US Embassy in Accra announces increase in nonimmigrant visa fees

The United States Embassy in Accra has announced that as of May 30, 2023, fees for nonimmigrant visas will increase. The fee for B1/B2 visas for business and tourist travel, F visas for international students, J exchange visitor visas, and other visa classes not requiring a petition will increase to $185 from the current $160.

Petition-based nonimmigrant categories (H, L, O, P, Q, and R) will increase to $205 from $190. The fee increase has been established by the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and will apply to all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

However, the US Embassy has clarified that the fee increase will only affect new visa applications made on or after May 30, 2023. Applicants who pay the visa fee before that date and schedule an interview within 365 days of payment will not be affected by the change.

The Embassy advises applicants to schedule an interview appointment or submit an interview waiver application within 365 days of paying the visa fee, even though there is no requirement for the interview to occur during that 365-day period.

The Embassy emphasizes that the nonimmigrant visa fee increases are solely based on the results of the cost-of-service model, and the Department of State recovers only the costs of providing consular services, such as determining the actual cost of providing these services.

Additionally, all visa fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, will be valid for 365 days from the date of issuance of the receipt for payment of the fee.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh