Other Fees

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Overview

In some cases, additional visa fees are paid directly to the National Visa Center, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or to the Department of Homeland Security.

Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance ("Reciprocity") Fees

Applicants from certain countries may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on "reciprocity" (what another country charges a U.S. citizen for a similar-type of visa). The United States strives to eliminate visa issuance fees whenever possible, however, when a foreign government imposes these fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a "reciprocal" fee on citizens of that country for similar types of visas. The Department of State's website has more information about visa issuance fees and can help you determine if an issuance fee applies to your nationality.

SEVIS Fees

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that tracks F, M and J visa participants (and their family members) from the time they receive their initial documentation (either a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) until they graduate/leave school or conclude/leave program.

F, M and J visa principal applicants should check with the U.S. school to make sure your information has been entered into SEVIS. You must pay a separate SEVIS fee in addition to the visa application fee. For nonimmigrant students with Form I-20, the SEVIS fee is US$350. For most exchange visitors with Form DS-2019, the SEVIS fee is US$220. Proof of payment is required before your student or exchange visitor visa will be issued. Please bring your I-901 SEVIS fee receipt to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. Payment cannot be made at the Embassy or Consulate. Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee can be found here.

SEVIS Fee Exception

Applicants participating in a U.S. Government sponsored program (programs whose codes begin with G-1, G-2, G-3, G-7) are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.

Fraud Prevention and Detection Fees (Blanket L-1)

The principal applicant of a blanket L petition must pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection fee of US$500, as well as Consolidated Appropriations Act fee of US$4500 in certain circumstances.

Note: The U.S. petitioner pays this Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee for individual L, H-1B and H-2B petitions when the petition is filed with USCIS.