Independent private US visitor visa consultancy
Current B1/B2 application processing fee
The US Department of State currently lists a non-refundable application processing fee of US$185 for non-petition-based nonimmigrant categories, including B visas for business, tourism and medical treatment.
Check before paying: official fees, local currency amounts and payment channels can change. Confirm the amount shown in the official India scheduling and payment system.
Official reference: Department of State visa fee schedule.
Why the INR amount may differ
Applicants in India normally pay the amount specified in Indian rupees through the official payment options. The conversion rate used by the visa system is not necessarily the live retail exchange rate and may be updated periodically.
Use the reference number and payment instructions generated for the applicant’s official profile. Do not transfer the fee to an unverified personal account.
The fee is non-refundable
The fee is charged for processing the application. It is not refunded merely because an applicant changes plans, misses an appointment or receives a refusal. It also does not purchase approval.
A new application after refusal generally requires a new DS-160, a new fee and a new appointment.
Separate three different cost categories
| Cost | What it covers | Who controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | Official processing of the B1/B2 application | US authorities and the official payment system |
| Consultancy fee | Optional assistance with forms, documents, appointments or interview preparation | The private consultancy under its stated service terms |
| Travel costs | Transport, accommodation, insurance and personal trip expenses | The applicant and travel providers |
Possible additional charges
Depending on nationality or the case, a visa issuance or reciprocity fee may apply after approval. Indian applicants should check the current official reciprocity information. Courier, premium delivery or other optional services may also carry separate charges under the official local system.
Confirm the fee category before payment
The applicant should know which visa category is being requested and whether the selected payment instruction belongs to the correct official profile. A payment receipt does not correct a DS-160 prepared for the wrong purpose, an incorrect passport record or a duplicated scheduling profile.
Where several family members apply, check whether the official system permits a group payment arrangement and verify that every applicant is included correctly. Keep the receipt, reference details and payment date with the application record.
Fee validity and reuse depend on official rules
Payment activation, validity and any permitted use after a cancelled or changed appointment are controlled by the official scheduling system. Do not assume that an old receipt can be transferred to a new profile, another applicant, a different country or a different category. Read the current terms shown at the time of payment.
If the system does not recognise a payment, preserve the receipt and use the official support route. Paying again immediately can create a second charge without solving the underlying profile issue.
Warning signs of payment or appointment fraud
- A request to pay the government fee into an individual's personal bank account.
- A promise that a higher unofficial payment will guarantee approval.
- An offer to sell a private embassy appointment outside the official system.
- A request for card PINs, banking passwords or one-time codes.
- A refusal to separate the government fee from the consultant's service fee.
Applicants should receive a clear explanation of what a consultancy fee covers. It is payment for an agreed assistance service, not for a visa decision.
Payment safety
- Use only the payment route shown in the applicant’s official profile.
- Check the applicant name, category and reference details.
- Keep the payment receipt and confirmation.
- Do not share account passwords or one-time codes.
- Be cautious of anyone claiming to sell guaranteed approval or private appointment inventory.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current B1/B2 visa application fee?
The Department of State currently lists US$185 for non-petition-based visitor categories, including B visas.
Is the visa fee refundable after refusal?
No. The application processing fee is non-refundable and pays for processing the application, not for visa issuance.
Why can the INR amount change?
The local currency amount is set through the official payment system and can change with official exchange-rate or administrative updates.
Do consultants collect the government visa fee?
Applicants should confirm the official payment instructions and receipt details. Any consultancy service fee should be clearly distinguished from the government application fee.