State Department Exempts Some Immigrant Visa Applicants From Fees

On Jan. 19, 2021, the State Department issued a final rule that exempts some immigrant visa applicants from paying visa application fees. The rule, which was published in the Federal Register, applies specifically to immigrant visas that were denied under two travel bans imposed by the Trump administration. Non-immigrant visas, such as those with temporary intent like the H-1B or L-1 category, are not included in this rule. 

Overview 

The State Department's final rule allows individuals who were denied an immigrant visa between Dec. 8, 2017 and Jan. 19, 2020, inclusive, to reapply for their visa without paying the application fee and any supporting fees if their application was denied because they were barred from entering the U.S. under presidential proclamations 9645 and 9983.