The United States Department of State has implemented a revised fee schedule for non-immigrant visa applications, effective globally from May 2025. This update applies to all U.S. embassies and consulates, including the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos, affecting thousands of Nigerians and other global applicants seeking temporary entry into the United States.
In its official announcement, the State Department confirmed the fee adjustments cover a broad range of visa types, including the widely used B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, and the K fiancé(e) visa, among others.
The revised fees are payable at the point of application and apply to individuals travelling for purposes such as tourism, study, business, cultural exchange, and temporary work.
Full Breakdown of Non-Immigrant Visa Fees (Effective May 2025)
Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism)
Code: B-1/B-2
Fee: $185
Use: The most common visa for short-term travel, including vacations and business meetings.
Transit Visa
Code: C-1
Fee: $185
Use: For travellers passing through U.S. airports or seaports en route to other destinations.
Crew Member Visa
Code: D
Fee: $185
Use: Essential for airline or maritime crew entering U.S. ports.
Academic Student Visa
Code: F
Fee: $185
Use: For students enrolling in U.S. academic institutions.
Vocational Student Visa
Code: M
Fee: $185
Use: For students attending technical or vocational schools.
Exchange Visitor Visa
Code: J
Fee: $185
Use: For programs like Fulbright and internships promoting cultural exchange.
Media and Journalist Visa
Code: I
Fee: $185
Use: For foreign journalists and accredited media personnel covering U.S. stories.
Victims of Trafficking Visa
Code: T
Fee: $185
Use: Protects victims escaping human trafficking networks.
Victims of Criminal Activity Visa
Code: U
Fee: $185
Use: Assists victims who are cooperating with U.S. law enforcement.
NAFTA Professional Worker Visa
Code: TN/TD
Fee: $185
Use: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA trade agreement.
Temporary Worker Visa
Code: H
Fee: $205
Use: Includes the H-1B visa for skilled foreign professionals in tech, medicine, and more.
Intra-Company Transferee Visa
Code: L
Fee: $205
Use: For employees moving within multinational companies.
Extraordinary Ability Visa
Code: O
Fee: $205
Use: Targets individuals with exceptional skills in arts, science, education, or business.
Athlete/Artist/Entertainer Visa
Code: P
Fee: $205
Use: For world-class entertainers and athletes performing in the U.S.
Cultural Exchange Visa
Code: Q
Fee: $205
Use: For international staff in U.S. cultural exchange programs.
Religious Worker Visa
Code: R
Fee: $205
Use: Issued to members of recognised religious organisations.
Fiancé(e) Visa
Code: K
Fee: $265
Use: For foreign nationals planning to marry a U.S. citizen.
Treaty Trader/Investor Visa
Code: E-1/E-2
Fee: $315
Use: Encourages trade and investment from countries with treaties with the U.S.
Australian Specialty Occupation Visa
Code: E-3
Fee: $315
Use: For Australians hired in highly specialised job roles.
These updated fees only apply to non-immigrant visa categories. These are temporary permits issued to individuals who plan to stay in the U.S. for a limited period for specific purposes such as education, business trips, medical treatment, temporary work, or cultural exchange.
They do not apply to immigrant visas, which are granted to individuals intending to reside permanently in the U.S. and eventually seek Green Card status. Immigrant visas follow a separate application process, fee structure, and legal pathway under U.S. immigration laws.
For Nigerian applicants and others worldwide, the changes underscore the importance of confirming current visa fees and ensuring the correct payment and documentation when initiating their U.S. travel plans.