Every year, millions of people around the world complete the DS-160 — the online nonimmigrant visa application form required by the United States Department of State — before applying for any US visa. But a persistent source of confusion is the relationship between the DS-160 form itself and the fees that make up the total cost of a US visa application. Here is the critical distinction that clears up most of the confusion immediately: the DS-160 form is free to complete and submit. The costs come from the visa application fee (called the MRV fee), the possible reciprocity fee, the SEVIS fee for students and exchange visitors, and any VAC service charge depending on your country of application.
For 2026, the standard US tourist and business visa (B-1/B-2) application fee is $185 USD — a figure that has been in place since 2023 and carries forward into 2026 with no announced changes. But the realistic total cost of your US visa application depends heavily on your visa category, your nationality, and where in the world you submit your biometrics. This guide breaks every layer down transparently so you can budget accurately before you begin.
For travellers planning US destinations once the visa is secured, our US places and destinations guide offers a useful starting point for trip planning across American cities and attractions.
What Is the DS-160 and What Does It Actually Cost?
The DS-160 is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application form used by all applicants seeking a temporary US visa — whether for tourism, business, study, work, or transit. It is completed online at the US Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (ceac.state.gov). Once submitted, it generates a confirmation page with a barcode that you bring to your visa interview appointment. The form takes between 45 minutes and 90 minutes for most applicants to complete, depending on the complexity of their travel history and background information.
The DS-160 itself costs nothing. There is no charge to start, save, edit, or submit the form. The confusion about “DS-160 price” arises because, in practice, the DS-160 submission triggers the subsequent steps that do involve significant fees — specifically the payment of the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, which is the government’s actual visa application charge.
The DS-160 is a free form. The MRV fee is the visa application fee you pay after completing the DS-160 in order to book your visa interview. These are sequential steps, not the same payment. When people search for “DS-160 price,” they almost always mean the total cost of the US visa application process — which this guide covers in full.
The MRV Fee: The Core US Visa Application Cost in 2026
The Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee is the primary government charge for processing a nonimmigrant visa application. It is paid to the US Embassy or Consulate after completing the DS-160, and it is required before an interview can be scheduled. The MRV fee is non-refundable — this applies even if your visa is refused, even if you fail to attend your appointment, and even if your circumstances change after payment.
The MRV fee varies by visa category — not by nationality. Here is the full 2026 fee schedule for the most commonly applied-for US nonimmigrant visa types:
| Visa Category | Visa Types Included | MRV Fee (USD) | SEVIS Fee? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Business | B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 | $185 | No | Most commonly applied visa worldwide |
| Student | F-1, M-1 | $185 | $350 (separate) | SEVIS paid on sevis.ice.dhs.gov before interview |
| Exchange Visitor | J-1 | $185 | $220 (separate) | SEVIS for J-1 is $220, not $350 |
| Temporary Worker | H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3 | $205 | No | Employer petitions additional USCIS fees |
| Intra-company Transfer | L-1A, L-1B | $205 | No | Employer-sponsored; petition filed by company |
| Extraordinary Ability | O-1, P-1, P-2, P-3 | $205 | No | Athletes, artists, entertainers |
| Fiancé(e) | K-1, K-2 | $265 | No | Highest MRV in family-related nonimmigrant tier |
| Treaty Trader / Investor | E-1, E-2, E-3 | $315 | No | Highest nonimmigrant visa MRV fee category |
| Transit / Crewmember | C, D, C/D | $185 | No | Short-stay transit through US |
| Source: US Department of State nonimmigrant visa fee schedule (2026). All fees are in USD and are non-refundable once paid. | ||||
The SEVIS Fee: An Additional Mandatory Charge for Students and Exchange Visitors
Students applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa face a significant cost beyond the MRV fee that is entirely separate and often catches first-time applicants off guard: the SEVIS fee. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government’s tracking system for foreign students and exchange visitors. Every applicant in these categories must pay the SEVIS fee before attending their visa interview — it cannot be combined with the MRV payment and is processed through a completely different government portal.
- F-1 and M-1 student visas: SEVIS fee = $350 USD
- J-1 exchange visitor visas: SEVIS fee = $220 USD
- J-2 dependants of J-1: No SEVIS fee
- F-2 / M-2 dependants: No additional SEVIS fee if J-1 or F-1 primary applicant has paid
The SEVIS fee is paid online through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) payment portal at fmjfee.com. It must be paid at least 3 business days before your visa interview to allow the payment to process and appear in the consular system. A receipt of payment (Form I-901 confirmation) must be brought to the interview alongside the DS-160 confirmation page.
MRV fee ($185) + SEVIS fee ($350) = $535 USD minimum before any VAC service charge or reciprocity fee. For students applying from countries with reciprocity requirements, total costs can exceed $800–$1,000+ USD.
The Reciprocity Fee: The Charge Many Applicants Never Expect
Beyond the MRV fee and potential SEVIS fee, some nationalities face an additional charge called the visa issuance fee or reciprocity fee. This fee is not part of the DS-160 process itself — it is charged at the time of visa issuance (after approval) and is based on the principle of reciprocity: the United States charges applicants of certain nationalities the same amount that those countries charge US citizens for equivalent visas.
Countries whose citizens face US reciprocity fees include several in Africa, parts of South America, and a few in Asia. The amounts are country-specific and category-specific, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per issuance. A complete, up-to-date reciprocity table is maintained by the US Department of State at travel.state.gov — you should check your specific passport nationality against your intended visa category before budgeting.
| Country | Reciprocity Fee (USD) | Number of Entries | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | $0 | Multiple | 10 years |
| Pakistan | $0 | Multiple | 5 years |
| Nigeria | $0 | Multiple | 10 years |
| Australia | $0 | Multiple | 10 years |
| Brazil | ~$160 per entry | Single (many categories) | 90 days |
| Bolivia | ~$160 | Single or multiple | Varies |
| China | $0 | 10 years | Multiple |
| Canada | $0 | N/A (visa-exempt) | N/A |
| Note: Reciprocity fees and conditions change when bilateral agreements change. Always verify your specific nationality at travel.state.gov before your interview. The table above reflects known 2026 rates for illustration only. | |||
Visa Application Centre (VAC) Service Fees: The Biometric Appointment Cost
In most countries, US visa applicants do not go directly to the US Embassy or Consulate for their biometric appointment — they use a Visa Application Centre operated by an external service company (typically VFS Global or CGI Federal). These centres collect fingerprints, a digital photograph, and physical documents before forwarding the application to the US consular section.
The VAC charges a service fee that is separate from the US government MRV fee and varies by country. This fee typically ranges from approximately $18–$35 USD equivalent in local currency, though it can be higher in some markets. Additionally, some VAC locations offer optional services — premium appointment slots, document courier return, photograph services, and document scanning — each adding incremental cost.
| Cost Component | Amount (USD) | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-160 form submission | $0 (Free) | Yes | No cost; completed at ceac.state.gov |
| MRV visa application fee (B-1/B-2) | $185 | Yes | Non-refundable; paid before interview booking |
| VAC service / biometric appointment fee | ~$18–$35 | Yes (where VAC applies) | Varies by country; paid to VFS/CGI Federal |
| Reciprocity / issuance fee (nationality-specific) | $0–$160+ per entry | If applicable | Charged at issuance stage for specific nationalities |
| SEVIS fee (F-1, M-1, J-1 only) | $220–$350 | Yes (students/exchange) | Separate payment; paid before interview |
| Passport photograph (at VAC) | ~$5–$15 local equiv. | Situational | If not bringing compliant photos |
| Optional: Premium / priority appointment | ~$60–$90 | Optional | Available at select VAC locations |
| Optional: Courier passport return | ~$10–$30 | Optional | Avoid waiting for collection in person |
| Realistic total for B-1/B-2 (most applicants): Approximately $200–$225 USD (MRV + VAC). For students: $535–$570+ (MRV + SEVIS + VAC). For nationalities with reciprocity: add $0–$160+ per entry. | |||
How to Pay the MRV Fee: Step-by-Step Payment Process
The MRV fee payment process is handled through the US Embassy or Consulate’s designated payment system — not through the DS-160 portal and not to a private company. The payment method varies by country: some markets use an online portal directly, others use bank deposit slips at local partner banks, and others use hybrid systems.
-
Complete and submit your DS-160 form
Visit ceac.state.gov, create an application, and complete all sections carefully. Submit the form when complete. Save and print the confirmation page — the barcode on this page is tied to your interview and payment. If you need to make corrections after submission, you must start a new DS-160; the previous submission cannot be edited. -
Visit the US Embassy payment portal for your country
Each US Embassy or Consulate manages its own payment and scheduling system. Find your country-specific portal through the US Embassy website for your location (e.g., ustraveldocs.com for India and many other countries). Register or log in to create a profile. -
Pay the MRV fee through the designated method
In many countries, payment options include credit/debit card, bank transfer, or cash deposit at a partner bank. The fee is charged in local currency equivalent at the prevailing rate. After payment, you will receive a payment receipt that must be used to book your interview appointment. -
Pay the SEVIS fee (students and exchange visitors only)
If you are applying for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa, visit fmjfee.com to pay the SEVIS fee using the SEVIS ID number from your Form I-20 (students) or DS-2019 (exchange visitors). Pay at least 3 business days before your scheduled interview. Print and save the Form I-901 receipt. -
Book your VAC biometric appointment
Using your MRV payment receipt reference, log into the scheduling system and book your biometric appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre. After biometrics, book your actual interview at the US Embassy or Consulate (in some countries these are the same appointment; in others they are separate steps). -
Attend your interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation barcode page, MRV payment receipt, appointment confirmation letter, SEVIS receipt (if applicable), and all supporting documents to the interview. Fingerprints already taken at the VAC will not need to be repeated at the Embassy.
Once paid, the MRV fee is permanently non-refundable — including in cases of visa refusal, no-show appointments, or errors in the application. In many countries, an unused MRV fee can be used to reschedule an appointment within a specific validity window (usually one year), but the fee cannot be refunded under any circumstances. Double-check your DS-160 before paying.
DS-160 Common Errors That Waste Your Application Fee
Because the MRV fee is non-refundable, errors that cause application refusal or rejection represent a direct financial loss. These are the most consistently reported mistakes across US visa applications worldwide:
- Inconsistencies between the DS-160 and supporting documents — the name, date of birth, or passport number entered in the DS-160 must match your passport exactly. Even minor formatting differences can trigger consular scrutiny.
- Incomplete travel history — the DS-160 asks for all countries visited in the last five years. Omitting countries — even brief transits — is treated as a misrepresentation, which can result in permanent inadmissibility.
- Incorrect visa category selected — applying for a B-2 tourist visa when your trip has a significant business component (which should be B-1 or B-1/B-2) leads to questions at the interview and potential refusal.
- Failing to save the DS-160 application ID — if you lose your DS-160 application ID before submission and cannot retrieve the form, you must start over. The system does not allow retrieval without the ID.
- Not paying SEVIS before the interview — consular officers check SEVIS payment status during F-1 and J-1 interviews. Applications where SEVIS has not been paid or has not processed (the 3-business-day lag) result in rescheduled or denied interviews.
- Using unofficial third-party DS-160 completion services — numerous websites charge $50–$200+ to complete the DS-160 on your behalf. The form is free and straightforward to complete yourself; paying a third party adds cost without any application benefit and creates risk if the third party enters inaccurate information.
MRV Fee Validity: What Happens If Your Interview Is Rescheduled or Delayed?
A paid MRV fee does not expire immediately if your interview is delayed or rescheduled. The US Department of State generally allows a paid MRV fee to remain valid for one year from the payment date, during which time it can be applied to reschedule an appointment or book a new interview. After one year, the payment expires and a new MRV fee is required to proceed.
This is particularly relevant for applicants in high-demand markets — including India, Mexico, and the Philippines — where US visa appointment wait times can extend to many months or even over a year. Paying the MRV fee early to “hold” a spot is common, but applicants should monitor their payment date and the interview scheduling window carefully to avoid their fee expiring before an appointment becomes available.
For travellers who are planning their US itinerary once the visa is secured, exploring what American cities and regions have to offer is the natural next step. Our best things to do guides and our feature on Halloween events in Los Angeles offer practical destination inspiration for US trip planning.
DS-160 Price vs. Total US Visa Cost: A Clear Comparison
| Applicant Type | DS-160 Cost | MRV Fee | SEVIS Fee | VAC Fee (approx.) | Realistic Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (B-2) | $0 | $185 | $0 | ~$20–$30 | ~$205–$215 |
| Business visitor (B-1) | $0 | $185 | $0 | ~$20–$30 | ~$205–$215 |
| Student (F-1) | $0 | $185 | $350 | ~$20–$30 | ~$555–$565 |
| Exchange visitor (J-1) | $0 | $185 | $220 | ~$20–$30 | ~$425–$435 |
| Work visa (H-1B) | $0 | $205 | $0 | ~$20–$30 | ~$225–$235 (+employer petition fees) |
| Treaty investor (E-2) | $0 | $315 | $0 | ~$20–$30 | ~$335–$345 |
| Fiancé(e) (K-1) | $0 | $265 | $0 | ~$20–$30 | ~$285–$295 |
| Reciprocity fees not included — these are nationality-specific and charged at issuance. Add any applicable reciprocity fee on top of the figures above. | |||||
If you are also weighing US visa costs against other popular international destinations — for instance, comparing a US tourist visa with European Schengen visa costs or Asian destinations — our travel prices and fees category brings together cost guides across multiple countries and visa types to support your decision-making.
Has the DS-160 / MRV Fee Changed in 2026?
The current MRV fee schedule — $185 for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas — has been in place since June 2023, when the US Department of State increased nonimmigrant visa fees across most categories. As of the beginning of 2026, no further increase has been announced. The $185 standard fee, $205 petition-based fee, $265 K-visa fee, and $315 E-visa fee are all unchanged from 2025.
However, fee increases are periodically reviewed by the Department of State and can be implemented with relatively short notice. The most prudent approach is to check the official US Embassy website for your country or the State Department’s visa fee page (travel.state.gov) on the day you plan to make payment, to confirm the current applicable rate before any transaction.
The MRV fee can be waived in specific circumstances — including for certain exchange program participants sponsored by the US government, some diplomatic categories, and applicants under select bilateral agreements. If you are applying through a US-government-funded exchange program (e.g., Fulbright, USAID-funded programs), verify whether your sponsoring organisation can obtain a fee waiver before you pay.
Paying from Outside the US: Country-Specific MRV Payment Methods
The MRV fee payment method differs significantly by country, and this is one of the most practically confusing aspects of the US visa application process for first-time applicants. There is no single global payment portal.
In countries served by the ustraveldocs.com system (including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and others), applicants pay online with a credit/debit card or through a designated bank deposit. In some countries, MRV payments are made at specific local bank branches using a payment code, and in others, card payment at the time of VAC appointment is the norm. The US Embassy website for your specific country of residence will specify the exact payment method and accepted instruments.
Common across all markets: the MRV receipt number generated after payment must be entered into the scheduling system to book an interview. Without this receipt number, appointments cannot be booked — so keeping a record of this number (and the payment confirmation) is essential from the moment payment is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions: DS-160 Visa Price in 2026
1. Is the DS-160 form itself free or does it cost money?
The DS-160 form is completely free to complete and submit at ceac.state.gov. There is no charge for starting, saving, or submitting the form itself. The costs associated with a US visa application come from the MRV fee (the visa application fee paid after DS-160 submission), the SEVIS fee (for students and exchange visitors), and the VAC biometric service charge — not from the DS-160 form.
2. How much is the US tourist visa (B-1/B-2) total cost in 2026?
The MRV fee for a B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa is $185 USD. Adding the VAC service charge of approximately $20–$30, most tourist visa applicants pay a realistic total of $205–$215 USD before any reciprocity fee (if applicable to their nationality). The DS-160 form itself is free.
3. Is the MRV fee refundable if my US visa is refused?
No — the MRV fee is entirely non-refundable under all circumstances, including visa refusal, withdrawal of application, or failure to attend the interview. In most countries, a paid but unused MRV fee can be applied to reschedule or rebook an interview within a one-year validity window, but the underlying payment cannot be returned or credited.
4. What is the SEVIS fee and who pays it?
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory additional charge paid by F-1 and M-1 student visa applicants ($350 USD) and J-1 exchange visitor applicants ($220 USD). It is paid separately from the MRV fee through the SEVIS payment portal at fmjfee.com. It must be paid at least 3 business days before your visa interview to allow processing. Dependants (F-2, J-2) do not pay a separate SEVIS fee.
5. Can I complete the DS-160 in a language other than English?
No — the DS-160 must be completed entirely in English using only Latin alphabet characters. Names, addresses, and all other fields must be entered in English. If your name or other information is in a non-Latin script (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, etc.), you must provide the romanised / transliterated version that matches your passport. Entering characters in non-Latin scripts will cause form submission errors.
6. Do different countries pay different DS-160 / MRV fees?
The MRV fee is the same worldwide for each visa category — $185 for B-1/B-2 applies whether you apply from India, Nigeria, Brazil, or France. What varies by nationality is the reciprocity fee (charged at visa issuance, not at the DS-160 / MRV stage) and the VAC service charge (which varies slightly by country). Check the State Department reciprocity table to see if your nationality faces additional charges after visa approval.
DS-160 Visa Price in 2026: What You Need to Know
The DS-160 form is free. The DS-160 visa price in 2026 — meaning the realistic total cost of a US nonimmigrant visa application — is led by the MRV fee: $185 for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, $205 for petition-based work categories, $265 for K fiancé(e) visas, and $315 for E treaty visas. Students add $350 SEVIS on top; exchange visitors add $220. The VAC biometric service charge adds approximately $20–$30, and reciprocity fees may apply depending on your nationality.
The critical rules that protect your investment: complete the DS-160 accurately before paying the MRV fee (because corrections require a new form), pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 business days before the interview if applicable, verify whether your nationality triggers a reciprocity charge, and never use paid third-party services to complete a form that the US government provides for free. The MRV fee is non-refundable under all circumstances — getting the application right the first time is the only way to protect that investment.
For more destination inspiration and travel cost guides across the US and international destinations, explore our travel prices category and our full US destinations guide at TripCreamy.
