The US Department of State has implemented a revised fee schedule for non-immigrant visa applications that are valid worldwide since May 2025. The update applies to all US embassies and consulates, including the US embassy in Abuja and the US embassy in Lagos, and will affect Nigerians and other global applicants seeking temporary entry into the United States.
In its official announcement, the Department of State confirmed it covers a wide range of visa types, including the widely used B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, F-1 Student Visa, H-1B Workplace Visa, and K-fiance (E) visa.
The revised fee will be paid upon application and applies to individuals traveling for purposes such as tourism, learning, business, cultural exchange, temporary work, and more.
Complete breakdown of non-immigrant visa fees (valid in May 2025)
Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism): Code: B-1/B-2; Fee: $185. Used: The most common visa for short trips, such as holidays and business meetings.
Transit Visa: Code: C-1; Fee: $185. Used: For travelers passing through US airports and ports on their way to other destinations.
Crew Member Visa: Code: D; Fee: $185. Use: Essential for airlines or maritime crews entering US ports.
Academic Student Visa: Code: F; Fee: $185. Used: For students enrolled in academic institutions in the United States.
Occupational Student Visa: Code: M; Fee: $185. Use: For students attending technical or vocational training schools.
Visitor Exchange Visa: Code: j; Fee: $185. Used: Programs such as Fulbright and internships to promote cultural exchange.
Media and Journalist Visa: Code: i; Fee: $185. Used: For foreign journalists and certified media representatives who cover our stories.
Victims of Trafficking Visa: Code: t; Fee: $185. Use: Protect victims who escape trafficking networks.
Victims of Criminal Activity Visa: Code: u; Fee: $185. Use: Support victims working with US law enforcement agencies.
NAFTA Professional Worker Visa: Code: TN/TD; Fee: $185. Used: For Canadian and Mexican experts under the USMCA Trade Agreement.
Temporary Worker Visa: Code: H; Fee: $205 Usage: Includes H-1B Visa for skilled foreign professionals in technology, medicine and more.
Intracompany Assignee Visa: code: l; Fee: $205. Used: For employees traveling within multinational companies.
Extraordinary Ability Visa: Code: o; Fee: $205. Use: Target individuals with outstanding skills in art, science, education or business.
Athlete/Artist/Entertainer Visa: Code: P; Fee: $205. Used: For world-class entertainers and athletes performing in the US
Cultural Exchange Visa: Code: Q; Fee: $205. Used: For international staff of the US Cultural Exchange Program.
Religious Worker Visa: Code: R; Fee: $205. Use: Issued to members of a certified religious organization.
Fiance (e) Visa: Code: k; Fee: $265. Use: For foreigners planning to marry US citizens.
Treaty Trader/Investor Visa: Code: E-1/E-2; Fee: $315. Use: Encourage trade and investment from countries with treaties with the US
Australian Professional Visa: Code: E-3; Fee: $315. Use: For Australians hired in highly professional positions.
These renewal fees apply only to the non-immigrant visa category. These are temporary permits issued to individuals planning to stay in the United States for a limited period of time, such as education, business trips, treatment, temporary work, or cultural exchange.
They do not apply to immigration visas. Immigration visas are granted to individuals who are permanently resident in the United States and intend to ultimately seek Green Card status. Immigration visas follow a different application process, fee structure, and legal route under US immigration law.
For Nigerian applicants and others around the world, the change underscores the importance of checking current visa prices and ensuring correct payments and documentation when starting a US trip plan.
