Greeting from the UNAA Communications Department,
Starting from June 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of State is set to raise Visa Processing Fees for processing nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications worldwide.
The application fee for visitor visas related to business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other non-petition based NIVs like student and exchange visitor (F/M/J) visas will be increased from $160 to $185.
For certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas catering to temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories), the application fee will be raised from $190 to $205.
The application fee for treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will be increased from $205 to $315.
Applicants who fall into two categories will be exempted from paying the fee difference:
- Those who have already paid a valid and non-expired visa application fee but haven’t yet attended their visa interview or are waiting for their case to be processed.
- Those who pay the fee before the June 17, 2023 fee increase.
All payments made for the nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) on or after October 1, 2022, will remain valid for 365 days from the date of receipt issuance. During this 365-day period, applicants must either schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application.
It’s important to note that the interview itself does not have to take place within the 365-day period. Any receipts for MRV fee payments issued before October 1, 2022, have been extended until September 30, 2023, and will remain valid until that date.
Respectfully Submitted
Denis Bazalirwa
UNAA Director Of Communications & IT