USA Dependent Visa Cost After Work Visa 2026
If you’ve recently secured a U.S. work visa, your next priority is likely bringing your spouse and children. However, 2026 has introduced the most significant fee restructuring in over a decade. From updated MRV fees to mandatory “integrity” charges, here is exactly what you need to know.
Core Visa Application Fees (MRV Fees)
Every dependent, regardless of age, must pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee to the Department of State. This is the “ticket” to your consular interview.
- H-4 Visa Fee: $205 (for dependents of H-1B, H-2B, or H-3 holders)
- L-2 Visa Fee: $205 (for dependents of L-1A/L-1B executives or specialists)
- O-3 / P-4 / R-2 Fees: $205 (Standard rate for all petition-based dependents)
Form DS-160: While there is no separate fee to file the DS-160, it is the primary document required to trigger the payment portal.
New 2026 Mandatory Charges: The “Beautiful Act”
The 2026 fiscal year introduced new layers of security and administrative fees that apply to almost all non-immigrant applicants.
- Visa Integrity Fee ($250): This is a mandatory new fee per visa issued in 2026, aimed at funding enhanced fraud detection.
- I-94 Issuance Fee ($24): Required for the digital or paper record of entry/exit provided at the border.
- Reciprocity Fee: This varies by country. For example, if your home country charges U.S. citizens an extra fee for a similar visa, the U.S. will charge you a matching “issuance fee.”
USCIS Filing Fees: In-Country Status Changes
If your family is already in the U.S. (perhaps on a B-2 tourist visa or F-2 student visa) and you are changing their status to a work-dependent visa, you will bypass the Consulate and deal directly with USCIS.
- Form I-539 (Change/Extend Status): $420 for online filing; $470 for paper filing.
- Form I-539A: Used for each additional family member. Generally, there is no separate filing fee for I-539A if filed concurrently with the primary I-539.
- Biometrics Fee: $30 (Often required for I-539 applicants to capture fingerprints and photos).
Work Permits Employment Authorization (EAD)
For H-4 spouses (whose partners have an approved I-140) and L-2 spouses, working in the U.S. requires an EAD.
- Form I-765 (EAD Application): $560 (Updated 2026 rate).
- Total Wait Time: Currently averaging 4–7 months, unless filed with Premium Processing.
Pro-Tips for Reducing Costs
- File Online: USCIS offers a $50 deduction for many forms (like the I-539) when state through their online portal rather than by mail.
- Bundle Cliometrics: If moving as a family of four, ensure all biometry are scheduled at the same Application Support Center (ASC) to save on travel costs
- Check Reciprocate: Always check the Department of State Reciprocity Table for your specific country to avoid alteration “Issue fees” at the frame.
FAQs
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Is the Visa Unity Fee refundable if my visa is renounce?
No. Like the MRV fee, the Integrity Fee is for process and is non-refundable regardless of the ending.
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Does my newborn child need to pay the full $205 fee?
Yes. U.S. visa fees are per person, not per house. Every individual, thoughtlesse of age, requires their own paid fee.
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Can I pay for Value Process for a helpless visa?
Yes, via Form I-907, which costs $2,805. This warranty a 15–30 day event for the I-539 change of status.
Final Thought
While the USA Dependent Visa Cost 2026 has accrued, discernment the breakdown helps you avoid delays. Ensure your certification is pristine to confront “Request for Evidence” (RFE) notices, which can indirectly increase costs through legal fixed charge and charge.
Disclaimer:
I am an AI, not an migration lawyer. U.S. Migration laws and fees can change without notice. Always verify contemporary rates on the ex officio USCIS and Administrative division of State computer before fitness defrayment
