Changes to the U.S. State Department Immigration Fees

Effective from September 6, 2014, the United States Department of State, the Federal Department overseeing Visa Processing through the National Visa Center and the US Embassies and Consulates across the globe changed its processing fees for various type of Immigrant Visas and Processing. 

This has affected many immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants, including other groups. For the official statement, please visit the Federal Register.

According to the State Department:

“Processing those applications for determination of eligibility as a returning resident has become less costly due to continuing advances in automation, making it easier to verify previous U.S. immigration status.” 

A synopsis of the fee changes is below:

Consular time fee decreased from $231 to $135 per hour.

Administrative processing of Formal Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship increased from $450 to $2,250.

Affidavit of Support fees increased from $88 to $120.

Immigrant Visa Security surcharge increased from $75 to $100.

Determining returning resident status fees decreased from $275 to $180.

Waiver of two-year residency requirement (J-visa) fees decreased from $215 to $120.

Refugee cases or significant public benefit parole case processing: NO FEES.

Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Fees

Non-Petition based NIV fee (Except E Category): $160.

H, L, O, P, Q, and R Category NIV fees: $190.

E Category NIV fees decreased from $270 to $205.

K Category (Fiancé) NIV fees increased from $240 to $265.

Border crossing card (age 15 and over, 10 year validity) fees $160 / under 15 years of age $16.

Immigrant Visas (IV) and Special Visa Services Fees

Immediate relative and family preference application fees increased from $230 to $325.

Employment-based applications (I-140 alien work or I-526 alien entrepreneur petitioner/immigrant investor) decreased from $405 to $345.

Other immigrant visa applications (including I-360 self-petition and special immigrant visa applicants) decreased from $220 to $205.

Certain Iraqi and Afghan special immigrant Visa application: NO FEE