US Visa Fees for Indian
US Visa Fees for Indians - Latest
Costs, Breakdown & Important Updates
The US visa fees for Indians
are expected to increase significantly from 2026, making it essential
for applicants to clearly understand the updated cost structure before
applying. With the introduction of a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, the
total cost of commonly applied visas such as the B1/B2 tourist visa, student
visas, and work visas may rise close to ₹40,000 or more, depending
on the category.
For many Indian travelers, students,
and professionals, this fee hike is a major shift compared to the earlier
application cost of $185. This guide explains the latest US visa fees for
Indian citizens, offers a detailed visa-wise fee breakdown, clarifies why
these changes are happening, and helps you plan your application wisely using
verified and official information.
Quick Answer: US Visa Fees for Indian
From 2026, Indians applying for a US
visa may need to pay approximately $472 (₹38,000–₹40,000) for a standard B1/B2
tourist or business visa, due to
the addition of a $250 Visa Integrity Fee, while the base visa application fee
remains unchanged at $185.
What Are US Visa Fees for Indian Citizens?
US visa fees for Indians are mandatory government charges collected during the visa
application process. These fees are paid before scheduling a visa interview and
are required for both first-time applicants and repeat applicants.
The visa fee amount depends on:
- Visa category (tourist, student, exchange, etc.)
- Government policy changes
- Applicable additional charges such as SEVIS, I-94, or
EVUS
Most US visa fees are non-refundable,
even if the visa application is refused or withdrawn.
Latest US Visa Fee Changes for Indians
Starting in 2026, the US government
plans to introduce a Visa Integrity Fee that applies to most
non-immigrant visa categories. This new fee has significantly increased the
overall cost of applying for a US visa from India.
Key
Highlights of the Fee Update:
- Base visa application fee remains the same
- New $250 Visa Integrity Fee added
- Existing charges like I-94 and SEVIS continue
- Total visa cost nearly doubles for many applicants
This change affects millions of
Indian applicants every year, including tourists, students, skilled workers,
and exchange visitors.
US Visa Fees for Indians – Updated Breakdown by Visa Type
The B1/B2 visa is the most commonly
applied US visa by Indian citizens.
Updated Fee
Structure:
- Base Visa Application Fee: $185
- Visa Integrity Fee: $250
- I-94 Fee: $24
- Total Approximate Cost: $472
In Indian Rupees, this may translate
to ₹38,000–₹40,000, depending on the consular exchange rate used by the
US Embassy.
Student Visa Fees
(F1 / M1)
Indian students planning to study in
the US will see a substantial rise in visa-related costs.
Student Visa Fee
Components:
- Base Visa Fee: $185
- Visa Integrity Fee: $250
- SEVIS Fee: $350
- Total Estimated Cost:
$785 or more
This does not include university application
fees or other academic expenses.
Work Visa Fees
(H-1B, L-1)
Work visas for Indian professionals,
such as H-1B and L-1, will also be impacted by the new fee.
Applicant-Level
Costs:
- Base Visa Fee: $205
- Visa Integrity Fee: $250
- I-94 Fee: $24
- Total Applicant Cost:
$479+
Note: Employer-paid charges like
fraud prevention fees or premium processing fees are separate and not included
here.
Other Applicable
Fees You Should Know
Some visa categories may involve
additional charges:
- I-94 Fee:
$24 (arrival/departure record)
- ESTA Fee:
$13 (for Visa Waiver Program nationals)
- EVUS Fee:
$30 (for certain long-term visa holders)
- SEVIS Fee:
Mandatory for student and exchange visas
Why Are US Visa Fees Increasing for Indians?
The US government introduced the Visa
Integrity Fee to strengthen immigration compliance and border operations.
Main Reasons Behind the Fee Increase:
- Funding border security and immigration enforcement
- Reducing visa overstays
- Encouraging lawful visa usage
- Acting as a compliance-focused security deposit
The fee is managed by the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) and applies to most non-immigrant visas issued
to Indian applicants.
How Much Is US Visa Fee in Indian Rupees?
The US visa fees for
Indians in INR depend on the exchange rate fixed by the US Embassy, which
may differ from market rates.
Approximate Conversion:
- $472 ≈ ₹38,000–₹40,000
- Exchange rates are revised periodically by the Embassy
Applicants should always check the
current conversion rate before making payments.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay US Visa Fees in India
Paying the correct visa fee is a
critical part of the application process.
Steps to Pay US Visa Fees:
- Create a profile on USTravelDocs
- Select the correct visa category
- Generate the visa fee payment receipt
- Pay using approved payment methods (online/bank/UPI)
- Schedule your visa interview after confirmation
Always ensure the visa category is
correct before payment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Paying US Visa Fees
Many applicants face delays or
issues due to avoidable errors.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
- Paying fees under the wrong visa category
- Ignoring additional mandatory charges
- Assuming visa fees are refundable
- Trusting unofficial websites or agents
- Not checking the latest embassy updates
FAQs – US Visa Fees for Indians
How much is the US visa fee for Indian?
From 2026, the US visa fee for
Indians may be around $472 (₹40,000) for a B1/B2 visa.
Is the Visa Integrity Fee refundable?
No. The Visa Integrity Fee is
non-refundable, regardless of visa approval or rejection.
Does the US visa fee depend on visa duration?
No. US visa fees are based on the visa
category, not the validity period.
Where can I check official US visa fees?
Always refer to:
- travel.state.gov
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India (.gov)
Can US visa fees change again?
Yes. Visa fees can change due to
policy updates, legislation, or exchange rate revisions.
Should You Apply Before 2026?
If you are planning to travel or study
in the US, applying before the 2026 fee hike may help you save a
substantial amount. Many applicants are expected to apply early to avoid the
increased costs.
Conclusion
The US visa fees for Indians
are set to rise sharply due to the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee,
pushing total costs close to ₹40,000 for popular visa categories.
Understanding the updated fee structure, planning your application timeline,
and relying only on official sources can help you avoid unexpected expenses and
delays.
Staying informed is the key to a
smooth US visa application and beyond.