Obtaining a US visa is a significant step for South Africans who wish to travel to the United States for various reasons, such as tourism, business, study, or work. One of the key aspects that applicants need to consider is the cost involved.
The cost of a US visa for South Africans is not a one – size – fits – all figure and can vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will explore in detail how much it costs to apply for a US visa from South Africa.
Types of US Visas and Their Base Application Fees
Non – Immigrant Visas
B – 1/B – 2 Visitor Visas
The B – 1 visa is for business visitors, and the B – 2 visa is for tourists. South Africans applying for these visas need to pay a non – refundable application fee. As of [current date], the base application fee for a B – 1/B – 2 visa is $160. This fee covers the initial processing of the visa application. Whether you are traveling to the US for a short – term business meeting in New York or a vacation to visit the Grand Canyon, this fee is applicable. The fee is set by the US Department of State and is subject to change, so it’s always important to check the official website for the most up – to – date information.
F and M Student Visas
For South African students planning to study in the US, there are different types of student visas. The F – 1 visa is for academic students, and the M – 1 visa is for vocational students. The base application fee for these visas is also 160.
However, students also need to consider additional costs. For example, they may need to pay a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. The SEVIS fee for F – 1 and M – 1 students is 350. This fee is used to maintain the SEVIS database, which tracks international students in the US. So, in total, the initial cost for a South African student applying for an F – 1 or M – 1 visa is 160 (application fee) + 350 (SEVIS fee) = $510.
H – 1B Work Visas
The H – 1B visa is for specialty occupation workers. The base application fee for an H – 1B visa is 190. But this is just the starting point. Employers sponsoring South African workers for H – 1B visas may also need to pay additional fees. For example, if the employer is a cap – subject employer (most employers are), they may need to pay a 1,000 anti – fraud fee. Small businesses (employers with 25 or fewer full – time equivalent employees) may be exempt from this fee under certain conditions. Additionally, if the employer is in a high – unemployment area, they may need to pay a $4,000 fee to the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fund. So, the total cost for an H – 1B visa application can vary significantly depending on the employer’s circumstances.
Immigrant Visas
Family – Sponsored Immigrant Visas
South Africans who are sponsored by their US citizen or permanent resident family members for immigrant visas also face certain costs. The application fee for an immigrant visa petition, such as the Form I – 130 (Petition for Alien Relative), is 535. Once the petition is approved, the applicant will need to pay an additional immigrant visa processing fee. The immigrant visa processing fee can range from 325 to $405, depending on the type of visa. For example, if a South African spouse of a US citizen is applying for an immigrant visa, after the I – 130 petition is approved, they will need to pay the appropriate immigrant visa processing fee.
Employment – Based Immigrant Visas
For employment – based immigrant visas, the costs are also multi – layered. The employer usually files a labor certification (PERM) application, which has its own costs. The PERM application fee is 1,500. After that, the applicant needs to file an immigrant visa petition, such as the Form I – 140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), which has a 700 fee. Once the petition is approved, the applicant will pay an immigrant visa processing fee similar to that of family – sponsored immigrant visas. So, the overall cost for an employment – based immigrant visa can be quite high, especially when considering the employer – borne costs as well.
Additional Costs Associated with US Visa Applications
Biometric Services Fee
What it Covers
Most US visa applicants from South Africa, especially those applying for non – immigrant visas, need to pay a biometric services fee. This fee is for the collection of biometric data, which includes fingerprints, photographs, and sometimes palm prints. The biometric data is used for security and identification purposes. The biometric services fee is 85. This fee is in addition to the base visa application fee. For example, a South African applying for a B – 1/B – 2 visa will need to pay the 160 application fee and the $85 biometric services fee.
Payment Process
The biometric services fee is usually paid at the time of the biometric appointment. The applicant will be directed to a designated application support center in South Africa where they will have their biometric data collected. The payment can be made in various ways, such as through credit card, debit card, or cash, depending on the payment options available at the application support center.
Medical Examination Costs
For Immigrant and Some Non – Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visa applicants and some non – immigrant visa applicants, such as those applying for long – term work visas or student visas, may be required to undergo a medical examination. The cost of the medical examination can vary depending on the doctor or clinic conducting the examination. On average, in South Africa, a medical examination for a US visa can cost between 100 and 300. The medical examination includes a general physical examination, a chest X – ray, and sometimes blood tests. The doctor will check for any communicable diseases or medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in the US.
Doctor Requirements
The medical examination must be conducted by a panel physician approved by the US embassy or consulate in South Africa. The list of panel physicians is available on the embassy or consulate’s website. Applicants should make sure to choose a doctor from this list to ensure that the results of the medical examination are accepted by the US authorities.
Translation and Authentication Costs
Document Translation
If any of the documents submitted with the visa application are in a language other than English, they may need to be translated. South African applicants may need to translate documents such as educational certificates, birth certificates, or employment letters. The cost of translation can vary depending on the length and complexity of the document. On average, a simple document translation can cost around 20 to 50 per page. More complex documents, such as legal contracts or academic transcripts, may cost more.
Document Authentication
Some documents may also need to be authenticated. For example, educational certificates may need to be authenticated by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training and then further authenticated by the US embassy or consulate in South Africa. The authentication process may involve fees. The South African government may charge a fee for certifying the documents, and the US embassy or consulate may also have a fee for the final authentication. These fees can add up to several hundred rand.
Fee Waivers and Exceptions
Certain Non – Immigrant Visas
There are some cases where US visa application fees may be waived. For example, for certain types of exchange visitor visas (J – 1 visas) where the exchange program is sponsored by the US government or an international organization designated by the US government, the application fee may be waived. Also, in some cases, if an applicant can demonstrate extreme financial hardship, they may be eligible for a fee waiver. However, the criteria for fee waivers are strict, and applicants need to provide detailed documentation to support their request.
Refunds and Reimbursements
In general, US visa application fees are non – refundable. Once the fee is paid, it will not be returned even if the visa application is denied. However, there are some rare exceptions. For example, if the US embassy or consulate cancels an applicant’s appointment and is unable to reschedule it within a reasonable time frame, the applicant may be eligible for a refund of the application fee. But this is not a common occurrence, and applicants should assume that the fees are non – refundable when planning their finances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a US visa for South Africans can vary widely depending on the type of visa, additional services required, and potential extra costs. Non – immigrant visas start with a base application fee of $160 for many common types, but can quickly increase with additional fees like the biometric services fee, SEVIS fee for students, and potential employer – borne fees for work visas. Immigrant visas also have significant costs, including petition fees and immigrant visa processing fees. Additional costs such as medical examinations, document translation, and authentication can further add to the overall expense. While there are some fee waivers and exceptions, they are not common. South African applicants need to carefully budget for all these costs when planning to apply for a US visa. It’s also crucial to stay updated on the latest fee information from the official US embassy or consulate sources in South Africa, as fees can change over time. By being aware of all the costs involved, applicants can better prepare for the US visa application process and avoid any financial surprises.
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