U.S. Announces Revised Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Effective May 2025.
The United States has unveiled updated visa application fees for non-immigrant categories, set to take effect from May 2025. The revised fees, which must be paid at the time of application, apply to individuals travelling for purposes such as tourism, education, business, temporary employment, and cultural exchange. The announcement is particularly significant for Nigerian applicants and other global travellers, who are urged to verify payment procedures to avoid delays.
The new fee structure covers a range of non-immigrant visa types, with most categories set at $185, while others, such as fiancé(e) and treaty trader/investor visas, command higher fees. Below is a detailed breakdown of the revised fees:
Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2): $185, for short visits including holidays, business meetings, and family visits.
Transit Visa (C-1): $185, for travellers passing through U.S. ports en route to another destination.
Crew Member Visa (D): $185, for airline and maritime crew entering U.S. ports.
Academic Student Visa (F): $185, for students enrolling in U.S. academic programmes.
Vocational Student Visa (M): $185, for those attending vocational or technical schools.
Exchange Visitor Visa (J): $185, for cultural exchange programmes like Fulbright and internships.
Media and Journalist Visa (I): $185, for accredited media professionals covering U.S. news.
Victims of Trafficking Visa (T): $185, for individuals escaping trafficking networks.
Victims of Criminal Activity Visa (U): $185, for victims aiding U.S. law enforcement.
NAFTA Professional Worker Visa (TN/TD): $185, for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA trade agreement.
Temporary Worker Visa (H): $205, for skilled workers in fields like technology and medicine, including H-1B.
Intra-Company Transferee Visa (L): $205, for employees transferring within multinational firms.
Extraordinary Ability Visa (O): $205, for individuals with exceptional skills in arts, sciences, or business.
Athlete/Artist/Entertainer Visa (P): $205, for top-tier entertainers and sports professionals.
Cultural Exchange Visa (Q): $205, for participants in U.S. government-designated cultural programmes.
Religious Worker Visa (R): $205, for clergy and religious workers from recognised organisations.
Fiancé(e) Visa (K): $265, for those planning to marry a U.S. citizen.
Treaty Trader/Investor Visa (E-1/E-2): $315, for individuals from treaty countries engaging in substantial trade or investment.
Australian Specialty Occupation Visa (E-3): $315, for Australians in specialty occupations.
The U.S. authorities have clarified that these fees apply exclusively to non-immigrant visas, which are temporary permits for specific purposes like study or tourism. Immigrant visa categories, intended for those seeking permanent residency, remain unaffected by these changes.
For Nigerian applicants, the update underscores the need for meticulous preparation. “Applicants must verify the current visa fee and ensure all supporting documents are accurate to avoid processing delays,” a U.S. Embassy spokesperson advised. This is particularly critical given the high volume of visa applications from Nigeria, spanning students, professionals, and tourists.
The fee adjustments reflect the U.S. government’s efforts to align visa processing costs with operational expenses while maintaining accessibility for global travellers. Applicants are encouraged to consult official U.S. Embassy websites for detailed guidance on payment methods and application procedures.
As the new updates are rolled out, Nigerian and international applicants are advised to plan ahead, ensuring compliance with the updated requirements to facilitate smooth visa processing.