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Apply For A Travel Document

How to apply for a travel document (updated 2021).

If you are an immigrant who has received the right to live in the United States or an immigrant who has a pending matter regarding living in the United States, it may be possible to travel outside of the United States without losing your right to return to the United States and live in the United States.  However, to so travel abroad and still protect your legal rights in the United States, it may be necessary that you take a certain action.

This necessary action is that you apply for what is known as a “travel document” (also sometimes described as a “travel permit”) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).

There are three types of travel documents that are issued by USCIS:

Reentry Permits

Refugee travel documents, advance parole documents.

• Reentry permits are used by green card holders (lawful permanent residents) who want to leave the United States and remain in a foreign country for one year or more.  In essence, a reentry permit can be a necessary traveling document for green cardholders.
• Without a re-entry permit, you could be considered to have abandoned your lawful permanent resident status if you leave the United States to travel abroad for one year or more.
• It is generally not necessary to obtain a reentry permit if you return to the United States from your foreign travel in less than one year.
• The reentry permit must be applied for while you are physically present in the United States.  USCIS recommends that you apply for a reentry permit no less than 60 days before traveling abroad.
• In addition, you must complete the required biometrics in connection with your reentry permit before you leave the United States.
• You do not have to be in the United States while your reentry permit application is pending with USCIS.
• Reentry permits are generally valid for two years.
• Refugee travel documents are used by refugees or asylees who want to leave the United States and travel outside the United States.  It should be highlighted that refugee travel documents should be used by refugees or asylees if there is any travel outside the United States; there is no time period of permitted travel outside of the United States as applies for green card holders before they need reentry permits (as described above, generally less than one year).
• Without refugee travel documents, you will be denied admission back into the United States when you return from abroad.
• Refugee travel documents should be applied for before you leave the United States (although it is possible that you will be allowed to obtain refugee travel documents from outside of the United States if allowed in the discretion of the USCIS Overseas District Director with jurisdiction over your foreign location).
• Refugee travel documents are generally valid for one year.
• Advance parole documents are used by persons who want to leave the United States before certain pending immigration matters regarding living in the United States have been resolved.

Two common uses of advance parole documents are:

• If you have filed a pending Form I-485, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status” (“Form I-485 Travel Permit”). You can apply for a Form I-485 Travel Permit if you seek to travel abroad for “urgent humanitarian reasons” or in furtherance of a “significant public benefit”, which can include a personal or family emergency or bona fide business reasons.  Form I-485 applicants who travel outside the United States without advance parole for Form I-485 can be deemed to have abandoned their Form I-485 (and related green card application ).
• If you are subject to deferred action as a childhood arrival under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (“DACA”) program. (“DACA Travel Permit”). You can apply for a DACA Travel Permit if you seek to travel abroad for educational purposes (including a semester abroad programs or academic research), employment purposes (including overseas interviews, conferences, or meetings with clients), or humanitarian purposes (including to obtain medical treatment, attend funeral services for a family member, or visit a sick relative).  DACA applicants who travel outside the United States without advance parole for DACA will lose DACA status.
• Advance parole documents generally must be both applied for and approved before you leave the United States (although in rare cases, the USCIS may issue an advance parole document to persons outside of the United States).
• Advance parole documents are generally valid for one year.

It is important to note that advance parole documents do not guarantee your admission back into the United States.  Instead, they simply permit you to travel to a United States port of entry and request admission back to the United States; the ultimate decision to admit you back into the United States will be made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

Process|Form I-131

How can I get a travel document? Whether you are applying for a re-entry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole document, you will make your application to USCIS on Form I-131, “Application for Travel Document” .

Form I-131 must be filed with certain documents, which will vary based on the specific type of travel document that you are seeking. How long it takes to get i-131 approved? usually take 3-6 months.

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for a reentry permit are:

• A copy of an official photo identity document; and
• Evidence that you have lawful permanent resident status (including a copy of the front and back of your green card).

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for a refugee travel document are:

• A copy of an official photo identity document;
• Proof of refugee or asylee status; and
• A statement explaining the reason for a “Yes” response to any question in Part 6 of Form I-131.

Among the documents that must be filed with Form I-131 when you apply for an advance parole document are:

• Two identical passport-style photographs of you taken within 30 days of filing the Form I-130; and
• A copy of any document showing your current status in the United States.

How long does it take to get a travel document? The travel document is usually approved by 3 to 5 months after submitting your application. You must submit in the country until after your fingerprint. (during Covid-19, may exempt fingerprints, if you had fingerprints in past 2 years)

In addition, the fee that you have to pay in connection with Form I-131 (“travel document fee”) will vary based on the specific type of travel document that you are seeking.

How much does a travel document cost? If you are applying for a reentry permit on the Form I-131, the travel document fee will be a filing fee of $575, plus, if you are from age 14 to age 79, a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee, if applicable, of $660.

If you are applying for a refugee travel document on the Form I-131, the travel document fee alternatively will be (a) if you are age 13 or younger, a filing fee of $105, (b) if you are age 14 or 15, a filing fee of $105, plus a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee of $190, (c) if you are from age 16 to age 79, a filing fee of $135, plus a biometric services fee of $85, resulting in a total travel document fee of $220,  or (d) if you are age 80 or older, a filing fee of $135.

If you are applying for an advance parole travel document on Form I-131, the travel document fee will be a filing fee of $575.

The Form I-131 instructions describe the Form I-130 requirements in detail.

While travel documents enable immigrants to leave the United States without losing their legal rights, it can be a complex process to properly apply for a travel document.  DYgreencard.com has extensive experience in obtaining travel documents and can guide you through all aspects of the travel document application process.  Whether you are seeking a reentry permit, a refugee travel document, or an advance parole travel document, when you apply for travel documents, please contact DYgreencard.com .

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Electronic System for Travel Authorization

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

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Important Notice

Are REAL IDs mandatory in NC? Are REAL IDs different than driver's licenses? What to know

S tarting May 7, 2025, you'll need a United States passport, REAL ID or other federally approved identification in order to board any commercial flight and enter secure federal buildings.

You won't need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for or receive federal benefits, enter a federal facility that does not require an ID such as a post office, access a hospital or receive life-saving services or participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations such as serving on a jury or testifying in court.

However, there are plenty of reasons why you might still want a REAL ID. Here's what to know about why you might need a REAL ID, where to get one, whether to sign up now and more.

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What is a REAL ID?

The NC REAL ID is a REAL ID Act-compliant driver license. It is essentially the same as a traditional license or ID, but has a star at the top. Driver licenses and IDs without a gold star are now noted "Not for Federal Identification."

What is the purpose of NC REAL ID?

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to establish enhanced security standards in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The REAL ID Act will be federally enforced starting on May 7, 2025, and will require a REAL ID, U.S. passport or another federally approved identification to board commercial flights and enter secure federal buildings.

How to get a REAL ID: What do I need for a REAL ID in NC?

The requirements for REAL IDs are similar to standard licensing requirements. To be issued a REAL ID, you'll need to go into a driver license office with the following documents:

• One document with your full name proving identity and date of birth.
• ​​One document with your full name and full Social Security Number confirming Social Security number.
• Two documents with current physical address proving North Carolina residency​.
• One document proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina (not required for a learner's permit).
• If applicable, one or more documents verifying any name change.
• ​For non-U.S. citizens, one document with your full name proving legal presence/lawful status.

More: Pressure on Buncombe County government to raise taxes or cut as savings projected to dip

What does a NC REAL ID cost?

There is no added fee for an NC REAL ID license or ID card. The cost is the same as a standard driver license or ID card; $5.50 for all non-commercial licenses.

The cost is the same as a renewal if you get a REAL ID within six months of expiration. If you get it outside the renewal period, the cost is the same as a duplicate, $14.

Can I use a REAL ID instead of a passport? Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

In certain areas, a REAL ID can be used instead of a passport. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need either a REAL ID or another form of federally approved documentation (such as a passport) in order to fly domestically and enter federal facilities.

For international travel, however, you'll still need a passport. A REAL ID does not replace a passport for international flights, international sea cruise travel or any other travel involving crossing the U.S. border into another country.

More: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines. | Cruising Altitude

Is REAL ID mandatory in NC?

NC REAL ID licenses and ID cards are completely optional. However, when enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins on May 7, 2025, you may want an NC REAL ID if you fly frequently or regularly visit:

• Military bases
• Nuclear sites
• Federal prisons
• Federal courthouses
• Other federal facilities

While it won't be necessary to have a REAL ID in order to fly or enter these facilities, you'll need to provide additional identification along with your standard license or ID every time.

Can I get a REAL ID online?

You can't get your first NC REAL ID cannot be online. You'll need to go to a​​ ​driver license office, where the required documents listed above will be scanned and permanently stored in your NCDMV record.

You can, however, renew your NC REAL ID online after you're issued one, as you would with a normal driver license.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Are REAL IDs mandatory in NC? Are REAL IDs different than driver's licenses? What to know

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

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Emergency Travel

This page is for noncitizens in the United States who need to travel outside of the United States because of an emergency and are seeking a travel document to authorize their return.  

If you are already outside the United States and need to return, but do not have your reentry permit, Green Card, or advance parole document because it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, see Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page. 

If you are currently inside the United States and need to leave the United States because of an emergency, you should know what documents you will need to reenter the United States. You also should understand whether leaving the United States could negatively affect your immigration status or pending applications for immigration benefits.  

If you are returning to the United States after temporary travel abroad, you generally must have in your possession either:  

• A valid entry document, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or nonimmigrant visa; or  
• A valid and unexpired travel document, such as a reentry permit, refugee travel document, or advance parole document.  

You generally need to apply for and obtain a travel document before you leave the United States. You may request a travel document by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.  

For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

Expedited Processing of an Application for Travel Document

If you have a pressing or critical need to travel and must leave the United States by a certain date, we encourage you to submit a request to expedite your pending application at least 45 days before the date you intend to leave, if possible.  

You may ask us to expedite adjudication of your Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , by calling the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page.) If you have a USCIS online account and access to secure messaging, you may submit your request there by selecting “expedite” as your inquiry type. You will be asked to upload documents in your online account to support your request.  

You may ask USCIS to expedite the following types of travel documents:

• Advance parole documents for noncitizens in the United States seeking to return after temporary travel abroad (including advance permission to travel for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term residents);
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) travel authorization documents;
• Reentry permits; and
• Refugee travel documents.

For more information, please visit the Expedite Requests page and the USCIS Policy Manual Expedite Requests guidance.  

Emergency Issuance of Travel Documents

If you are in the United States and have a pressing or critical need to travel outside the United States in less than 15 days, USCIS may issue an emergency travel document.  USCIS may issue an emergency travel document for an:

• Advance parole document; or
• TPS travel authorization document.  

Examples may include:

• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel to obtain medical treatment in a limited amount of time.
• A requestor who has a pressing or critical need to travel due to the death or grave illness of a family member or close friend.
• A requestor who timely applied for a travel document and requested expedited processing, but their case remains pending, and they now must travel within 15 days for a pressing or critical professional, academic, or personal commitment.

To ask about emergency processing of a travel document, call the Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or request an appointment through My Appointment . If your situation qualifies for emergency processing, we will schedule an appointment for you with a local field office.

Required Documents

If you have an appointment with a USCIS field office for emergency issuance of a travel document, you should bring:

• A completed and signed Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with any applicable filing fee (Note: Even if you already have a pending Form I-131, you still need to file a new Form 1-131, with fee, if applicable, during your local field office appointment.);
• Evidence to support eligibility for the travel document (see the form filing instructions);
• Evidence to demonstrate the pressing or critical need to travel (see the Expedite Requests page); and
• 2 passport-style photos.

Any documentation in a language other than English must include a full certified English translation. 

Enough with airline hidden fees: DOT rules take aim at 'corporate rip-offs'

The Department of Transportation announced new rules on Wednesday to better protect airline passengers against “costly surprise airline fees,” the agency said.

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to crack down on “corporate rip-offs,” two new air travel rules were finalized. The rules mandate airlines to pay full refunds in a timely and straightforward manner and ensure transparency regarding fees associated with air travel.

The new regulations are expected to save consumers over half a billion dollars each year in hidden junk fees, the DOT said. 

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them – without having to ask,” Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. 

“Today’s announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed – not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches.”

Learn more: Best travel insurance

What to know about the newly finalized rules for airline passengers:

What are the new rules from the DOT and how do they impact passengers?

The first new regulation will simplify the process for airline passengers to get what they’re owed by requiring airlines to give automatic cash refunds. Passengers can get these refunds when their flights are “cancelled or significantly changed, their checked bags are significantly delayed, or the ancillary services, like Wi-Fi, they purchased are not provided,” the announcement said. 

The second will require airlines and ticket agents to be upfront about any hidden fees, such as checking a bag or changing a flight, to help “consumers avoid unneeded or unexpected charges that can quickly increase and add significant cost to what may, at first, look like a cheap ticket.” Airline fees, increasingly common for airlines to boost their profit, have grown “confusing” for passengers.

Both rules will go into effect in about six months, or around the end of October, the agency said.

Making the skies more accessible: This proposal would help the DOT 'more easily penalize airlines' that damage wheelchairs

How will the new rules make getting refunds from airlines easier? 

Getting a refund from airlines is a long-winded and often complicated process. Sometimes, passengers end up getting a travel credit or voucher instead of an actual reimbursement or just a partial refund. Under the new regulation, refunds will be much more straightforward. 

Airlines must promptly provide automatic refunds without passengers explicitly requesting them, and the refunds must be issued in the original payment method used to make the purchase.  

How fast will the refund get to me?

Airlines will have seven business days to make full refunds for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods. 

How else is the DOT cracking down on hidden airline junk fees? 

It can be tricky to know exactly how much your final airline ticket will cost due to hidden fees. What may look like a low price at first can quickly add up. Airlines will now have to disclose any baggage, change and cancellation fees and policies before purchases are made – and it has to be clear and upfront, not hidden behind a hyperlink. Airlines will also need to be transparent about weight and dimension limitations. Third-party websites such as Expedia or Booking.com will also be required to display this information. 

These days, it’s common for people to pay for seat selection, especially for the lowest price fares, but carriers will now need to inform consumers that seats are guaranteed and it’s unnecessary to pay for one.

The DOT is also banning airlines from using bait-and-switch tactics, in which an airline advertises a discounted fare that doesn’t include mandatory fees that drive the ticket price up. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Bruce Lehrmann to pay Peter FitzSimons thousands in legal costs

Lehrmann will pay the columnist $4,616 to cover cost of producing documents during failed defamation case against Channel Ten and Lisa Wilkinson

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Bruce Lehrmann has agreed to pay the columnist and author Peter FitzSimons’ costs for complying with a subpoena during Lehrmann’s failed defamation proceedings against Network Ten and former Project presenter Lisa Wilkinson.

Lehrmann lost his defamation case against Network Ten and Wilkinson in the federal court earlier this month. Justice Michael Lee found on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins on a minister’s couch in Parliament House in 2019. Lehrmann has consistently denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty at the criminal trial into the matter which was aborted due to juror misconduct.

As part of the defamation proceedings, FitzSimons, who is Wilkinson’s husband, was issued with a subpoena relating to a $325,000 book deal he was instrumental in negotiating for Higgins with Penguin Random House.

The publisher was also issued with a subpoena to produce Higgins’ contract.

Federal court orders for Lehrmann to pay FitzSimons’ costs, amounting to $4,616, were made by consent of the parties and publicly released on Friday.

The orders are part of an ongoing process to determine who should pay how much of the ultimate legal bill.

Network Ten has argued in a submission to the federal court that Lehrmann should pay the broadcaster’s legal costs because suing The Project for defamation was “deliberately wicked and calculated”, given Lee had found Lehrmann would have known when he filed for defamation “that he had raped Ms Higgins”.

Ten had made a “walk away” offer to Lehrmann to settle in August 2023, before the trial began, on the basis that no admissions would be made by either side and no money change hands.

The network said Lehrmann’s rejection of the offer was “unreasonable in the circumstances” and meant the court should make an indemnity costs order, meaning Lehrmann must pay all the costs incurred.

The network also argued the Ben Roberts-Smith v Fairfax decision in a previous defamation action had set a precedent for an applicant being ordered to pay indemnity costs because they abused the legal process in bringing the claim.

Wilkinson, a former Project presenter, has filed a crossclaim against Ten over a dispute about payment of more than $700,000 in legal costs and won, so she will be for the most part covered by Ten.

Legal experts have estimated the bill for Ten and Wilkinson’s legal counsel alone would be $8m, and some have estimated the entire costs bill could be as high as $10m .

Lehrmann is understood to be jobless and lacking significant means, which may affect whether he can pay the bill, even if ordered to.

A costs hearing is scheduled for 1 May.

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Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections .

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

Taking on junk fees is popular. But can it win Biden more voters?

Surprise junk fees have become a large and growing source of revenue for airlines in recent years, according to the DOT.

"Today's announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches," Buttigieg said.

The airline industry is unlikely to welcome the new rules. At a hearing on the proposed fee rule in March 2023, an industry lobbying group representing American, Delta and United said it would be too difficult for airlines to disclose their charges more clearly.

"The amount of unwanted and unneeded information forced upon passengers" by the new policy would only cause "confusion and frustration," warned Doug Mullen, the deputy general counsel at Airlines for America . "Very few, if any, need or want this information, and especially when they are initially trying to understand schedule and fare options."

But the DOT insists its new rule will give consumers the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel.

Transportation Department cracks down on airline 'junk fees'

"I believe this is to the benefit of the sector as a whole," Buttigieg said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition , because passengers will have "more confidence in the aviation sector."

The new rules require airlines to disclose all baggage, change, and cancellation fees, and to share that information with third-party booking sites and travel agents.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

"This is really about making sure that we create a better experience for passengers, and a stronger aviation sector in the United States," Buttigieg said in the NPR interview.

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Lost and Stolen Passports, Visas, and Arrival/Departure Records (Form I-94)

Directory of Visa Categories

Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Customer Service Statement

Photo Requirements

Photo Examples

Digital Image Requirements

Photo Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Composition Template

Online Immigrant Visa Forms

DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions

Administrative Processing Information

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Countries

What is a U.S. Visa?

About Visas - The Basics

Rights and Protections for Foreign-Citizen Fiancé(e)s and Spouses of U.S. Citizens and Spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents

Your Rights and Protections

Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers

Advisory Opinions

Fees for Visa Services

Treaty Countries

Fees and Reciprocity Tables

Temporary Reciprocity Schedule

Country Acronyms

Reciprocity: What's New? 2019 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2022 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2020 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New? 2021 Archive

Reciprocity: What's New?

Reciprocity: What's New? 2023 Archive

Safety & Security of U.S. Borders: Biometrics

National Visa Center Customer Service Pledge

Americans Traveling Abroad

The United States and China Agree to Extending Visas for Short-term Business Travelers, Tourists, and Students

Special Visa Processing Procedures Pursuant to Section 306

Capitalizing on Visa Demand to Spur Economic Growth in the United States

Congressional Testimony

Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CRFP) Program Appointments

List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates - K1-K3 Visas

U.S. Government Fact Sheet on Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)

Skill List by Country

Presidential Proclamation 9645 and the January 2020 Presidential Proclamation

Public Inquiry Form

List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Affidavit of Support Fee Refund

Immigrant Visa Prioritization

USCIS Extends Suspension of Premium Processing Service for Religious Workers (R-1) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

Record Numbers of U.S. Students Are Studying Abroad

U.S. Student Visas Reach Record Numbers in 2007

U.S. security officials will begin scanning all 10 fingerprints of most non-Americans traveling to the United States

Electronic Submission of Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

USCIS Centralizes Filing for H-2A Petitions

USCIS Field Office Adopts Teletech Call Appointment System For Filing Waiver of Inadmissibility Applications

Application Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas to Increase on January 1, 2008

Senior Advisors to Brief Press on the Latest Developments in Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa Issues

Briefing on Developments in the Iraqi Refugee and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Admissions Programs

DHS Proposes Changes to Improve H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

Testimony of Stephen A. “Tony” Edson on U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, House Committee on Science and Technology

Update: Biometric Changes for Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents

With All the Talk about Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind

Latvia, Estonia Sign Deals with US on Visa-Free Travel

Fact Sheet: Changes to the FY2009 H-1B Program

USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas

USCIS Releases Preliminary Number of FY 2009 H-1B Cap Filings

USCIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Change to H-2A Program

USCIS Runs Random Selection Process for H-1B Petitions

17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students

DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force

USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions Sent to California or Vermont Service Centers Temporary Accommodation Made for FY 09 Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS Announces Update for Processing Petitions for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

Immigration Tops Agenda at North American Summit

USCIS Issues Guidance for Approved Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioners

USCIS Modifies Application for Employment Authorization Previous Versions of Form I-765 Accepted until July 8, 2008

Overseas Education More Attainable for Chinese Students

New York Business Group Seeks Fewer Restrictions on Foreign Worker Visas

Coming to the United States Temporarily - Nonimmigrant Visa Services Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services Special Visa Services

This webpage lists visa application fees and other visa related fees collected by Department of State. Note that many immigration-related forms are submitted to the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and not to the Department of State. If the type of information or form you are seeking is not shown here, select USCIS Forms and Fees  to go to the USCIS Website to review more.

Coming to the United States Temporarily - Nonimmigrant Visa Services

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category for which you are applying.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required, as listed below .

Description of Service and Fee Amount (All fees = $ in US currency)

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable) for all categories below

• Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $185.00

Includes (but not limited to), the following visa categories:

*Though petition-based nonimmigrant visas, the processing fee for these visas is $185.00

• Petition based visa categories: $205.00

Includes these visa categories:

• E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa: $315.00
• K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. citizen category visa: $265.00

Border crossing card fees

• Border crossing card - age 15 and over (Valid 10 years): $185.00
• Border crossing card - under age 15; for Mexican citizens if parent or guardian has or is applying for a border crossing card (valid 10 years or until the applicant reaches age 15, whichever is sooner): $15.00
• L visa fraud prevention and detection fee - for visa applicant included in L blanket petition  (principal applicant only): $500.00
• The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-113) increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners.  Consular sections collect this fee for blanket L-1 visa applications (principal applicant only) filed by petitioners who employ 50 or more individuals in the United States if more than 50 percent of those individuals are in H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status: $4,500.00 

When the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is not required:

• Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (defined in 22 CFR 41.26): No Fee
• Applicants for J visas participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges: No Fee (See Exchange Visitor Visas for further detailed fee information.)
• Replacement of machine-readable visa when the original visa was not properly affixed or needs to be reissued through no fault of the applicant: No Fee
• Applicants exempted by international agreement as determined by Visa Services, including members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families: No Fee
• Applicants travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services: No Fee
• U.S. government employees travelling on official business: No Fee
• A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling to attend the employee’s funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. government employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during emergency treatment and convalescence: No Fee

Nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, including border-crossing cards.

• See the  Visa Reciprocity Tables  to find out the visa issuance fee amount, if applicable:  Fee varies (Reciprocal)

When the nonimmigrant visa issuance fee is not required:

• An official representative of a foreign government or an international or regional organization of which the United States is a member; members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly; and applicants for diplomatic visas as defined under item 22(a); and their immediate families:  No Fee
• An applicant transiting to and from the United Nations Headquarters:  No Fee
• An applicant participating in a U.S. government sponsored program which may include applicant’s dependent spouse and children:  No Fee
• An applicant travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services:  No Fee

Other - When a Visa is Not Required - Visa Waiver Program

• Citizens of Visa Waiver Program participating countries, and meeting requirements pay a small fee. Select USCIS fees to learn more.

Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services

Immigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category you apply for.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for.

Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition  (When collected by U.S. Embassies and Consulates for USCIS. Fees subject to change.)

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees (non-refundable, per person) 

Note: Forms and fee amounts are listed for immigration petitions which are submitted to Department of State, either accepted at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, or within the United States to the National Visa Center or Kentucky Consular Center. Other immigration related forms can only be approved by the Department of Homeland Security's United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For other fees (relating to forms starting with an "I" select USCIS Forms and Fees for additional information.

Special Visa Services

Note:   These fee charts are based on the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 22, Part 22, Sections 22.1 through 22.7.)

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - English

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - French

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Spanish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Portuguese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mandarin

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Arabic

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Italian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - German

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Vietnamese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Romanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Korean

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Armenian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Bulgarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Czech

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Hungarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Indonesian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Lithuanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Serbian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Thai

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mongolian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Kurdish

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