Visa application fees are mandatory charges set by U.S. law before you can book a visa interview. In an interview on June 24, 2025, Consul General Elliot Fertik emphasized that this payment is required by Title 22 of the U.S. Code and covers the costs of security screening, consular operations, and application adjudication. He pointed out that no refunds issue when a visa is denied or an appointment is missed. By this article, you are encouraged to pay only through the official CGI Federal portal, plan your application timeline carefully to avoid last-minute cancellations, and steer clear of third-party agents who claim they can secure special interview slots.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways on Visa Application Fees
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Mandatory Payment
U.S. law requires payment of visa application fees before booking an interview. These fees apply to all non-immigrant categories, including student, tourist, and work visas. -
Non-Refundable
The fees cover government processing costs. They remain non-refundable even if your application is denied or you miss your interview. -
Global Policy
This rule applies at every U.S. mission worldwide. It ensures the applicant, not the taxpayer, bears processing expenses. -
Avoid Scams
Only use official channels to pay and book. Third-party agents who promise appointment slots for extra fees often commit fraud.
Legal Basis for Non-Refundable Visa Application Fees
Under Title 22 of the U.S. Code, Section 214, the Department of State collects a “Machine-Readable Visa” fee for non-immigrant visa processing. This fee funds:
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Consular Operations
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Security Screening
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Adjudication of Applications
The law states clearly that the fee is non-refundable. Even if an applicant withdraws or fails to attend the interview, the government must cover its fixed processing costs.
“U.S. law requires us to collect the cost of processing each visa application, regardless of whether the visa is granted or denied.”
— Mr. Elliot Fertik, U.S. Embassy Consul General, Ghana (June 24, 2025)
Breakdown of U.S. Visa Application Fees by Category
Below is a snapshot of standard visa application fees for common non-immigrant categories. Fees can vary; always verify on the official site (see Resources section).
| Visa Category | Fee (USD) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 (Business/Tourist) | $185 | Visitor visa |
| F-1/M-1 (Student) | $185 | Academic and vocational students |
| H-1B (Specialty Occupation) | $205 | Skilled worker, paid by employer |
| L-1 (Intracompany Transferee) | $205 | Employee transfer within multinational companies |
| J-1 (Exchange Visitor) | $185 | Cultural/educational exchange |
| E-1/E-2 (Treaty Trader/Investor) | $205 | Trade and investment |
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Payment Methods
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Online via CGI Federal.
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Bank deposit in local currency.
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Mobile money in select countries.
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Scheduling after Payment
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Use receipt number to book here.
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Slots open based on availability.
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How Non-Refundable Visa Application Fees Affect You
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Financial Planning
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Budget for the fee plus travel and document costs.
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Expect no refund if you cancel or withdraw.
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Interview Preparation
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Confirm all documents before booking.
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Avoid last-minute cancellations.
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Denied Applications
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You pay again if you reapply after a refusal.
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Keep records of past refusals; consular officers review history.
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No-Shows
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Missing your slot forfeits the fee.
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You must pay again to reschedule.
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By understanding these rules, you can avoid wasted expenses and delays.
Risks of Third-Party Services and Fraud
Mr. Fertik warns against agents who promise “reserved” slots for a fee. Common scams include:
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Fake Appointment Guarantees
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Unlicensed Consulting Fees
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Phishing for Personal Data
Legal Consequences:
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Ghana Police Service, with U.S. Embassy support, has arrested individuals who manipulated the appointment system.
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Paying unauthorized agents violates U.S. law (18 U.S.C. § 1546) and Ghanaian regulations.
Always:
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Use only the official visa portal
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Verify agent credentials via the U.S. Embassy website.
Tips to Manage Application Fees and Appointment Booking
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Plan Early
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Check visa fee changes on the U.S. Department of State site:
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Book interviews at least 2–3 months in advance.
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Confirm Eligibility
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Review visa category requirements.
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Gather supporting documents (financial proof, invitation letters).
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Use Official Channels
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Pay application fees only through CGI Federal.
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Avoid cash payments to intermediaries.
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Track Your Payment
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Save receipts and confirmation emails.
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Note your MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) receipt number.
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Prepare for Interview
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Dress smartly.
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Answer questions clearly.
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Present organized documents.
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Official Resources for Visa Application Fees
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the application fees process with confidence. Proper planning, use of official resources, and avoiding unauthorized agents will save you time and money.
Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm
Ready to navigate the U.S. visa process with confidence? Maple Crest Immigration Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team will:
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Verify your visa category and fee requirements
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Prepare and review your application for accuracy
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Secure your interview appointment on time
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Represent you through any follow-up or refusals
Don’t risk delays or fraud—trust our proven track record. Contact Maple Crest Law today for a personalized consultation and make your American dream a reality!
