Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Japan and US Raise Visa Fees
Japan and the United States are both raising their visa and residency fees.
Japan plans to increase fees by up to 500% starting in 2026.
For example, the fee to extend or change your residency status will go from 6,000 Yen to between 30,000 and 40,000 Yen, and the fee for permanent residency will go from 10,000 Yen to over 100,000 Yen.
The US is also increasing its premium processing fees for various visas, such as the H-1B and F-1, starting March 1, 2026.
The US fees will go up to reflect inflation.
Both countries say they need the extra money to improve their immigration processes and handle more visitors and residents.
Japan will raise visa and residency-related fees by up to 500% starting fiscal year 2026.
Extension or change of residential status fees in Japan will increase from 6,000 Yen to 30,000 - 40,000 Yen.
Permanent residency fees in Japan will rise from 10,000 Yen to over 100,000 Yen.
The US will increase premium processing fees for various visas, including H-1B and F-1, starting March 1, 2026.
The fee hikes are driven by record numbers of foreign residents and tourists, straining immigration infrastructure.
- Who
- Japan's Immigration Services Agency and US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- What
- Raising visa and residency-related fees by up to 500% and increasing premium processing fees for various visas
- When
- Starting fiscal year 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027) for Japan and March 1, 2026 for the US
- Where
- Japan and the United States
- Why
- To modernize immigration infrastructure, manage record numbers of foreign arrivals, and account for inflation
Japan's Immigration Services Agency
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Fee Increase Justification
Japan's Immigration Services Agency
To modernize immigration infrastructure and manage record numbers of foreign arrivals
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
To account for inflation and protect the real dollar value of the premium processing service
- Japan Extension/Change Fee (Current)
- 6,000 Yen
- Japan Extension/Change Fee (New)
- 30,000 - 40,000 Yen
- Japan Permanent Residency Fee (Current)
- 10,000 Yen
- Japan Permanent Residency Fee (New)
- Over 100,000 Yen
- US H-1B Premium Processing Fee (Current)
- $2,805
- US H-1B Premium Processing Fee (New)
- $2,965
- US F-1/F-2 Premium Processing Fee (Current)
- $1,965
- US F-1/F-2 Premium Processing Fee (New)
- $2,075
- Expected Foreign Residents in Japan (2025)
- 3.96 million
- International Visitors to Japan (First Half 2025)
- 21.5 million
Sources
Why Japan Is Hiking Visa Fees By 500% And How You Can Beat It If You're Travelling
Japan To Hike Its Visa Fee For Tourists And Foreign Redisdents By Five Fold
US visa fees increased: USCIS’ revised costs for fast-track H-1B, F-1, O-1 applications revealed
US Hikes H-1B Visa Premium Processing Fee From March. Check New Rates
