The United States Department of State has officially implemented a revised structure for non-immigrant visa application fees, which came into effect globally in May 2025.
According to the announcement published by the State Department, the updated fee schedule applies uniformly across all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, including the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos.
This adjustment affects all categories of non-immigrant visas, such as the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, and the K visa for fiancé(e)s. Nigerian nationals applying for travel, education, business, or family purposes are also subject to these revised rates, which must be paid at the time of application.
Comprehensive Fee Breakdown by Visa Type
The following outlines the full fee structure now applicable as of May 2025:
- Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism)
Code: B-1/B-2
Fee: $185
Purpose: Most commonly issued visa for general travel and business meetings - Transit Visa
Code: C-1
Fee: $185
Purpose: For travellers transiting through U.S. ports or airports - Crew Member Visa
Code: D
Fee: $185
Purpose: For airline or ship crew members stopping in U.S. territory - Student Visa (Academic)
Code: F
Fee: $185
Purpose: For enrolment in academic institutions in the U.S. - Vocational Student Visa
Code: M
Fee: $185
Purpose: For technical or non-academic education - Exchange Visitor Visa
Code: J
Fee: $185
Purpose: Covers programmes like Fulbright and internships - Media and Journalist Visa
Code: I
Fee: $185
Purpose: For accredited foreign press professionals covering events in the U.S. - Victims of Trafficking Visa
Code: T
Fee: $185
Purpose: For victims seeking refuge from human trafficking - Victims of Criminal Activity Visa
Code: U
Fee: $185
Purpose: For individuals assisting U.S. law enforcement in criminal investigations - NAFTA Professional Worker Visa (Canada & Mexico)
Code: TN/TD
Fee: $185
Purpose: For professionals under the USMCA framework - Temporary Worker Visa
Code: H
Fee: $205
Purpose: Includes H-1B visas for skilled foreign professionals - Intra-Company Transferee Visa
Code: L
Fee: $205
Purpose: For employees transferring within multinational companies - Extraordinary Ability Visa
Code: O
Fee: $205
Purpose: Reserved for individuals with extraordinary talent in science, arts, or business - Athlete/Artist/Entertainer Visa
Code: P
Fee: $205
Purpose: For globally recognised performers and athletes - Cultural Exchange Visa
Code: Q
Fee: $205
Purpose: For participants in international cultural exchange initiatives - Religious Worker Visa
Code: R
Fee: $205
Purpose: For religious officials and personnel engaged in spiritual work - Fiancé(e) Visa
Code: K
Fee: $265
Purpose: For foreign nationals intending to marry a U.S. citizen - Treaty Trader/Investor Visa
Code: E-1/E-2
Fee: $315
Purpose: Aimed at promoting trade and investment between the U.S. and treaty countries - Australian Specialty Occupation Visa
Code: E-3
Fee: $315
Purpose: For Australian citizens employed in specialized professional roles
Additional Information
The newly implemented fee structure applies exclusively to non-immigrant visa categories. These visas are designated for individuals entering the U.S. temporarily for purposes such as tourism, education, business, employment, or exchange programmes.
Immigrant visa applicants, on the other hand, follow a separate process involving different fees, requirements, and pathways toward permanent residency, commonly referred to as Green Card status.
