March 4, 2026 · 6 min
US confirms increase in student visa fees — what applicants should do
DHS has moved forward with significant increases in study visa fees. Budget updates, DS-160 discipline and interview prep.
The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed significant increases in student visa fees this year. The most consequential updates for F-1 and J-1 applicants:
- •Budget an additional buffer over and above your I-20 SEVIS fee and application fees.
- •DS-160 barcode must match your appointment record exactly. A regenerated DS-160 will cause you to be turned away at the consulate.
- •Financial documentation now expects 6 months of statements plus a clear source-of-funds explanation.
Our mock interviews now include a specific 'documentation drill' — a 15-minute walkthrough of the exact folder you'll carry to the consulate.