Understanding the U.S. Visa Reciprocity Fee: What You Need to Know
When applying for a U.S. visa, several government fees may apply depending on your nationality and visa type. One of these costs is known as the visa reciprocity fee, sometimes called visa insurance. This fee is charged to citizens of certain countries when their visa application is approved. Because reciprocity fees are not required for all applicants and can change over time, it’s essential to check the U.S. Department of State Reciprocity Schedule before traveling to or from the United States to confirm whether you must pay this fee.
What Is the Visa Reciprocity Fee?
The reciprocity fee is based on the principle of reciprocity—meaning if a foreign government charges U.S. citizens a fee for specific visa types, the United States will impose a similar fee on that country’s citizens. Conversely, if the foreign government does not charge such a fee, the U.S. will waive it as well.
It’s important to note that the visa reciprocity fee is separate from the non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee). Even if you have already paid the MRV fee, you may still be required to pay a reciprocity fee after your visa is approved. Most non-immigrant visa applicants, including children, must pay the MRV fee to begin the visa application process—regardless of whether the application is ultimately approved or denied. The reciprocity fee, however, is only due after approval and your visa interview.
To determine if a reciprocity fee applies to your country, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country webpage. From there, select your nationality and visa classification to view details such as:
- Whether a reciprocity fee applies
- The number of permitted entries into the U.S.
- The visa’s validity period
For example, citizens of Armenia applying for an A-1 visa currently have no reciprocity fee, multiple entries allowed, and a 60-month validity period. However, if your reciprocity chart lists “one” entry, your visa permits only a single entry into the U.S. Always review the Country-Specific Footnotes section for any special conditions that might affect your application.
How to Read the Visa Reciprocity Table
The Visa Reciprocity Table on the State Department’s website includes specific terms and categories. Understanding these helps you interpret your eligibility and obligations:
Term | Meaning |
Visa Classification | The category of non-immigrant visa you’re applying for (e.g., B-1, H-1B, L-1). |
Fee | The reciprocity fee required in addition to the MRV fee. |
Number of Entries | Indicates how many times you may enter the U.S. using that visa. An “M” means multiple entries; a number (like “1”) limits you to that many entries. |
Validity Period | The timeframe during which the visa remains valid for travel (from issuance to expiration). |
Common visa categories include B-1/B-2 (business or tourism), F/M (students), H-1B (specialty workers), O (extraordinary ability), and TN/TD (NAFTA professionals from Mexico or Canada), among others.
After selecting your country from the right-hand menu, you can filter by visa class to see the applicable fee, number of entries, and validity period. For example, citizens of China currently pay a reciprocity fee of $120 for L-1 and L-2 visa categories.
The Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)
Do not confuse the reciprocity fee with the non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV fee)—they are entirely different. The MRV fee is mandatory for most applicants, including minors, and must be paid when submitting your visa application, even if the visa is later denied.
The MRV fee amounts are as follows:
- $160: B (business/tourism), C-1 (transit), D (crew), F (academic students), I (media/journalists), J (exchange visitors), M (vocational students), TN/TD (NAFTA professionals), S (witness/informant), T (victim of trafficking), and U (victim of crime).
- $190: H (temporary workers), L (intra-company transferees), O (extraordinary ability), P (athletes/performers), Q (cultural exchange), R (religious workers).
- $205: E (treaty trader/investor, Australian specialty occupation).
- $265: K (fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen).
For the full list of MRV fees, you can consult the official U.S. Department of State website.
Paying the Visa Reciprocity Fee
The reciprocity fee is paid only after your visa application is approved and you have successfully completed your consular interview. Payment is typically made directly at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy where your interview takes place. You’ll receive instructions about acceptable payment methods and other details from the consular officer or by checking with the embassy beforehand.
During your interview, you’ll need to bring all required documents, translated into English if necessary, and be ready to answer questions about your background and travel purpose. If your visa is approved, the officer will confirm whether a reciprocity fee applies based on your nationality and visa type.
Recent Updates to the Visa Reciprocity Schedule
The Department of State periodically updates reciprocity fees and validity periods. For instance, in 2020, the U.S. eliminated the reciprocity fee for Nigerian applicants, reflecting diplomatic adjustments. Always verify the most recent information on the State Department website before beginning your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does reciprocity mean in immigration fees?
Reciprocity means that when a foreign government imposes visa fees on U.S. citizens, the United States imposes comparable fees on that country’s citizens seeking similar visa types.
What is a reciprocity schedule?
The reciprocity schedule lists which applicants from specific countries must pay a reciprocity fee, the amount due, the number of permitted entries, and visa validity periods.
How much is the U.S. visa reciprocity fee?
The fee varies widely based on nationality and visa classification. Some applicants may pay nothing, while others may owe several hundred or even thousands of dollars. You can confirm your country’s exact fee by checking the Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country page on the U.S. Department of State website.
Where do I pay the reciprocity fee?
You can pay the reciprocity fee at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy during your visa interview. The consular staff will guide you on the acceptable payment methods.
Is the reciprocity fee the same as the non-immigrant visa application fee?
No. The reciprocity fee is charged only after your visa is approved and depends on your nationality, while the MRV fee is mandatory for most applicants to start the visa process.
Get Expert Guidance on Your U.S. Visa Application
Understanding U.S. visa fees and requirements can be confusing—especially when different rules apply by country and visa category. To ensure you meet all requirements and avoid costly mistakes, consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys can review your case, explain which fees apply, and guide you through every stage of the visa application or renewal process with confidence and precision.