US Visa Costs for Indian Travellers in 2026: A Practical Budgeting Guide

Indian travellers planning a United States trip in 2026 need to budget for several visa charges. The final outlay depends on the visa type. Many applicants spend more than expected once all fees add up. Knowing the full cost list early helps manage cash flow and avoids payment delays.

The base payment for most categories is the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. This charge is compulsory and non-refundable. Applicants must pay it before booking a visa interview. The US Embassy revises rupee conversions often, so the payable INR amount can change with market rates.

Most common visitor and student applications use the same MRV amount of 185 USD. In 2026, that works out to about ₹15,540 for B1/B2 tourist or business travel. F-1 student applicants also start with this MRV payment. The work-related H, L, O, and P group uses a higher 205 USD base.

Visa Category	Fee in USD	Estimated Fee in INR
Tourist/Business (B1/B2)	$185	₹15,540
Student Visa (F-1)	$185	₹15,540
Work Visa (H, L, O, P)	$205	₹17,220
SEVIS Fee (Student)	$350	₹29,400

Student applicants also pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. This supports the system that tracks international students. For most students, the SEVIS payment is 350 USD, or about ₹29,400. Exchange visitors on J visas usually pay 220 USD. Applicants should confirm exact amounts on the official portal.

US Visa Cost in 2026: work visa fees and other add-on expenses

Skilled professionals using H-1B or L-1 routes face the 205 USD visa fee, near ₹17,220. Employers may pay, but contractors often pay themselves. Some categories can also trigger a reciprocity fee linked to nationality. Beyond official fees, applicants may spend on travel for biometrics and courier passport returns.

Because exchange rates can move, applicants should watch the INR conversion before paying online. That helps avoid shortfalls at the payment stage. Adding likely travel and courier costs gives a clearer total budget. With the right fee plan, applicants can schedule biometrics and interviews without financial surprises.