How Much Is US Visa Fee in Naira? A Practical Guide for Nigerians

Let's get straight to the point. The most common US visa fee, which covers tourist and business travel (the B1/B2 visa), is currently $185 USD. In Nigeria, that translates to a serious amount of money, and the exact figure in Naira can change depending on the official exchange rate set by the U.S. Consulate. One thing to burn into your memory: this fee is non-refundable, whether you get the visa or not.

Your Direct Answer to the US Visa Fee in Naira

So, you're planning a trip to the States. The first question on every Nigerian applicant's mind is always, "Oga, how much is the US visa fee in Naira?" It’s the very first number you need to budget for, long before you even think about flight tickets or hotels. While the fee is officially set in U.S. dollars, you'll be paying for it right here in Nigerian Naira.

Now, here’s where a lot of people get confused. The Naira amount you pay has nothing to do with the aboki rate or the parallel market rate you see online. Forget that entirely. Instead, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria sets its own special consular exchange rate. This rate isn't fixed; it can and does change. That means the amount your cousin paid last month probably won't be the same as what you'll pay today.

The Current Fee for Common Visas

Not too long ago, the U.S. Department of State updated the fees for the most popular non-immigrant visas. The application fee for the B-1/B-2 visa (for business and tourism) went up to $185 USD from the previous $160. They did this to better cover the real costs of processing applications.

At a recent consular exchange rate, this $185 fee worked out to be approximately ₦349,166. You can read more about the reasoning behind this fee adjustment for Nigerian applicants to understand the details.

But please, treat that Naira figure as a guide, not gospel. The only way to know the exact amount is to generate a fresh payment instruction slip from the official U.S. visa application portal on the very day you plan to pay. That's the golden rule.

Important Reminder: The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Once that money leaves your account, it’s gone for good—even if your visa is denied or you change your mind about the interview. No appeals.

Why the Naira Fee for a US Visa Always Changes

If you've ever asked a friend how much they paid for their US visa, you’ve probably noticed the price they mention is different from what you're seeing today. It's a common point of confusion. Why isn't there just one fixed price in Naira?

The short answer is something called the consular exchange rate. This is the key to understanding the fluctuating costs.

This isn't the rate you'll find on Google or hear from your BDC guy on the street. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria determines its own internal exchange rate to convert the official visa fee (which is set in US dollars) into Nigerian Naira. For your visa payment, this is the only rate that counts.

Think of it like buying a plane ticket. The price is always changing based on demand, time of year, and other factors. Similarly, the visa fee in Naira changes to keep up with the economic realities between the US dollar and the Naira.

The Role of the Consular Exchange Rate

So, why does the US Mission have its own special rate? It’s all about consistency. The U.S. government needs to ensure that the fee collected in Naira is always equivalent to the official US dollar amount required to cover visa processing costs.

To achieve this, they periodically adjust the consular rate to reflect what's happening in Nigeria's foreign exchange market. The catch is, these adjustments often happen quietly, without any big public announcement. You could check the fee one week, and by the next, it might have jumped by several thousand Naira. This is precisely why relying on old information is a recipe for frustration.

This constant potential for change is a core concept in currency markets. For a deeper dive into how these values shift and are managed, you can find helpful resources on understanding foreign exchange risk management.

Ultimately, this is why we stress that checking the official payment portal isn't just a suggestion—it's an essential step. Paying an outdated Naira amount is one of the fastest ways to get your payment rejected, which can stall your entire application.

Always Check for the Current Rate

The most important takeaway here is to be proactive. Your visa application journey demands you use the most current information available on the very day you decide to pay.

Here’s the only foolproof process:

• Generate a New Payment Slip: The first thing you need to do is log into the official CGI Federal payment portal and create a fresh payment instruction slip.
• Note the Naira Amount: This slip will show you the exact, non-negotiable Naira amount you must pay. This figure is calculated using that day's consular exchange rate.
• Pay Promptly: Don't sit on it. The rate could change again if you wait a day or two, so it's best to make the payment as soon as you can.

Your friend's experience from last month is now history. The only fee that matters is the one generated on your payment slip today. Always, always trust the official portal over any other source to know exactly how much the US visa fee is in Naira.

How to Pay Your US Visa Fee in Nigeria Step by Step

Alright, now that we’ve untangled why the visa fee in Naira isn't a fixed number, let's get down to the practical part: actually paying it. Getting this step right is non-negotiable, as any mistake here can throw a wrench in your application timeline.

In Nigeria, you have two official ways to pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee. You can either pay online with a debit card or head to any GTBank branch to pay in cash. One thing to remember: you can't just show up at the bank. You first need to generate a specific deposit slip online.

Option 1: Paying Online with Your Debit Card

For most people, paying online is the quickest and most straightforward route. You can sort it out from your computer or phone, and the system confirms your payment almost instantly. This means you can jump right into booking your interview slot without delay.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Log in to the Official Portal: Your first stop is the official CGI Federal/ustraveldocs website for Nigeria.
2. Generate Payment Instructions: Navigate through the prompts to create your payment profile. When you choose the online payment option, the site will give you a unique reference number.
3. Use a Naira Debit Card: Move on to the payment gateway. You’ll need a Naira-denominated debit card—Verve, Visa, or MasterCard will work. Just double-check that your card is enabled for online payments and that your daily transaction limit is high enough.
4. Confirm and Print Receipt: Once the transaction goes through, your payment receipt will pop up on the portal. Print this out immediately and store it somewhere safe.

Option 2: Paying Cash at a GTBank Branch

If you're not comfortable with online payments or simply prefer handling things in person, paying cash at the bank is a solid alternative. It’s equally valid, though you might need a bit of patience for the payment to reflect on the portal.

Follow these steps to the letter:

1. Generate the CGI Deposit Slip: Back on the visa application portal, select the "Cash at Bank" payment method. The system will create a unique CGI reference deposit slip showing the exact Naira amount you need to pay.
2. Print the Deposit Slip: This is a crucial step. You must print this slip and take it with you. The bank simply won't process your payment without it.
3. Visit Any GTBank Branch: Walk into any GTBank in Nigeria with your printed slip and the precise amount of cash.
4. Receive Your Receipt: The bank teller will handle the transaction and hand you a receipt. Do not lose this receipt! It holds the number you need to schedule your visa interview.

To give you an idea, here’s a look at what the CGI deposit slip looks like.

As you can see, the slip has the applicant's details and the specific Naira amount, calculated using the consular exchange rate for that day.

Crucial Tip: Think of your payment receipt as your golden ticket to the next stage. Guard it well. It usually takes a few hours (but sometimes up to a full business day) for a bank payment to be activated on the portal. Once it is, you'll be able to book your appointment.

This system falls in line with how the Nigerian government handles payments for international services. The U.S. visa fees are consistent globally, but they are funnelled through these specific channels in Nigeria, a process you can learn more about by seeing how Nigeria manages its own visa and immigration payments.

Getting to Grips With US Visa Fees in Nigeria

Most people hear the $185 fee and automatically think that's the standard cost for a US visa. While it's certainly the most common, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. The United States has a whole range of visas, and the price you pay is tied directly to your reason for travelling.

Think of it this way: the bus fare to Ibadan isn't the same as a flight ticket to London. In the same vein, a student visa fee isn't the same as one for a temporary worker. Each category requires a different level of administrative work, and the U.S. Department of State prices them accordingly.

For many Nigerians, the goal isn't just tourism. We see a huge number of applicants for student and skilled worker visas. If you've been admitted to an American university or you've landed a great job in the States, your visa fee will be different from that of a tourist. Knowing your specific category is the first, most crucial step to budgeting correctly.

Breaking Down the Visa Fee Tiers

So, how does it all work? Let's simplify the main fee tiers you're likely to come across. Most visas that don't require an employer to file a petition on your behalf—like tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas—are in one price bracket.

However, petition-based visas, such as those for specialised workers, are a bit more complex to process and therefore cost more.

A critical point to remember is that all these fees are officially set in U.S. dollars. But you'll be paying the Naira equivalent, which is determined by the specific consular exchange rate on the day you make the payment.

Key Takeaway: Never assume the $185 tourist fee applies to you. You must identify your exact visa category—like an F-1 for students or an H-1B for skilled workers—to find the correct fee. Getting this wrong can lead to payment problems and delay your entire application.

Detailed US Visa Fee Breakdown by Category

Knowing these costs is also useful when comparing your options. The fees and application steps can be worlds apart from what you'd encounter for other destinations, as you can see in our guide on UK visa requirements for Nigerian citizens.

To give you a crystal-clear picture, we've put together a table with the most common visa fees for Nigerian applicants. This will help you find the precise cost for your situation.

Visa Category	Visa Type Examples	Fee in US Dollars ($)	Estimated Fee in Nigerian Naira (₦)*
Non-Petition-Based	B1/B2 (Business/Tourism), F/M (Student), J (Exchange Visitor)	$185	~₦349,166
Petition-Based	H, L, O, P, Q, R (Temporary Workers)	$205	~₦386,816
Specialty Visas	E (Treaty Trader/Investor)	$315	~₦594,266
Fiancé(e) Visas	K (Fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen)	$265	~₦500,016

*Disclaimer: These Naira figures are just estimates to give you an idea. The final amount you pay will depend on the official consular exchange rate at the time of your transaction.

As you can see, the differences are significant. A software engineer applying for an H-1B work visa is in a different fee bracket than a student heading off for their master's degree with an F-1 visa. That's why checking first is non-negotiable

Don’t Get Caught Out: The Hidden Costs Beyond the Visa Fee

Figuring out how much the US visa fee is in Naira is a huge first step, but it’s a classic mistake to think your spending ends there. I’ve seen many Nigerian applicants get blindsided by other necessary costs that creep up during the process.

Think of the visa fee as the price of admission to the main event. You still have to account for transport, snacks, and other essentials to actually enjoy the show. Let's break down these often-overlooked costs so you can build a realistic budget from the get-go.

The All-Important SEVIS Fee for Students

If you're heading to the US as a student on an F-1 or M-1 visa, or as an exchange visitor with a J-1 visa, there's another mandatory fee you can't skip: the SEVIS I-901 fee. This payment supports the database (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) that keeps track of international students and visitors while they're in the States.

Right now, the SEVIS fee is $350 for F and M students, and $220 for most J-1 exchange visitors. It's crucial to understand this is a separate payment from your visa application fee, and you must pay it before you walk into your interview. Forgetting this is a surefire way to have your application stalled.

Other Expenses to Factor Into Your Budget

Beyond the SEVIS fee, a few other costs will definitely pop up. They aren't optional extras; each is a vital part of the journey.

• Passport Photographs: The US embassy is famously strict about its photo specifications. We're talking precise measurements, a specific background colour, and even how much of the frame your head fills. You can't just snap a quick one at any photo studio. Budget between ₦3,000 to ₦7,000 for a professional studio that truly understands the requirements.

• Travel to Your Interview: Remember, US visa interviews in Nigeria only happen in two places: the Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos. If you’re coming from Kano, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else, you've got to plan for transport. This could mean bus fares from God Is Good Motors, flights with Air Peace, plus at least one night in a hotel and money for Bolt or Uber to get around the city. This cost alone can easily run into tens of thousands of Naira.

• Reciprocity Fees: This is the one that catches most people by surprise. For certain visa types, you might have to pay an extra fee after your visa is approved. It's called a reciprocity fee, and it's based on what your home country (Nigeria) charges American citizens for a similar type of visa. It doesn’t apply to everyone, but you need to be aware of it. The best practice is to always check the official U.S. Mission in Nigeria website for the latest reciprocity schedule before your interview.

Common Payment Mistakes Nigerians Should Avoid

Learning from other people's mistakes is the smartest way to tackle the US visa application process. Trust me, a simple slip-up when paying your fee can cause serious delays, and sometimes, you might even have to start your application all over again.

Let's walk through the most common traps Nigerians fall into and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Paying the wrong amount is, by far, the most frequent error we see. Your friend who applied last month might give you a figure, but as we’ve already covered, that consular exchange rate is always changing. Your best bet is to always generate a fresh payment slip on the day you plan to pay. That’s the only way to get the exact, correct Naira amount.

Using Outdated or Incorrect Information

Relying on old information is a surefire way to get frustrated. What you need to know about how much the US visa fee is in Naira today is probably different from what it was last week.

Keep an eye out for these classic mistakes:

• Paying an Old Fee: Never, ever use a screenshot or a figure you jotted down before. The official application portal is the only source of truth for the current fee.
• Paying at an Unauthorised Bank: In Nigeria, your only choice for paying in cash is at a GTBank branch. Full stop. Trying to pay anywhere else will simply get your transaction rejected.
• Misplacing Your Payment Receipt: This little piece of paper is your golden ticket. It's proof you've paid and holds the number you need to book your interview. Treat it like your passport, because losing it is a massive headache.

Letting Your Payment Receipt Expire

Here’s another common pitfall: paying the fee too far in advance. Once you've paid, your visa fee receipt is valid for exactly one year (365 days) from that date. If you don't manage to schedule an interview within that timeframe, the fee expires. It's gone. You will have to pay the full amount all over again, and there are absolutely no refunds or extensions.

Pro Tip: Your visa fee is linked to your application profile, not your passport number. Double-check that all the details on your payment slip—especially your name and CGI reference number—perfectly match what’s on your DS-160 confirmation page.

A simple payment error can be just as damaging to your application as a mistake in your forms. To get a better sense of how small oversights can have big consequences, it’s worth reading up on common US visa rejection reasons. Steer clear of these payment blunders to keep your application moving forward without any needless setbacks.

Got Questions About US Visa Fees? We’ve Got Answers.

When you're getting ready to apply for a US visa, the money part can be confusing. Let's clear up some of the most common questions Nigerian applicants ask, so you can handle the payment with confidence.

Can I Pay The Visa Fee With My Domiciliary Account?

This is probably one of the most-asked questions, and the answer is a straightforward no. You can't pay the US visa fee directly from a domiciliary account or with US dollars in cash.

All payments must be made in Nigerian Naira. The system is designed to only accept our local currency at the official consular exchange rate for that specific day, whether you're paying online with a Naira debit card or in cash at a GTBank branch.

What Happens If My Visa Is Denied? Do I Get a Refund?

Unfortunately, the visa application fee is non-refundable, no matter what. It doesn't matter if your application is approved, denied, or you simply change your mind and cancel your appointment—that money is gone.

It helps to think of it not as paying for the visa itself, but as paying for the service of having your application reviewed.

Your payment covers the administrative cost of processing your application, regardless of the final decision. Once that fee is paid, it can't be recovered, which is why it’s so important to have everything in order before you pay.

How Long Is My Visa Fee Receipt Valid For?

Your payment receipt isn't valid forever. It has an expiration date and is good for exactly one year (365 days) from the day you pay.

You must schedule your visa interview within this one-year period. If you let the receipt expire before booking an appointment, you’ll lose the fee and have to start the payment process all over again.

Getting all the steps right is key. For a full breakdown of everything you'll need, check out our guide on US visa requirements for Nigerians.

Can Someone Abroad Pay The Fee For Me?

Yes, they absolutely can. If you have a brother in the UK or a cousin in the US who wants to help, that's perfectly fine.

However, the payment itself still has to go through the Nigerian payment system. The most important thing is ensuring your personal details, especially your unique CGI reference number, are on the payment record. As long as the fee is correctly tied to your application profile, it doesn’t matter who actually made the payment.

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