UAE passport holders have faced a significant increase in the cost of obtaining a U.S. student visa F-1. According to the latest data, students will be charged an additional fee of $1100, making the visa application process one of the most expensive in the world.
This fee, known as a “reciprocity fee,” is charged in addition to the standard consular application fee (MRV fee) of $185 and the SEVIS fee of $350, meaning it is added to the existing fees.
The $1100 fee for an F-1 visa for UAE citizens significantly exceeds the fees for other nationalities; for example, for Australian citizens the “reciprocity” fee will be $815, for Cyprus — $140, for Jordan — $81.
Why reciprocity fee?
The “reciprocity” fee, or visa issuance fee, is not an administrative application processing fee. It is charged only after the visa is approved and is based on the principle of reciprocity: the United States charges citizens of other countries approximately the same fee that those countries charge U.S. citizens for similar types of visas.
The introduction of a record $1100 fee for UAE citizens may reflect plans to introduce a similarly high fee that the UAE will charge U.S. citizens for the right to study at local educational institutions.
The new fee applies not only to UAE passport holders, but the fee amount for citizens of other countries — where it exists — will differ.
We will help you find out the fee amount for your nationality
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Total cost and consequences
For a UAE citizen applying for an F-1 student visa, the total cost of government fees alone is now:
- Consular fee (MRV): $185
- SEVIS fee: $350
- Reciprocity fee: $1100
This calculation does not include other possible expenses, such as health insurance, tuition fees, or the cost of travel to an interview at the embassy or consulate. Please note that reciprocity fees are subject to change; check the current information on the official State Department website before submitting your application.
