Understanding Visa Processing Fees for Family Immigration to the USA

When applying for a family visa to the USA, one of the first things you need to consider is the visa processing fees. These fees vary depending on the type of visa and the individual members of your family who are applying. Let's break down the requirements, common questions, and the implications of these costs.

Understanding the Visa Fee Structure

The fee for a non-immigrant visa is $185 for each individual applicant. This fee cannot be avoided and must be paid for every member of your family who requires a visa. If you’re applying for an immigrant visa, the fee is slightly different. After the initial application, you may need to pay an additional fee for each family member before you can schedule an interview. It is important to remember that these fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.

No US “Family Visa”

The USA does not offer a separate "family visa" as an official category. Most family migration occurs through an immigrant visa or a non-immigrant visa with a specific purpose, such as family visas for employment or marriage.

Exceptions to Visa Processing Fees

While most applicants must pay the MRV (visa application) fee, there are some exceptions:

US Government, Foreign Government, and NGO Visitors: Some individuals who are invited to the US by the US government or foreign governments, as well as certain NGO workers who are invited to assist US nonprofits, may be exempt from the visa fee if the US nonprofit is paying it. These individuals include diplomats, representatives of foreign governments, and volunteers working for NGOs that the US government funds. Ambassadors, UN Personnel, and Exchange Visitors: Individuals coming to the US for careers in the diplomatic corps, including their spouses and minor children, are exempt from the visa fee if they are funded by the US government. Additionally, foreign diplomats and their dependents who are invited to fight wildfires in the USA may be exempt from the fee. Healthcare Workers: Certain healthcare professionals, such as foreign firefighters recruited to fight large wildfires, may also be exempt from the visa fee.

Specific Scenarios

Parent-Child Scenarios: If a parent holds an immigrant visa and gives birth to a child in the US before traveling, the child can join the parent without a visa and without paying the fee.

DV Lottery Participants: Those who participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and are scheduled for interviews only pay the fee once they are selected through the lottery process. If the interview process continues past this initial step, all participants pay the fee.

FAQs

Can Visa Fees Be Waived If You Lose Your Visa Application?

No, visa fees are not refundable. Once you apply and pay the fee, it is non-refundable, even if you are not granted a visa. These fees are considered application fees, not refunds.

Can You Pay the Visa Fee After You Receive a Visa?

The visa fee must be paid at the time of application. It cannot be paid after the visa has been issued or after you enter the USA.

Is There a Discount If You Don’t Need an Interview for Your Visa Application?

There is no discount for applicants who do not need an interview. Conversely, there is no separate interview fee. However, some citizens of specific countries may be required to pay a reciprocity fee, which is an additional fee imposed by the US if a foreign government charges a higher visa fee.

Consequences of Not Meeting Financial Requirements

Some applicants may be concerned that their income levels do not meet the necessary financial requirements to demonstrate ties to their home country. This can lead to both types of inadmissibility issues under Section 214(b). If you plan to apply for a family visa and cannot afford to pay the visa fees for all family members, you may run into issues related to inadmissibility.

Conclusion

When applying for a family visa to the USA, it is crucial to understand the visa processing fees and the associated costs. Familiarize yourself with the fees and any potential exceptions to ensure a smooth application process. Additionally, consider the financial implications and consult with immigration professionals if needed.