Complete US Visa Costs 2026 — Every Fee You Need to Know

How Much Does a US Visa Cost in 2026?

One of the most common questions Thai travellers ask is "How much does it cost to get a US visa?" The truth is, the expenses go well beyond the main visa fee — there are several additional charges that many people do not plan for in advance.

In this article, First Choice Visa provides a complete, up-to-date breakdown of every cost associated with US visa document preparation in 2026, so you can budget accurately. For personalized advice on your specific case, consult us for free via LINE: myvisacenter.

1. MRV Fee (Machine Readable Visa Fee)

The MRV fee is the primary government fee paid directly to the US Embassy. This fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome — even if your visa is denied, you will not get a refund.

MRV fee rates by visa type (2026):

Tourist / Business (B1/B2): US$185 (~6,500 THB)
Student (F, M): US$185 (~6,500 THB)
Exchange Visitor (J): US$185 (~6,500 THB)
Fiancé K-1: US$265 (~9,300 THB)
Work visas (H, L, O, P, Q): US$205 (~7,200 THB)
Immigrant visas (CR-1, IR-1): US$325 (~11,400 THB)

Note: Exchange rates fluctuate — always check the current rate before payment. You can pay via Krungsri Bank or the CGI Federal online system.

2. CGI Federal Service Fees and Document Delivery

CGI Federal is the company contracted by the US Embassy in Thailand to manage the appointment booking system and document preparation. The MRV fee is paid through CGI's platform.

Additional charges:

Passport return shipping (EMS): Approximately 70-100 THB
Expedited Appointment: No extra fee, but you must qualify with a valid emergency reason such as medical treatment, a funeral, or urgent business

3. Photo and Document Costs

Beyond the main fees, several smaller expenses should be on your radar:

Passport photos (2x2 inches / 5x5 cm): ~150-300 THB (must be white background, taken within 6 months, with face dimensions meeting US Embassy specifications)
Document translation: ~300-500 THB per document (Thai documents should be translated into English by a certified translator)
Photocopies: ~50-100 THB
Travel to the Embassy: Varies depending on your location (the US Embassy is on Wireless Road, Bangkok)

Want an expert to handle all your documents and appointments?
Call 082-612-7745 or add LINE: @myvisacenter — Free consultation. Save time and reduce risk.

4. Total Cost Comparison by Visa Type (Estimates)

Below is an estimate of the total costs you should prepare for each major US visa type:

Tourist Visa B1/B2:

MRV Fee: US$185 (~6,500 THB)
Photos + documents: ~500 THB
Transportation: ~200-500 THB
Total estimate: 7,200-7,500 THB

Fiancé Visa K-1:

MRV Fee: US$265 (~9,300 THB)
I-129F Petition Fee (US side): US$535 (~18,700 THB)
Medical exam: ~3,000-5,000 THB
Documents + translation: ~2,000-4,000 THB
Total estimate: 33,000-37,000 THB

Immigrant Visa CR-1:

MRV Fee: US$325 (~11,400 THB)
I-130 Petition Fee (US side): US$535 (~18,700 THB)
Medical exam: ~3,000-5,000 THB
Affidavit of Support: ~2,000 THB
Documents + translation: ~2,000-4,000 THB
Total estimate: 37,000-41,000 THB

5. Costs People Often Forget

In addition to the above, several expenses frequently catch travellers off guard:

Medical Examination: Required for immigrant and K-1 visas, must be done at an reviewed hospital (Bumrungrad). Costs approximately 3,000-6,000 THB including vaccinations.
SEVIS Fee (students only): US$350 for F/M visas or US$220 for J visas — paid separately from the MRV Fee
Travel insurance: Not mandatory for US visas but highly recommended. Starting at approximately 1,000-3,000 THB depending on trip length.
Visa agency service fee (if applicable): Varies by provider. At First Choice Visa, our fees are transparent with no hidden charges.

6. Tips to Save on US Visa Costs

Get it right the first time: A denial means paying all fees again from scratch. The MRV fee is non-refundable, so thorough preparation for your first attempt is the single best way to save money.
Get your photos right on the first try: Some photo shops are unfamiliar with US visa photo specifications. Go to an experienced shop or follow the Embassy's photo guide carefully.
Complete all documents before your interview date: Missing or incomplete documents could force you to reschedule, adding transportation costs and delays.

Summary

The total cost of a US visa in 2026 depends on the visa type: a B1/B2 tourist visa costs approximately 7,000-8,000 THB all-in, while a K-1 fiancé or immigrant visa runs 30,000-40,000 THB or more.

The most important thing is to prepare thoroughly from the beginning, since fees are non-refundable. Investing in professional guidance can save you far more than it costs.

For advice on US visa costs or to have us manage your entire document preparation, contact First Choice Visa any day of the week.

Call 082-612-7745 | LINE: @myvisacenter