New US visa fees.

The application fees for immigrant and non-immigrant visas to the United States are to increase with effect from 1 January 2008. Immigrant visas will cost $355 instead of the present $335, while non-immigrant visas will cost $131 against the present $100. Prices are the same worldwide regardless of the country of application. The increase is in line with the rising cost of processing applications, including accommodating special security features, and inflation. The only foreign visitors not affected by the hikes are citizens of the 27 mostly European countries who do not require visas unless they intend to stay in the US for more than 90 days.

Applicants for non-immigrant visas who filed their application in 2007 and whose interview date is before 31 January 2008 will not be required to pay the difference. Instead those appearing after 31 January must pay the $31 balance. Prospective immigrants who filed their application before 1 January will not be required to pay the difference regardless of their interview date.

For details of application procedures see the US embassy in Ghana website.