US Department of State Lists Visa Fee Exemptions for 2026

The US Department of State has released a list detailing seven categories of individuals exempt from paying the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee in 2026. The categories include: 1) Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas; 2) J visa applicants involved in official US Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs; 3) Individuals needing to replace a machine-readable visa due to improper affixation; 4) Applicants exempted under international agreements, including members of UN observer missions and their families; 5) Individuals traveling to provide charitable services; 6) US government employees traveling on official business; and 7) Immediate family members of US government employees killed or critically injured in the line of duty attending funerals or for visitation during emergency treatment.

Applicants must verify their eligibility under these categories, as the fee waiver does not apply to all visa types.