Planning a visa application while living in New York? The first thing you probably want to know is how much the entire process will cost—not just the government application fee.
The actual cost of a U.S. visa or immigration application depends on several factors, including your visa category, application route, nationality, family size, required government forms, and additional services. A visitor visa application, for example, follows a different fee structure from an employment-based petition or a family-sponsored green card application.
That is why looking at one advertised visa fee can give you an incomplete picture.
The New York Visa Cost Calculator on this page helps you build a more realistic budget by separating government charges from optional and personal expenses. You can enter the costs relevant to your situation, estimate expenses for multiple applicants, and review the potential total before starting your application.
One important distinction: U.S. visa and immigration fees are generally federal fees, not special New York State charges. Your physical location in New York may affect travel, document preparation, medical examination, and other personal expenses, but it does not automatically change the federal visa application fee.
New York Visa Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Expenses
Use the calculator below to estimate your potential U.S. visa or immigration expenses. Select the relevant application category, enter the number of applicants, and add any additional costs that apply to your case.
New York Visa Cost Calculator
Estimate your U.S. visa and immigration expenses with a personalized cost breakdown.
2026 COST ESTIMATOR · FREE TOOLYour Estimated Visa Budget
This is an estimate based on the amounts you entered. It is not an official government fee quotation, legal advice, or a guarantee of visa approval.
The calculator provides a planning estimate, not an official payment amount or a legal determination. Always confirm the exact fee for your form and application route before submitting payment.
How Much Does a U.S. Visa Cost in New York in 2026?
There is no single price for every U.S. visa. The fee depends on whether you are applying for a temporary nonimmigrant visa, an immigrant visa through consular processing, or an immigration benefit through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
For many common nonimmigrant visa categories, the Department of State currently lists a standard application processing fee of $185. Certain petition-based nonimmigrant categories have a $205 processing fee.
Immigrant visa processing fees are different. For example, family-based immigrant visa applications generally have a $325 processing fee per applicant, while employment-based immigrant visa applications have a $345 processing fee per applicant.
These are individual government charges, not complete application budgets.
Common U.S. Visa Application Fees
| Visa or application category | Published fee |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor visa | $185 |
| F student visa | $185 |
| M vocational student visa | $185 |
| J exchange visitor visa | $185 |
| H temporary worker visa application | $205 |
| Family-based immigrant visa processing | $325 |
| Employment-based immigrant visa processing | $345 |
| Other immigrant visa processing categories | $205 |
| Diversity Visa application | $330 |
Source: U.S. Department of State, Fees for Visa Services. Fees and exemptions can vary by category and circumstances.
The figures above do not include every petition, medical examination, document, or post-entry expense that may apply.
1. Visitor Visa Cost: B1, B2 and B1/B2
A visitor visa is commonly used by people who want to travel temporarily to the United States for tourism, business activities, or eligible medical treatment.
The B1/B2 visitor visa application processing fee is currently $185 per applicant.
For example:
- One applicant: $185
- Two applicants: $370
- Three applicants: $555
- Four applicants: $740
These figures cover the standard application processing fee only.
Depending on nationality and the applicable reciprocity schedule, an additional visa issuance fee may apply after approval. This is not the same as the initial application fee.
Other possible expenses include:
- Passport photographs, if required.
- Travel to the interview location.
- Document preparation.
- Translation of supporting documents.
- Passport delivery or collection.
- Optional professional assistance.
Applicants should also understand that paying the application fee does not guarantee approval. The application processing fee is generally non-refundable, even if a visa is refused.
Official information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
2. Student Visa Cost: F1, M1 and J1
Students planning to study in the United States should budget for more than the visa application fee.
The F and M nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is generally $185. Exchange visitor applicants in the J category generally have the same standard application fee, although qualifying U.S. government-sponsored exchange participants may be exempt.
An F1 student may also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, depending on the program and applicant’s circumstances.
For example, the standard I-901 SEVIS fee for many F1 students is $350. Many J1 exchange visitors pay $220, although some designated program categories have different amounts or exemptions.
Potential student visa expenses include:
- Visa application processing fee.
- SEVIS I-901 fee, when applicable.
- School admission and enrollment charges.
- Required financial documentation.
- Passport and document expenses.
- Interview-related travel.
- International travel and accommodation.
Do not confuse tuition with the visa application fee. Tuition is an education expense, while the visa and SEVIS charges relate to the immigration and student tracking process.
Before paying, check your school’s Form I-20 or DS-2019 instructions and the official SEVIS payment information.
Official information: https://www.fmjfee.com/
3. Work Visa Cost: H1B, L1, O1 and Other Categories
Employment-based nonimmigrant applications can involve several different payments.
For many petition-based nonimmigrant categories, the Department of State lists a $205 visa application processing fee. However, that is only the consular application component.
An employer may also need to file a petition with USCIS before the worker applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Depending on the petition, additional charges can include:
- USCIS petition filing fee.
- Fraud prevention and detection fee, when applicable.
- Asylum Program Fee, when applicable.
- Optional premium processing.
- Visa application processing fee.
- Visa issuance or reciprocity fee, if applicable.
- Document and travel expenses.
Who Pays the H1B Visa Expenses?
The answer depends on the type of expense.
Employers have legal obligations to pay certain H-1B petition-related expenses. These obligations cannot simply be transferred to the worker whenever an employer prefers.
Some optional expenses may be handled differently. For example, premium processing requested for an employee’s personal benefit may have different payment arrangements.
Do not assume every H-1B expense is the employee’s responsibility or that every cost must be paid by the employer. The applicable labor and immigration rules matter.
For this reason, our calculator allows users to enter employer-paid and personal expenses separately instead of presenting one misleading universal H1B price.
Official information: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states
4. Family-Based Green Card and Immigrant Visa Costs
Family immigration expenses can be substantially different from visitor visa expenses.
The total depends on the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary, the immigration category, the number of applicants, and whether the case is processed through a U.S. embassy or within the United States.
For a family-sponsored immigrant visa case processed through consular channels, common government charges may include:
- Form I-130 petition fee.
- National Visa Center processing charges.
- Affidavit of Support review fee, when applicable.
- Immigrant visa application processing fee.
- USCIS Immigrant Fee after visa issuance, when required.
- Medical examination.
- Required civil documents and translations.
For example, the Department of State currently lists the following relevant charges:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Form I-130 petition | $675 |
| Family-based immigrant visa processing | $325 per applicant |
| Domestic Affidavit of Support review | $120 |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | Verify current USCIS schedule |
These charges do not necessarily apply to every family case in the same way. Some applicants may have different processing routes, exemptions, or additional requirements.
A person applying for adjustment of status inside the United States generally follows a different fee structure from someone applying for an immigrant visa through consular processing.
That distinction is especially important when estimating costs for a family already living in New York.
Official resources:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate.html
5. USCIS Fees vs. Department of State Visa Fees
One of the most common budgeting mistakes is treating USCIS fees and Department of State visa fees as interchangeable.
They are not the same.
The Department of State generally handles visa applications through U.S. embassies and consulates. USCIS handles many immigration petitions and applications filed within the United States.
Consider two different situations.
Situation A: Consular processing
A person living outside the United States may need an immigrant petition, National Visa Center processing, an immigrant visa application, a medical examination, and the USCIS Immigrant Fee where applicable.
Situation B: Adjustment of status
A person already eligible to apply for permanent residence inside the United States may file Form I-485 with USCIS. Depending on eligibility, additional forms may be filed with the application.
The fees for these two routes are not interchangeable.
Before calculating your expenses, identify which agency handles each stage of your case.
Official USCIS fee schedule: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
6. New York-Specific Expenses You Should Include in Your Budget
Although federal immigration fees generally do not change simply because you live in New York, your personal costs can be different from someone living elsewhere.
For example, an applicant living in Brooklyn may have different transportation costs from someone living in Albany.
Possible New York-related expenses include:
Transportation: You may need to travel to an embassy, consulate, medical examination location, attorney’s office, or document service provider.
Accommodation: Applicants who need to travel outside their local area may have hotel expenses.
Document preparation: Certified translations, copies, notarization, and obtaining official records can add to the total.
Medical examinations: Immigration medical examinations must follow the requirements of the applicable process. The price can vary by provider and location.
Professional assistance: Immigration attorney fees are separate from government fees. Some applicants may not need an attorney, while complicated cases may benefit from qualified legal representation.
The most useful approach is to enter your actual expected expenses rather than rely on a generic New York cost estimate.
7. Visa Bond and Special Appointment Charges
Some applicants may encounter charges that do not apply to everyone.
Visa Bond
The U.S. Department of State has a visa bond program for certain B1/B2 applicants from designated countries.
Depending on the applicable rule, a bond may be set at $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. Under the program, the maximum is $15,000.
A visa bond is not a normal visa application fee. It is a separate financial requirement with specific conditions. The applicant should carefully review the official instructions before paying anything.
Never assume that every visitor visa applicant needs to pay a bond.
Official information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-bond.html
Expedited B1/B2 Interview Appointment
A temporary Department of State rule introduced a $750 optional expedited appointment fee for eligible B1/B2 applicants at selected posts.
The rule is scheduled to remain effective from July 1 through December 31, 2026.
This is not a standard fee for all B1/B2 applications. Availability, eligibility, and the participating posts must be checked through official Department of State information.
The expedited appointment fee should also not be confused with premium processing by USCIS.
Official regulatory notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-11513
8. Additional Expenses That Are Often Overlooked
A realistic visa budget should include the expenses that may not appear in the main government fee table.
| Expense | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|
| Passport renewal | Existing passport may not meet validity requirements |
| Document translation | Supporting records may need translation |
| Certified copies | Some records require official copies |
| Medical examination | Required for certain immigration processes |
| Police certificates | May be required for immigrant visa cases |
| Courier and delivery | Document or passport delivery |
| Transportation | Interview or medical appointment travel |
| Attorney consultation | Optional professional guidance |
| Credential evaluation | May be relevant for certain employment or education cases |
| Reapplication | A new application may require a new fee |
These are not universal charges. The actual expense depends on your case.
9. What Happens If Your Visa Is Rejected? Do You Get a Refund?
In most cases, a visa application processing fee is non-refundable.
That means paying the fee does not guarantee that the application will be approved, and a refusal does not normally create an automatic right to receive the application fee back.
If you decide to apply again, you may need to pay a new application fee.
However, the exact rules depend on the fee and the application process. Do not assume that every charge has identical refund conditions.
Before making a payment, review the official payment instructions for your specific visa category.
10. How to Avoid Paying the Wrong Visa Fee
A small payment mistake can create unnecessary delays or cause an application to be rejected.
Use this checklist before submitting any payment:
- Confirm your exact visa category.
- Identify whether your application is handled by USCIS or the Department of State.
- Check the current fee schedule.
- Confirm whether a separate petition fee is required.
- Check nationality-specific reciprocity fees.
- Review any applicable exemptions.
- Confirm whether the fee is per applicant or per petition.
- Use the official payment method for your application.
- Save payment confirmations and receipts.
- Recheck the fee before submitting the application.
Never rely exclusively on an old blog post, social media screenshot, or third-party calculator when paying a government fee.
11. Important U.S. Immigration Fee Changes to Watch in October 2026
Immigration fees can change through new regulations, annual adjustments, and agency updates.
Two dates deserve particular attention in October 2026.
First, USCIS announced a fiscal year 2027 inflation adjustment to certain immigration-related fees. The specified new fees take effect October 16, 2026. For example, the annual asylum application fee increases from $102 to $105, and certain other benefit-related fees also increase.
Second, USCIS has issued a new edition of Form G-1055, its fee schedule. Applicants should use the current edition rather than an outdated copy.
If you are preparing an application close to a fee effective date, check which fee applies based on the relevant filing and postmark rules.
Official update: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts
12. How to Use the New York Visa Cost Calculator
The calculator on this page is designed to make initial budgeting easier.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Select your application category.
Choose the appropriate category, such as visitor visa, student visa, work visa, or immigrant visa.
Step 2: Select the applicable visa or filing type.
Different visa categories can have different government charges.
Step 3: Enter the number of applicants.
If you are planning a family application, enter the number of people who will be included in the estimate.
Step 4: Add additional expenses.
Enter expected transportation, accommodation, translation, medical examination, and other applicable expenses.
Step 5: Review the calculation.
The tool separates the selected government fee from the additional costs you entered.
Step 6: Verify the official fee.
Before making any payment, use the relevant official government website to confirm the amount and eligibility rules.
The calculator is a budgeting aid, not an application filing service.
13. Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a U.S. visitor visa cost in 2026?
The standard B1/B2 visitor visa application processing fee is $185 per applicant. Additional charges may apply depending on nationality and circumstances.
Does living in New York make a U.S. visa more expensive?
No. Federal visa application fees generally do not increase simply because an applicant lives in New York. However, personal expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and document services may vary.
How much does an F1 student visa cost?
The standard F1 visa application processing fee is $185. Many F1 students also need to pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, subject to applicable exemptions and rules.
How much is the H1B visa application fee?
The Department of State’s standard application processing fee for petition-based H visas is $205. However, the complete H1B process may involve separate employer-paid USCIS petition fees and other applicable charges.
Are USCIS fees and visa fees the same?
No. USCIS fees apply to immigration petitions and benefit applications handled by USCIS. Department of State visa fees generally apply to consular visa processing. Some immigration journeys involve both agencies.
Is the visa application fee refundable after rejection?
Generally, no. Many visa application processing fees are non-refundable even when an application is refused. Always review the applicable payment terms.
Does every B1/B2 applicant have to pay a visa bond?
No. The bond requirement applies only to eligible applicants from designated countries under the applicable program. It is not a universal visitor visa fee.
Can I calculate the total cost for my family?
Yes. Use the calculator to enter the number of applicants and add the relevant expenses. Remember that some government charges are assessed per person while others are assessed per petition or case.
Are attorney fees included in the visa application fee?
No. Attorney fees are separate professional service charges. They vary according to the provider and complexity of the case.
Does paying for expedited processing guarantee visa approval?
No. An expedited appointment or premium processing service does not guarantee approval. It relates to appointment or processing speed, not the final decision.
Where can I find the latest official U.S. visa fees?
The Department of State publishes consular visa fees at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html. USCIS filing fees are published at https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055.
How often should I check visa fees?
Check the relevant official schedule before submitting each application. Government fees may change, and a fee that was correct several months ago may no longer apply.
Final Thoughts
Planning a U.S. visa application is not simply about finding the cheapest application fee. It is about understanding every relevant expense before committing to the process.
Whether you are applying for a visitor visa, studying in the United States, pursuing employment, or sponsoring a family member, separating government fees from personal expenses gives you a clearer financial picture.
Use the New York Visa Cost Calculator as a starting point, verify every applicable fee with the relevant government agency, and keep your budget updated before submitting your application.
About the Author
Junaidul Islam writes practical financial and cost-planning resources for NewYorkCalculator.com. His goal is to make complicated costs easier to understand through clear explanations, transparent calculations, and links to authoritative sources.
Written by Junaidul Islam
Last reviewed: October 12, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and budgeting purposes only. It does not provide legal, immigration, or financial advice. Government fees, eligibility requirements, and immigration procedures may change. Always consult official U.S. government sources or a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your individual circumstances.
Official Sources
- U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
- Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-reciprocity-tables.html
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program: https://www.ice.gov/sevis
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-11513