Last reviewed: August 29, 2026
How to Pay the U.S. Visa Fee in Mainland China
The DS-160 itself is free. Most nonimmigrant visa applicants pay a separate, non-refundable consular application fee through the official applicant system for mainland China.
Payment methods in mainland China
The official payment page currently offers several distinct methods:
- Alipay: the portal generates a payment reference and QR code. Save a screenshot or copy the receipt number before continuing.
- Online Chinese bank card: pay with a debit or credit card issued by a Chinese bank. China UnionPay support and online-payment activation may depend on the issuing bank.
- Cash at CITIC Bank: generate and print the deposit slip from your profile, then bring the slip and passport to a CITIC branch. Expired slips are not accepted.
- CITIC Smart Counter: use the CGI reference number and a China UnionPay debit card at a supported counter.
- U.S.-dollar Mastercard option: charges may apply; use only when the portal presents it for your application.
The portal displays the fee in U.S. dollars but collects the local payment in RMB using the Department of State's consular exchange rate. Pay the exact amount generated for your visa class.
Official reference: the China bank and payment options page documents Chinese-bank online cards, CITIC cash and Smart Counters, Alipay, and the receipt-number requirement.
Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service for mainland China, captured August 29, 2026. The live portal controls the methods and RMB amount available to an applicant.
Step-by-step payment process
- Submit the DS-160 and save the confirmation number.
- Create a profile in the official applicant system.
- Select Start Application and complete the visa type, post, category, and class steps.
- Open Payment Options and choose one method.
- Use the unique CGI or payment reference created by the system.
- Save the final receipt number. You cannot schedule without it.
- Return to the profile after activation and schedule the interview.
The official China instructions say to allow up to one business day for payment processing. Some online payments may link sooner. If the payment appears unsuccessful, do not immediately pay again; use the official support channel to have the first transaction checked.
Common China payment mistakes
- Paying with an expired or duplicated CITIC deposit slip.
- Losing the receipt number after an Alipay or Smart Counter payment.
- Using a non-Chinese card for the option restricted to Chinese-bank cards.
- Expecting a Chinese fapiao or shouju from the visa service; the official page says these are not provided.