Issuance Fees
- I paid a fee at the time I scheduled an appointment. Why am I being asked to pay an additional fee?
- How do I pay the fee?
- Can I pay the application and issuance fee together?
- Why am I being asked to pay an issuance fee?
- Do I have to pay the fee again if I reapply?
- Why is the issuance fee more/less than my friend’s?
- The fee schedules indicate that the validity period of the visa is three months. However, I will not be traveling to the U.S. within the next three months. What should I do?
- What if the visa does not cover my entire stay in the United States?
- What do you mean by single entry/one entry?
- I am joining a cruise ship in the U.S. which will necessitate me making more than one journey into the U.S. My itinerary requires that I re-enter the U.S. on my way home. What do I do?
I paid a fee at the time I scheduled an appointment. Why am I being asked to pay an additional fee?
All visa applicants are required to pay an application fee which is charged to cover the costs involved in the processing of a visa application. However, nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for the visa to be issued. The fees are based on reciprocity and reflect the fees charged by the applicant's government for a similar service to a U.S. citizen.
How do I pay the fee?
After completing the application, applicants for nonimmigrant visas should visit any branch of Credit Libanais Bank http://www.creditlibanais.com.lb/, where they can pay the nonrefundable application fee and receive an appointment for an interview at the Embassy. Applicants will need to complete the DS-160 before visiting the bank and will need to bring their confirmation page with them to the bank.
On June 4, 2010, application fees for most non-immigrant visa categories increased:
- B1/B2, F and J visa categories – increase to $140.00 USD
- H, L, O, P, Q, and R visa categories – increase to $150.00 USD
- K visa category – increase to $350.00 USD
- E visa category – increase to $390.00 USD
Can I pay the application and issuance fee together?
No. The application fee and issuance fee are separate fees.
Why am I being asked to pay an issuance fee?
Issuance fees are determined by the nationality of the passport. As long as you hold a passport from a country which has reciprocal issuance fees, you will be charged a fee for a visa.
Do I have to pay the fee again if I reapply?
Applicants who are refused and wish to reapply must pay the visa processing fee again. This fee is non-refundable whether the visa is issued or refused.
Why is the issuance fee more/less than my friend’s?
Issuance fees are based on reciprocity and reflect the fees charged by your government for a similar service to an American citizen. Different governments charge different fees and this is reflected in the issuance fee which we are asking you to pay.
The fee schedules indicate that the validity period of the visa is three months. However, I will not be traveling to the U.S. within the next three months. What should I do?
Please check with the Embassy by email at BeirutNIV@state.gov.
What if the visa does not cover my entire stay in the United States?
The period of validity of a visa relates only to the time in which you may travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not determine how long you may remain in the country. Length of stay is determined by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
What do you mean by single entry/one entry?
The visa is valid for one trip to the United States. If you are planning future visits, you will be required to apply for a new visa.
I am joining a cruise ship in the U.S. which will necessitate me making more than one journey into the U.S. My itinerary requires that I re-enter the U.S. on my way home. What do I do?
Be ready to explain your situation to the consular officer at the time of your visa interview.