How much is the B1 B2 visa fees?

How Much Is the B1 B2 Visa Fees? Updated Cost for Indian Applicants (2026)

If you’re planning a trip to the United States—whether for tourism, visiting family, or attending business meetings—one of the very first questions that comes to mind is: how much is the B1 B2 visa fees?

Recently, this topic has gained even more attention because of new visa charges announced for 2026, especially for Indian applicants. Many people are confused about the actual cost, what has changed, and whether these fees are refundable.

This guide explains everything clearly and simply—current B1 B2 visa fees, upcoming increases, payment details, and common questions—so you can plan your U.S. visit without confusion or surprises.

Quick Answer: How Much Is the B1 B2 Visa Fees?

The standard B1 B2 visa fees are $185. However, starting January 1, 2026, most Indian applicants will also need to pay an additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee, bringing the total cost to around $435 (₹36,000–₹40,000) depending on the exchange rate.

What Is a B1 B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa issued by the United States for short-term stays. It is commonly used for:

• B1 (Business): Business meetings, conferences, negotiations, or short professional visits
• B2 (Tourist): Tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or social events

In most cases, applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, allowing them to travel for both business and tourism purposes using the same visa.

Current B1 B2 Visa Fees (Before 2026 Changes)

At present, the U.S. government charges a fixed fee for the B1/B2 visa.

Standard B1 B2 Visa Fees

• Visa Application Fee: $185
• Approximate cost in India: ₹15,500–₹16,500 (depending on the USD–INR exchange rate)

This fee is:

• Mandatory for all applicants
• Non-refundable
• Paid before scheduling the visa interview

Currently, there are no additional government fees for most B1/B2 applicants.

New B1 B2 Visa Fees From 2026 (Important Update for Indians)

From January 1, 2026, the cost of applying for a B1/B2 visa will increase significantly for Indian applicants due to a newly introduced mandatory charge.

Updated B1 B2 Visa Fees for Indian Applicants (2026)

• Standard Visa Fee: $185
• Visa Integrity Fee: $250
• Total B1 B2 Visa Fees: $435

Approximate Cost in Indian Rupees

• Around ₹36,000 to ₹40,000, depending on currency exchange rates

This change means that the cost of a U.S. tourist or business visa for Indians will be more than double what applicants were paying earlier.

What Is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a new, mandatory charge introduced by the U.S. government to strengthen visa compliance.

Key Points About the Visa Integrity Fee

• Effective from January 1, 2026
• Applies to most Indian applicants
• Charged in addition to the standard visa fee
• Non-refundable
• Payable at the time of visa issuance

This fee has been introduced as part of new immigration measures aimed at reducing visa overstays and improving monitoring of non-immigrant visitors.

Is the B1 B2 Visa Fee Refundable?

No. B1 B2 visa fees are completely non-refundable.

This applies even if:

• Your visa is refused
• You cancel your application
• You miss your interview

Once the fee is paid, it cannot be transferred or reused for another visa category.

How to Pay B1 B2 Visa Fees in India

Indian applicants can pay the B1 B2 visa fees using several convenient options, including:

• Online bank transfer (NEFT or IMPS)
• Debit or credit card payment
• Cash payment at authorized bank locations

After payment, you will receive a payment receipt number, which is required to:

• Schedule your visa interview
• Access your application on the U.S. visa portal

Always keep this receipt until your visa process is fully completed.

Do B1 B2 Visa Fees Depend on Visa Validity?

No. The B1 B2 visa fees remain the same regardless of:

• Whether the visa is valid for 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years
• Single-entry or multiple-entry visas

Indian citizens often receive 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visas, but the government fee does not change based on validity length.

How Much Money Do You Need to Show for a B1 B2 Visa?

Apart from the B1 B2 visa fees, applicants must also demonstrate that they can afford their U.S. trip.

There is no officially fixed amount, but visa officers generally consider:

• Length of stay
• Travel plans and accommodation
• Who is sponsoring the trip
• Applicant’s income and savings

Showing stable finances and a clear travel plan helps support your application.

B1 B2 Visa Fees Compared With Other U.S. Visas

Here’s a quick comparison of common U.S. visa fees:

How Long Does a B1 B2 Visa Take?

Processing time for a B1/B2 visa depends on:

• Appointment availability
• Applicant profile
• Additional security or administrative checks

In general:

• Interview wait times can range from a few days to several weeks
• Visa decisions are often made within a few days after the interview

Paying higher fees does not speed up the process or guarantee approval.

Common Myths About B1 B2 Visa Fees

Paying more increases approval chances
Consultants can reduce or waive government fees
Visa fees depend on trip duration

In reality, visa approval depends on your intent, documents, and interview performance, not on the amount you pay.

Should You Apply Before 2026?

If you’re planning a U.S. trip soon, applying before January 1, 2026 can help you:

• Avoid the additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee
• Save around ₹20,000–₹25,000
• Lock in the current visa cost

This is why many travelers are choosing to apply early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the fee for B1 B2 visa in India?

Currently, the B1 B2 visa fees are $185 (around ₹15,500–₹16,500). From January 2026, Indian applicants may need to pay approximately $435 due to the new Visa Integrity Fee.

How much does a U.S. B1 B2 visa cost for 10 years?

The fee remains the same regardless of validity. Whether the visa is issued for 1 year or 10 years, the government fee is unchanged.

Is the Visa Integrity Fee refundable?

No. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the visa is rejected.

Does everyone have to pay the new B1 B2 visa fees?

The new fee applies to most Indian applicants and non-immigrant visa categories, with limited exceptions based on specific circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the B1 B2 visa fees is an important part of planning your U.S. visit. While the standard visa fee has remained stable for years, the upcoming 2026 fee increase will significantly impact Indian travelers.

Applying early, budgeting correctly, and preparing a strong application can help you avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs. Always rely on official guidelines and accurate information to ensure a smooth visa experience.