B-2 visa applications. The Department of State does not waive the visa application fee or reciprocity fees under any circumstance. If you cannot afford the fee, you cannot apply for the visa.

USCIS does offer a fee waiver process for Form I-539 under limited circumstances, documented on Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver). To qualify, you must demonstrate that you receive a means-tested public benefit, that your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or that you are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from paying. Supporting documentation is required — bank statements, tax returns, evidence of public benefits. USCIS adjudicates fee waiver requests case-by-case and can deny the waiver without refunding any fees already paid.

Fee waivers are rarely granted for I-539 applications filed by B-1/B-2 visitors. The B-1/B-2 category requires you to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without working — if you cannot afford the extension fee, USCIS may question whether you still meet that standard. If your waiver is denied, you must pay the full filing fee to proceed, and processing does not begin until the fee is paid.

What If Fees Change Between When I Check and When I Apply?

Government fees change via Federal Register rulemaking, and the effective date of a fee increase is published in advance. If you check the fee today and it increases before you file, you pay the new amount. Conversely, if a fee decreases, you benefit from the lower rate as long as you file after the effective date.

For DOS visa fees, the amount is locked when you pay the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee through the consular payment system. If the fee increases between payment and your interview, you do not owe the difference. If the fee decreases, you do not receive a refund. MRV fees are valid for one year from the date of payment — if you do not schedule an interview within that year, the fee expires and you must pay again at the current rate.

For USCIS fees, the amount is locked when USCIS accepts your filing — the date your check is cashed or your payment is processed. If you mail Form I-539 with a check for the old fee and USCIS receives it after the fee increase takes effect, USCIS will reject your application and return it unfiled. You must resubmit with the correct fee. Track fee changes on the USCIS website and the Federal Register to avoid rejection for incorrect payment.

What If I'm Traveling with Dependents?

Each person applying for a B-1/B-2 visa — including children — pays a separate DOS visa application fee. A family of four pays four separate fees, scheduled for four separate interviews (though interviews are often conducted together). Reciprocity fees, if applicable, are also charged per person.

When extending or changing status on Form I-539, one principal applicant can include dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) on a single application, but USCIS charges a separate fee for each dependent listed. As of 2026, the fee structure for dependents is detailed in the I-539 instructions at uscis.gov — confirm whether the fee is per application or per person before you file.

Biometrics fees are also charged per person. If you file I-539 for yourself and two dependents, budget for three biometrics fees unless your dependents qualify for an age-based exemption (children under 14 and applicants over 79 are often exempt).

Fees vs. Attorney Fees: What's the Difference?

Government filing fees are paid to USCIS or DOS and are set by regulation. Attorney fees are paid to the law firm representing you and are set by the firm based on the complexity of your case. The two are separate costs.

Government fees are the same regardless of whether you hire an attorney or file pro se. Hiring the Law Offices of Peter D. Chu does not increase the government fees, and filing on your own does not reduce them. What an attorney changes is the quality of the filing — the evidence package, the legal arguments in your cover letter, the response to any Request for Evidence USCIS issues — and the likelihood that USCIS or the consular officer will approve your case on the first attempt.

The Law Offices of Peter D. Chu charges a $250 consultation fee to evaluate your B-1/B-2 case and explain what filing fees you will owe, what evidence USCIS or DOS will require, and whether your case presents any red flags that could lead to denial. The consultation fee is separate from representation fees, which are quoted after the consultation based on your specific needs. Both are separate from the government fees, which you pay directly to the agency — never to the attorney.

Can I Get a Refund If My Case Is Denied?

No. All government filing fees — DOS visa fees, USCIS I-539 fees, biometrics fees, reciprocity fees — are non-refundable. If USCIS denies your I-539, you do not get the filing fee back. If the consular officer denies your visa under 214(b), you do not get the MRV fee back. If you withdraw your application before adjudication, you do not get a refund.

The only exception is if USCIS rejects your filing for a technical defect (wrong fee amount, missing signature, filing at the wrong address). In that case, USCIS returns your entire package unfiled, and your check or money order is returned uncashed. You can correct the error and refile, but the clock on your authorized stay does not stop — if your I-94 expires while you are waiting for USCIS to process a corrected refiling, you may accrue unlawful presence.

Additional Costs Not Classified as Government Fees

Beyond the fees paid directly to DOS and USCIS, most B-1/B-2 applicants incur:

• Passport photos meeting DOS specifications (typically $10–$20 at a drugstore or visa photo service)
• Travel to the consulate for your interview (airfare, hotel, meals if the consulate is in a different city)
• Medical examination if required by the consulate (some consulates require a medical exam for certain visa classes, though B-1/B-2 generally does not)
• Courier or delivery fees to return your passport after the interview (consulates contract with specific courier services; fees vary by country)
• Translation and notarization of foreign-language documents (if your supporting evidence is not in English)
• Document procurement fees (certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment letters, bank statements)

These are out-of-pocket costs separate from the government fees. Budget for them before you schedule your interview.

Checking Current Fees Before You File

Fee amounts in this article are current as of 2026, but fees change. Before you pay anything, verify the current fee on the official source:

• DOS visa application fees: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
• Reciprocity fees by country: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html
• USCIS Form I-539 fees: uscis.gov/i-539
• USCIS biometrics fees: uscis.gov/forms (see the fee schedule linked at the top of every form page)

Print the fee confirmation page from the official website and keep it with your application. If USCIS or DOS later claims you paid the wrong amount, the dated fee schedule is your proof.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about B-1/B-2 visa fees and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Peter D. Chu. Government fees, reciprocity schedules, and processing procedures change frequently via regulation and bilateral agreements. Your eligibility for a B-1/B-2 visa, the strength of your application, and the likelihood of approval depend on your individual circumstances and the documentation you present. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before making any filing decisions. Outcomes are not guaranteed, and fees are non-refundable regardless of the decision.

Need personalized immigration guidance? The Law Offices of Peter D. Chu offers a $250 consultation to evaluate your B-1/B-2 case, explain the total cost including all government fees, and identify any issues that could lead to denial. Call 858-268-8823 or visit peterchu.com to schedule.

Schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Peter D. Chu — 4615 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111 · 858-268-8823 · Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. Consultation fee: $250.