USA Visa

The US Embassy will be able to accept the difference between the old and new fees in the Consular section at the time of interview.

FAQ’s

Why is the United States increasing the basic nonimmigrant visa application fee to $140 from its current amount of $131?

We are required by law to recover the cost of processing nonimmigrant visas through the collection of the application fee. A Cost of Service Study, conducted by an independent contractor, determined that the cost of accepting, adjudicating, and issuing nonimmigrant visas is more than $131. Among the factors raising our costs since the fee was last revised in 2008 are new security-related requirements, new IT systems, and a new mandate from Congress to charge nonimmigrant visa applicants $1 to support programs to combat trafficking in persons.

When do the new processing fees go into effect?

The new fees will go into effect on June 4, 2010. All applicants with interview appointments on or after that date must pay the new fee.

What if I already paid my fee for an appointment after June 4th?

Applicants will have to pay the fee in effect on the day of their interview appointment, regardless of when they pay. Our fee collection contractor, Alliance Bank, will begin to collect the new fees as soon as possible. But applicants who have paid the old fee of $131 will be able to pay the difference when they come to the Embassy for their interviews. If you have paid your fee at Alliance Bank, you will not need to return to the bank to pay the additional fee, but you should bring enough money to your interview (ringgit or dollars – cash only) to pay the additional fee.

Why is the United States establishing new, higher fees for certain types of nonimmigrant visas which previously cost $131, the same as all other nonimmigrant visas?

The Cost of Service Study showed that certain categories of nonimmigrant visas are more complicated and require more in-depth consideration, such as review of extensive documentation and a more in-depth interview, than other categories, such as tourists. Therefore, those categories of visas have higher unit costs and applicants for these visas should pay more.

Will this fee increase discourage people from traveling to the United States?

Past increases in nonimmigrant visa fees did not negatively impact the number of applications received worldwide. We are aware that this fee increase may suppress the demand for nonimmigrant visas in some countries. However, the cost is still small compared to the cost of round-trip airfare from most countries to the United States. Most visas issued worldwide are tourist visas with a validity of ten years, meaning the bearer can apply for admission to the United States any time during that ten-year period.

Can I comment on these fees?

The Department of State has published additional data from the Cost of Service
Study at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480aee4e6, and will accept public comments on that data for 60 days (until July 19, 2010). The public may comment in any of the ways laid out in the rule published on www.regulations.gov. Later this summer, the Department will review and consider any comments received from the public and publish a final rule

Effective May 12, 2010, due to changes in the dollar-ringgit exchange rate, the cost in ringgits for a visa application will be RM 430. Applicants who paid the old rate of RM 460 BEFORE May 11 may still use their existing valid fee receipts for Interview appointments.

Verification of petition approval in Petition Information Management Service (PIMS)

Petition based visa applicants (H, L, O, P, Q and R visas) should provide the receipt number of the approved I-129 or I-797 to us at least two business days prior to your visa interview. You may do this by emailing the receipt number, the name of the petitioner and beneficiary and the scheduled interview date to klpims@state.gov. Please note that this email address is not for inquiry. If you have any questions about visa matter, please email to info.usmy@vfshelpline.com

Important notice for Visa Applicants regarding implementation of the DS-160 by U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
· The VFS US Visa website will not be accessible on 24 February 2010 so we can make changes required to implement the new DS-160 on-line visa application. The website will be accessible again on 25 February. From that time forward, all new applicants will be required to complete a DS-160 prior to scheduling appointments for 1 March onward.

Interview appointments for 1 March 2010 onward will not be available until 25 February, after the updates go into effect.

Applicants with appointments for 25 February 2010 , please take note of the following additional instructions:
· If you have confirmed an interview for 25 February 2010, you may proceed to the Embassy as scheduled. You will not be required to complete a DS-160. However, please make sure to verify the accuracy of your data and print your interview letter prior to 24 February. You will not be able to access the interview letter or application details page on or after 24 February.

Should you need to cancel your appointment anytime on or after 24 February 2010, you will be required to complete a DS-160 and schedule a new appointment.

For more information, please see the U.S. Embassy press release on the DS-160 at http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/

The DS-160 can be accessed through the VFS website or at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_4401.html.