The cost of nonimmigrant visas will increase, according to the American Embassy in Ghana, starting on May 30, 2023.
The charge for B1/B2 visas for business and tourist travel, F visas for international students, J exchange guest visas, and other visa classes not needing a petition will rise to $185 (from $160), the document continued.
The charge will rise from $190 to $205 for petition-based nonimmigrant categories H, L, O, P, Q, and R.
The US Embassy said that all U.S. Embassies and Consulates will be subject to the fee hike, which was decided by the Department of State in Washington, D.C.
“Fees are increasing for new visa applications as of May 30, 2023, only,” it was further explained. This modification does not apply to applicants who pay the visa fee before to May 30, 2023 and book an interview within 365 days of the date of payment.
“Applicants must simply schedule an appointment within 365 days; there is no requirement that the interview take place during that 365-day period.”
All visa fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days starting from the day a receipt for the fee payment is issued, according to the US Embassy.
It, therefore, advises that “applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application within 365 days of paying the visa fee.
There is no requirement for the interview to occur during that 365-day period.”
The Embassy explained the importance of the charges saying “The Department of State’s consular operations are funded by fees collected for the consular services it provides.”
“Nonimmigrant visa fees are set based on the actual cost of providing these services, as determined after conducting a study of the cost of these services.
“Nonimmigrant visa fee increases are based strictly on the results of this cost-of-service model, and the Department of State only recovers the costs of providing these consular services.”
