Consular Overview: Consular officers evaluate each visa application under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the applicable regulations, and Department of State guidance. Applicants must establish eligibility for the requested classification and satisfy the applicable intent and documentary requirements. The interview and the totality of the circumstances matter; documents alone do not guarantee visa issuance.
U.S. Visa Application Fee Schedule & Visa Types
| Visa Category | Primary Form | MRV Application Fee | Statutory Intent Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 / B-2 Visitor Visa | Form DS-160 | $185 USD | Must overcome INA § 214(b) intent presumption |
| F-1 / M-1 Student Visa | Form DS-160 + Form I-20 | $185 USD | Must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent & funds |
| H-1B / L-1 Work Visa | Form DS-160 + Form I-797 | $205 USD | H/L categories are not subject to the 214(b) immigrant-intent presumption |
| Immigrant Visa (Green Card) | Form DS-260 + Form I-864 | $325 family / $345 employment-based | Immigrant visa classification; additional categories have different fees |
Important 2026 interview-waiver update: The former broad 48-month renewal rule is no longer the current standard. Since October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant applicants generally require an in-person interview. Current waiver categories include certain full-validity B-1/B-2 renewals and certain H-2A renewals within 12 months, plus specified diplomatic/official categories, subject to additional requirements and consular discretion. Check the specific post's current instructions before assuming a waiver applies.
Understanding a 221(g) Refusal
A 221(g) refusal is a refusal at that stage of adjudication because the officer does not yet have sufficient information to conclude eligibility. It can result from missing documents/information or additional administrative processing. It is not accurately described as an approval that is merely "on hold."
When a consular post requests additional documents, the applicant should follow the post's instructions. The Department of State states that an applicant generally has one year from the refusal date to submit requested additional information; otherwise, a new application and fee may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Under the current Department of State fee schedule, the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is $185 for non-petition-based categories such as B, F, and M visas. Petition-based categories such as H visas generally have a $205 processing fee. Some categories have separate rules or exemptions.
INA § 214(b) applies to nonimmigrant visa categories that are subject to the immigrant-intent presumption. An applicant must establish eligibility for the requested visa and sufficiently demonstrate that the proposed stay is temporary. The Department of State evaluates the applicant's circumstances and ties; there is no universal checklist requiring a particular combination of economic, family, and social documents. H-1B and L applicants, along with their spouse and minor children, are excluded from the 214(b) presumption.
A 221(g) refusal means the consular officer does not yet have enough information to conclude that the applicant is eligible for the visa. The case may involve missing documentation or additional administrative processing. The refusal can later be overcome if the requested information is provided or the administrative processing is completed; processing time varies by case.
Since October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants generally require an in-person interview. Current waiver categories include certain applicants in diplomatic/official categories and certain B-1/B-2 or H-2A renewals within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, subject to additional conditions and consular discretion. Applicants must generally apply in their country of nationality or usual residence. A waiver is not automatic.
Form DS-160 is the online application for nonimmigrant visas. Form DS-260 is the electronic immigrant visa application used for immigrant-visa and Diversity Visa processing through CEAC/NVC or the applicable immigrant-visa process.
Common documents include a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page for nonimmigrant cases, appointment confirmation when applicable, and the documents specific to the visa category, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or an approved petition notice. Financial, employment, educational, or ties evidence may also be relevant. Exact requirements vary by visa category and consular post, so applicants should follow the post's current instructions.
Have questions about 2026 visa fees, INA 214(b), 221(g) administrative processing, or interview waivers?
⬆️ Refer to FAQ Section Above Official U.S. Government Portals
• U.S. State Department Visa Services: travel.state.gov/visas
• CEAC Consular Electronic Application Center: ceac.state.gov
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2026 At-A-Glance
Visitor / Student Fee$185 USD
Work Visa Fee$205 USD
Dropbox EligibilityCurrent rules: generally 12-month windows for specified waiver categories