US Tourist Visa and Student Visa Fee Hike from May 30; All About New Rates, Categories Affected

The United States has increased the fee for tourists and students seeking visas. The visa fees will be applicable to those applying for visitor visas for business or tourism, and other non-petition based NIVs such as student visa and exchange visitor visas. As per current exchange rates, those applying for US visa under the given categories will have to pay around Rs 15,000 instead of estimated Rs 13,000. “The fee for visitor visas for business or tourism, and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, will increase from $160 to $185,” a statement of the US Department of State said. Here are the Visa categories that are going to be affected by the new rule: B1- Business visitors B2- Tourists, vacationers and pleasure visitors H- Work visas L- Intra company transferees O- Foreign nationals HAVING excellent knowledge and abilities in the fields of art, science, education, athletics or business P- Performing athlete, artist and entertainer Q- International cultural exchange visitors R- Religious works The fees for most non-petition based NIVs were last updated in 2012 and some other NIV fees were last updated in 2014.