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Visa cost
United States — F-1 Student Visa
2026 fee breakdown. Mandatory fees come to $535; with optional services (priority processing, courier), budget $510–$700.
Mandatory fees
| SEVIS I-901 fee Required before scheduling visa interview | $350 |
| DS-160 / MRV visa application fee | $185 |
| Biometrics (most consulates) Bundled in MRV at most posts | $0 |
| Mandatory total | $535 |
Optional / situational
| Reciprocity / issuance fee Varies by nationality (most countries: $0) | $0 |
| Photographs | $15 |
| Document courier / postage | $25 |
Things to watch
- F-2 (dependents) pay no SEVIS fee but pay the same $185 MRV per applicant.
- M-1 (vocational) students follow the same fee structure.
- USCIS may bill an additional Visa Integrity Fee ($250+) depending on policy at the time of issuance.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
$1300–$2400 total
🇨🇦 Canada
$200–$350 total
🇦🇺 Australia
$1200–$1800 total
🇩🇪 Germany
$200–$400 total
🇫🇷 France
$150–$300 total
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does the F-1 Student Visa cost?
Mandatory fees total $535. Including optional services (postage, priority processing, photographs), expect $510–$700 total.
What's not included in the visa fee?
Tuition, living costs, and proof-of-funds requirements are separate. Use our cost-of-study calculator at /tools/cost-calculator for a complete budget.
When are these fees due?
Application and biometric fees are paid before submission. Health surcharges (UK IHS, Australian OSHC) are paid as part of the visa application. Some fees (Anmeldung in Germany) are paid after arrival.