How much is the B1 and B2 visa fee in the USA?

Decoding the US B1/B2 Visa Fee: It’s All About the MRV Fee

The cost of a US B1/B2 visa, often a source of confusion, boils down to a single, non-negotiable fee: the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. Contrary to what some might believe, there’s no additional charge based on processing time, be it the standard, rush, or expedited service.

The MRV fee is currently $185. This covers the cost of processing your application, regardless of whether you opt for the standard processing time (which can vary significantly depending on location and demand) or utilize an expedited service to receive your visa faster.

While third-party services might advertise “rush processing” or “premium services,” these companies charge extra fees for their assistance with the application process. These added fees are entirely separate from the government’s mandatory $185 MRV fee. You are paying them for their convenience and assistance, not for faster processing through the US Embassy or Consulate. The actual visa processing speed is still determined solely by the availability of appointments and the embassy/consulate’s workload.

Therefore, to clarify:

• $185: This is the only fee directly charged by the US government for a B1/B2 visa application.
• Additional Fees (Optional): Any fees beyond $185 are charged by third-party visa processing services and are not related to the government’s processing time.

Before engaging with any visa assistance service, it’s crucial to understand this distinction. Research carefully and compare prices to ensure you are not paying excessive fees for services you can potentially manage yourself. The US government’s website provides comprehensive information on the application process, eliminating the need for expensive intermediary services in many cases. Knowing the true cost of the visa upfront allows for better budgeting and avoids any unexpected expenses. Remember, the only fixed cost is the $185 MRV fee.