B-1/B-2 Visa Cost Calculator 2027
B-1/B-2 visa costs in 2027: mandatory USCIS fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa in 2027? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the B-1/B-2
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a B-1/B-2 application in 2027.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee | $185 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$300 – $1,500 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the B-1/B-2
- 1
Complete Form DS-160
Answer all questions accurately — discrepancies at the interview are treated as credibility issues.
- 2
Pay the MRV fee and schedule the interview
$185, at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- 3
Attend the interview
Bring documentation of travel purpose, finances, and home-country ties.
- 4
Receive the decision
Most refusals cite Section 214(b) — failure to overcome presumed immigrant intent — rather than a permanent bar.
Typical processing time: Visa issuance is typically fast once interviewed, but appointment wait times vary hugely by consulate — check current posted wait times before planning travel dates.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (valid beyond your intended stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Evidence of financial ability to cover the trip
- Evidence of home-country ties (employment letter, property, family)
- Travel itinerary or invitation letter
Common mistakes to avoid
- Weak or unconvincing evidence of home-country ties — the single most common cause of 214(b) refusal
- Incomplete or inaccurate DS-160 answers
- Unclear or poorly documented purpose of travel
- Inconsistencies between DS-160 answers and interview statements
Sources: U.S. Dept of State — Visa Wait Times
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $185 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $485 – $1,685 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $785 – $2,485 |
How to save money on your B-1/B-2
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $300–$1,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
B-1/B-2 cost FAQ (2027)
How much does a B-1/B-2 visa cost in 2027?
The total estimated cost of a B-1/B-2 visa in 2027 ranges from about $485 to $2,485, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the B-1/B-2 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a B-1/B-2 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a B-1/B-2 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a B-1/B-2 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.