There are new consular fees that are going into place effective July 13, 2010. The Department of State has explained that the current fees of $131 are not enough to cover all the costs associated with reviewing each applicant’s visa application. This fee list refers to cases being processed by a US Consulate / US Embassy – not the USCIS.
Here is a list of the fee increases by case type:
A. Non-Immigrant Visa Fees: Current New
1. H-1B, L-1, O, P and R-1 Visas $131.00 $150.00
2. E (investor) visas $131.00 $390.00
3. K Visa $131.00 $350.00
4. B-1/B-2 Visitor, F, M & J visas $131.00 $140.00
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B. Immigrant Filing Fees: Current New
1. Family-Based Immigrant Visa $355.00 $330.00
2. Employment based Immigrant Visa $355.00 $720.00
3. Diversity Visa Lottery Surcharge $375.00 $440.00
It is important to make a careful note of these changes, as anyone that has dealt with a US Embassy knows, all parts of the application must be completed exactly as each Embassy wants to avoid being denied or receiving a document stating charge of 221(g). Also, if you are submitting paperwork to any US Embassy, please be aware that most US Embassies have upgraded their websites to provide instructions as to how they want the above fees paid and which bank they prefer, etc. Here is a link for a list of US Embassies throughout the world http://www.usembassy.gov/.