How much does a US visa cost? Analysis of the latest visa fees and hot topics in 2024
Recently, the issue of U.S. visa policies and fees has once again become the focus of heated discussions across the Internet. This article will combine hot topics in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed review of the U.S. visa fee structure, application process changes and precautions to help you plan your visa application efficiently.
1. The latest adjustment to U.S. visa fees in 2024
According to the latest announcement from the U.S. Department of State, fees for some visa types have been increased in January 2024. The following is a list of fees for the main visa types (the exchange rate is calculated based on 1 US dollar = 7.25 RMB):
| Visa type | USD fee | RMB fee (approx.) | Applicable people |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 tourist visa | $185 | ¥1,341 | Tourism/Business Visit |
| F1 student visa | $185 | ¥1,341 | International students |
| H1B work visa | $205 | ¥1,486 | Professional and technical workers |
| J1 Exchange Visitor Visa | $185 | ¥1,341 | Visiting scholar/exchange student |
| L1 multinational company visa | $205 | ¥1,486 | Business executives/managers |
2. Recent popular issues in visa application
1.Appointment waiting time extended:B1/B2 visa interview appointments at multiple consulates have been scheduled until August 2024. It is recommended to plan 6 months in advance.
2.New rules for EVUS registration:Passengers holding a 10-year B visa are required to update their electronic registration every two years. Those who fail to update will be refused entry.
3.Enhanced review of STEM majors:F1/J1 visas involving fields such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors require additional administrative review.
3. Details of additional charges
| Charge items | Fee standard | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS fee (Category F/J) | $220-$350 | Student/Scholar Information System Fee |
| Visa application service fee | ¥1,128 | CITIC Bank collection agency |
| expedited processing fee | ¥1,450 | Processed within 3 working days |
| Passport postage fee | ¥92-150 | Depends on region |
4. Tips for saving money
1.Off-peak application:November to January of the following year is the traditional off-season, and the reservation success rate is higher.
2.Prepare all materials at once:Additional courier charges will be incurred for supplementary materials.
3.Pay attention to exchange rate fluctuations:Fees are settled in U.S. dollars, which can save money when the RMB appreciates.
5. Impact of recent hot events
1.The war for AI talent:The United States announced that it would extend the OPT period for graduates of certain STEM majors, and the number of related visa applications surged by 35%.
2.Visa digitization process:Some consulates are piloting the electronic material submission system, which is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2024.
3.Changes in visa rejection rate:In the first quarter of 2024, the global average rejection rate for B visas reached 25%, an increase of 7% from the same period last year.
Summary:US visa fees are affected by multiple factors such as visa type, additional services and policy adjustments. Applicants are advised to check the official website of the U.S. Department of State for the latest information, or pay attention to official notices from the embassy and consulates. Reasonable planning of application time and budget can significantly improve the visa approval rate and reduce costs.
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