“Only as of May 30, 2023, fees are increasing for fresh visa applications. This modification does not apply to applicants who pay the visa fee before to May 30, 2023 and book an interview within 365 days of the date of payment.
According to the embassy, “there is no requirement for the interview to actually occur during that 365-day period, applicants must just take the step of scheduling an appointment within 365 days,” according to myjoyonline.
The US Embassy further stated that payments for visa fees paid on or after October 1, 2022, remain valid for 365 days following the date a receipt for the fee was issued.
The embassy states that candidates must set up an interview appointment or submit an application for an interview waiver within 365 days of paying the visa cost. There is no necessity that the interview take place within those 365 days.
The US embassy also stated that the new fees will make it easier to pay for the consular operations of the Department of State.
“Fees for nonimmigrant visas are set in accordance with the actual cost of delivering these services, as established following a cost evaluation of these services.
“The Department of State only recovers the costs of providing these consular services, and nonimmigrant visa fee increases are based strictly on the results of this cost-of-service model.”
