How visa fees work
Visa reciprocity fees explained
A US visa reciprocity fee is an extra issuance charge for approved nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries. The United States bases it on fees that the other country charges US citizens for a similar visa Source 1. It is separate from the non-refundable application fee and is paid after approval Source 1. The amount, number of entries and validity depend on nationality and visa class. Check the State Department country table on the date of issuance Source 1,Source 2.
How reciprocity works
The State Department says a reciprocity fee may be imposed when another government charges US citizens for a similar visa. The US charge applies to citizens of that country or area of authority in the matching nonimmigrant visa class Source 1.
It is an issuance fee. An applicant first pays the normal application fee. If the visa is approved and the country table shows a reciprocity charge, the applicant pays the issuance amount after the interview Source 1,Source 2.
What the country table shows
The reciprocity table has separate rows by visa classification. Each row can show a fee, number of permitted entries and validity period. The letter M means multiple entries Source 1.
A zero fee does not mean the application itself is free. It means no additional reciprocity amount is due for that nationality and class. The normal MRV fee still applies when no official exemption covers the applicant Source 1,Source 2.
Application fee versus reciprocity fee
The application fee pays for processing. On 19 October 2026 it was US$185 for B, F, J and other non-petition categories, US$205 for listed petition-based worker categories, US$315 for E visas and US$265 for K visas Source 2.
The reciprocity fee is due only for an approved application when the nationality and visa-class table lists an amount. A refusal means no issuance fee, but the application fee is not returned Source 1,Source 2.
How to check the right amount
- Open the State Department reciprocity page Source 1.
- Select the country of nationality, not the country where the interview takes place Source 1.
- Select the exact visa class, such as B1/B2, F1 or H1B Source 1.
- Read the fee, entries and validity fields together Source 1.
- Recheck on the issuance date since schedules can change Source 1,Source 2.
Who does not pay
The State Department fee schedule lists no issuance fee for several official or treaty-linked groups, including qualifying diplomatic representatives, certain UN transit applicants and participants in US government-sponsored programs. The consular post determines whether an exemption applies Source 2,Source 3.
Common questions
Is the reciprocity fee paid before the interview?
No. The State Department says it is charged to an approved nonimmigrant applicant after the interview Source 1.
Does every nationality pay it?
No. It applies only when the official country and visa-class table lists a fee Source 1.
Is it included in the US$185 visitor fee?
No. It is an additional issuance charge. The US$185 amount is the application processing fee Source 1,Source 2.
Does paying it guarantee entry to the United States?
No. A visa permits travel to request entry. Border officials decide admission under US law Source 3.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.