Hello there, I'm a seasoned professional in the field of immigration and visa services. I specialize in providing comprehensive guidance on various visa types, including the H4 visa. Let's delve into the specifics of the H4 visa cost.

The H4 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows certain family members of H1 visa holders to enter and stay in the United States. It is a derivative visa, meaning it is linked to the primary visa holder's status. The H4 visa is particularly beneficial for spouses and children under the age of 21 of H1 visa holders who wish to accompany or join their family member in the U.S.

Cost of H4 Visa

The cost of the H4 visa can be broken down into several components:


1. Visa Application Fee: This is a mandatory fee that must be paid for each applicant. As of my last update, the H4 visa application fee is $190. This fee is subject to change and it's always a good idea to check the most current fee on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.


2. Processing Fees: In addition to the application fee, there may be other processing fees involved. These can vary depending on the applicant's country of application and the specific circumstances of the application.


3. Courier Fees: If you are applying from a country where the U.S. embassy or consulate uses a courier service to return your passport with the visa, there may be an additional fee for this service.


4. SEVIS Fee: For certain visa categories, including the H4, there is a separate fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This fee is paid online and is typically around $200, but it's important to verify the current fee on the SEVIS website.


5. Medical Examination: Applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination as part of the visa application process. The cost of this examination can vary widely depending on the provider and location.


6. Travel to the Interview: There is also the cost of traveling to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview. This can include transportation, accommodation, and other related expenses.

7.
Optional Services: Some applicants may choose to use additional services such as visa consultation, document preparation, or expedited processing, which can add to the overall cost.

Payment Methods

The visa application fee can be paid in various ways, depending on the country where you are applying. In India, for example, the fee can be paid electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated CitiBank or Axis Bank branches. It's crucial to follow the payment instructions provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying to ensure that your payment is processed correctly.

Scheduling the Interview

After paying the visa fee, you will need to schedule your visa interview. The interview is an essential part of the visa application process where you will present your application and supporting documents to a consular officer.

Conclusion

The total cost of obtaining an H4 visa can vary significantly based on several factors, including application fees, additional processing fees, and ancillary costs associated with the application process. It's essential to plan for these expenses and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and funds in place before starting your application.

Remember, the information provided here is a general guide and the actual costs may vary. Always refer to the official resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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At present the H4 work visa fee is $190. (Rs 11,0200 INR). The Visa fee must be paid before scheduling the US visa interview. The fee can be paid either electronically as a bank transfer or in cash at designated CitiBank or Axis bank branches throughout the India.read more >>