How do consular fees work?

Consular fees are the amounts charged to visa applicants during the application and interview stage at a U.S. consulate or embassy. They help cover the administrative cost of processing the request and may vary depending on the visa type and the policies of each post.

On the O-1 path, the process typically involves two stages: first, petition approval by USCIS, and then the visa application at the consulate, at which point consular fees apply.

• The amount depends on the visa type and post, and may be updated periodically.
• In general, the fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.
• Payment methods and procedures follow the instructions of each consulate.

Because amounts change over time, do not rely on third-party figures: always confirm the current amount and procedure on the official website of the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country before paying.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.