Planning a trip to the United States from India is an exciting prospect, but it involves navigating a detailed application process. Recently, a significant change has caught the attention of many aspiring travelers: a notable increase in the US visa application fee. The U.S. Department of State has updated the cost for most nonimmigrant visas, including the popular B1/B2 tourist and business visas.
If you’re wondering how this change impacts your travel plans, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the new $250 US visa fee, which categories it affects, and how to successfully pay it as part of your application from India.
What Exactly Is the New US Visa Fee for Indians?
The U.S. Department of State has increased the application processing fee, also known as the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, for several nonimmigrant visa (NIV) categories. For Indian applicants applying for visitor visas (like B1/B2) and other common non-petition based NIVs, the fee has been adjusted from its previous rate.
The Updated Fee Structure: From $185 to $250
The most significant change for the majority of Indian applicants is for tourist, business, student, and exchange visitor visas. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key changes:
- Visitor Visas (B1/B2) and other non-petition based NIVs: The fee has increased from $185 to $250 USD. This is the most common fee adjustment affecting tourists, business travelers, and medical visitors from India.
- Petition-Based Work Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R): The application fee for these temporary worker categories has also seen an increase, moving from $205 to $310 USD.
- Treaty Trader & Investor Visas (E category): The fee for this category has risen from $315 to $485 USD.
This post will primarily focus on the new $250 US visa fee, as it impacts the largest volume of applicants from India. It’s crucial to pay the correct amount to ensure your application proceeds without any delays.
Which Visa Categories Are Affected by the Fee Increase?
Understanding if your specific visa category is affected is the first step. The fee increase is broad and covers the most frequently sought-after visa types for travel from India to the USA.
Visitor and Business Visas (B1/B2)
This is the most common category for Indian citizens traveling for:
- Tourism and holidays
- Visiting family and friends
- Attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations
- Seeking medical treatment in the US
Applicants in this category are now required to pay the new $250 US visa fee. This adjustment directly impacts the overall cost of planning your trip.
Student and Exchange Visitor Visas (F, M, J)
Students and exchange visitors are also subject to the fee increase. While they have additional costs like the SEVIS fee, the base MRV application fee is now aligned with the updated structure, making the US visa fee for Indians in this category higher than before.
Why Did the US Visa Fee Increase?
The U.S. Department of State has clarified that visa fees are calculated based on the actual cost of providing consular services. The increase is intended to better align the fees with the operational costs of processing nonimmigrant visas worldwide. These costs include everything from staffing and infrastructure at consulates and embassies to the technology required for secure application processing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pay the New US Visa Fee from India
Paying the visa fee is a critical step in the US visa application process. The process is done online through the official U.S. visa scheduling portal for India. Following these steps carefully will ensure your payment is processed correctly.
Step 1: Complete Your DS-160 Form
Before you can pay, you must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, form DS-160. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. You will need this barcode number for the payment and appointment scheduling steps.
Step 2: Create a Profile on the Official Portal
Visit the official US VISA SCHEDULING website for India (usvisascheduling.com). Create a user account. You will need to enter your personal details, passport information, and the DS-160 confirmation number.
Step 3: Select the Payment Option
Once your profile is set up, the system will guide you to the payment section. You will see the required fee amount in US Dollars and the equivalent in Indian Rupees (INR). The system provides a few ways to pay the US visa fee for Indians.
Step 4: Make the Payment
You have several options to complete the payment for the new $250 US visa fee:
- Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT/IMPS): You can use your Indian bank account’s net banking feature to transfer the fee. The portal will generate a unique virtual account number for your transaction. This is often the most convenient method.
- Mobile Payments (UPI): The system supports payments via UPI, which is a popular and fast method in India. You can pay using your VPA (Virtual Payment Address).
- Cash Over the Counter (DRUK): You can choose to pay in cash at designated DRUK locations or specific bank branches like Axis Bank or Citibank. The portal will generate a unique fee collection slip that you must print and take to the bank.
After a successful payment, you will receive a fee receipt number. It can take up to 2 business days for the system to update your payment status.
Step 5: Schedule Your Appointments
Once your fee receipt is activated, you can log back into the portal to schedule your two appointments: one for biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and the other for the consular interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the US Visa Fee Increase
The change has understandably raised many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries.
What if I paid the old fee before the increase took effect?
According to the U.S. Department of State, all MRV fee payments made on or after the effective date of the change are subject to the new fee. If you paid the old fee before the increase but have not yet scheduled an interview, your fee receipt remains valid for one year from the date of payment and can be used to book an appointment.
Is the US visa application fee refundable?
No, the MRV fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied. It is a processing fee that covers the cost of your application.
How long is my visa fee payment (MRV receipt) valid?
Your visa fee receipt is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. You must schedule an interview appointment within this period. If you fail to do so, your fee will expire, and you will need to pay it again to proceed.
Does paying the new $250 US visa fee guarantee I will get a visa?
No. Paying the application fee does not guarantee visa issuance. The fee covers the cost of processing your application. The decision to grant or deny a visa is made by a consular officer based on your eligibility during the interview.
Where can I find the most official and up-to-date information?
For the most reliable information, always refer to official U.S. government sources. This includes the website of the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Conclusion: Navigating Your US Visa Application with Confidence
While the increase in the US visa fee for Indians adds to the overall cost of travel, the application process remains straightforward if followed correctly. The key is to stay informed, use official websites, and carefully follow each step—from completing the DS-160 to paying the correct fee and scheduling your appointments.
By understanding the details of the new $250 US visa fee and preparing your documentation thoroughly, you can navigate your application with confidence and move one step closer to your American journey.
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