US Embassy in Tajikistan announces increase in nonimmigrant visa application fee

DUSHANBE. June 2. “Asia-Plus” -- Effective June 4, 2010, the nonimmigrant visa application fee for tourist (B2), short term business (B1), student (F) and exchange (J) visas will increase from $131 to $140, the US Embassy in Tajikistan told the AP.

The visa application fee, also called the MRV processing fee, is paid by all visa applicants, worldwide, with certain limited exceptions such as those pertaining to government officials.  It must be paid in advance, whether or not the visa is granted.

“The fee increase will enable the U.S. Government to meet the increasing cost of processing nonimmigrant visas, as required by U.S. law, and maintain open but secure borders,” the Embassy has said.

The U.S. Embassy Consular Section accepts fees for all consular services, including the non-immigrant visa application fee, in both Tajik Somoni and in U.S. dollars.  The new visa application fee for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas will be $150; for E visas the fee will increase to $390, and for K visas the fee will increase to $390.

Please refer to the U.S. Embassy website at http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/visa.html for full information on how to apply for a U.S. visa.