Everything You Need to Know About the New U.S. Visa Integrity Fee

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On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1) into law, introducing a new “Visa Integrity Fee” that impacts most nonimmigrant visa applicants. This mandatory surcharge, set at a minimum of $250, aims to enhance U.S. visa policy enforcement and border security while incentivizing compliance with visa terms. Below, we break down the details of this fee, who it affects, its potential impact, and what remains unclear about its implementation.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a new $250 surcharge applied to all nonimmigrant visa categories at the time of visa issuance. It is part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act, designed to fund enforcement and administrative efforts related to U.S. immigration policies. The fee is non-waivable and non-reducible, meaning all eligible applicants must pay it in addition to existing visa fees, such as the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, reciprocity fees, and the recently increased Form I-94 fee ($24).

A unique feature of this fee is its potential for reimbursement. Nonimmigrant visa holders who fully comply with their visa terms—such as departing the U.S. within five days of their visa’s expiration or legally extending or adjusting their status—may be eligible for a refund. However, the reimbursement process is not yet defined, leading experts to advise treating the fee as nonrefundable until clearer guidelines are provided.

Who Needs to Pay the Fee?

The fee applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories, including but not limited to:

B-1/B-2 Visas: For tourists and business travelers.
F-1/F-2 and M Visas: For international students and their dependents.
H-1B/H-4 Visas: For temporary workers and their families.
J-1/J-2 Visas: For exchange visitors and their dependents.
L-1, O-1, TN, and other work-related visas.

Exemptions are limited to diplomatic visa categories (A and G). Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries—such as the 42 nations (e.g., most European countries, Japan, Australia) who can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa—are not subject to this fee unless they require a special visa (e.g., for work or study). Similarly, Canadians, who typically do not need a visa for short-term visits, are also exempt unless applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

How Much Will It Cost?

The Visa Integrity Fee is set at a minimum of $250 for fiscal year 2025, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorized to increase it through regulation. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the fee will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to account for inflation. This fee is in addition to other existing costs, significantly raising the total expense for visa applicants.

For example:

A B-1/B-2 tourist visa, currently priced at $185, could cost approximately $472 (about ₹40,500 for Indian nationals) when combined with the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, the $24 I-94 fee, and the $13 Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee (if applicable).
An H-1B worker, who currently pays a $205 application fee, could see their total visa cost rise to $455 or more.

These increased costs are expected to have a significant impact on travelers, particularly from countries like India, where visa demand is high, as well as on international students and professionals in industries reliant on work visas, such as technology.

When Will the Fee Take Effect?

While the law is effective as of July 4, 2025, the fee collection process is not yet operational. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS) require time to establish payment mechanisms, and it’s unclear which agency will ultimately collect the fee. Given its tie to visa issuance, the DOS may handle collection during consular visa appointments, but DHS could also be involved due to its role in reimbursements.

Some sources suggest the fee could begin being collected as early as October 1, 2025, aligning with the new U.S. fiscal year. However, no official start date has been confirmed, and applicants are advised to monitor updates from official U.S. immigration and consular websites.

Reimbursement: Is It Really Possible?

The Visa Integrity Fee includes a provision for reimbursement, a novel concept in U.S. immigration fee structures. To qualify for a refund, visa holders must:

Fully comply with all visa terms (e.g., no unauthorized employment).
Depart the U.S. within five days of their authorized stay’s expiration or secure a lawful extension or adjustment of status (e.g., obtaining a green card).

However, significant uncertainty surrounds the reimbursement process. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that only a small number of applicants will seek or receive refunds, as the Department of State may need several years to implement a reimbursement system. Immigration experts, such as Steven A. Brown from Reddy Neumann Brown PC, recommend treating the fee as nonrefundable for planning purposes, noting that obtaining refunds from the government is often challenging.

Potential Impact on Travelers

The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee has raised concerns among travel industry experts and immigration advocates. The fee, combined with other surcharges like the increased I-94 fee and ESTA fee, could deter tourism, particularly for budget-conscious travelers and families. For instance, a family of four applying for B-1/B-2 visas could face an additional $1,000 in fees. This comes at a time when U.S. tourism is already facing challenges, with reduced funding for Brand USA and fewer international visitors in 2025.

International students and professionals, particularly in fields like technology, may also face financial strain. The fee could impact decisions to study or work in the U.S., especially for those on multi-year visas, as the fee is held by the government until departure or status change, potentially tying up significant funds.

Jorge Loweree from the American Immigration Council noted that the fee could put legal pathways out of reach for many, particularly when layered with other new charges, such as a $100 asylum application fee.

What’s Next for Travelers?

Until the collection process is formalized, visa applicants cannot yet pay the fee, but they should prepare for its inclusion in future applications. Here are some tips for travelers:

Monitor Official Updates: Check the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) and USCIS websites for announcements on the fee’s implementation and payment process.
Budget Accordingly: Factor in the additional $250 (or more, depending on DHS regulations) when planning travel or visa applications.
Consider Timing: Some experts suggest scheduling visa appointments before 2026 to potentially avoid the fee, though this is speculative until an official start date is confirmed.
Consult Professionals: For complex cases, such as work or student visas, contact immigration attorneys like Saluja Law or Reddy Neumann Brown PC for guidance.

The Visa Integrity Fee represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, aiming to strengthen compliance while increasing costs for nonimmigrant visa applicants. While its refundable nature offers a potential incentive, the lack of clarity on implementation and reimbursement raises challenges for travelers. As the U.S. prepares for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the “America 250” celebration, the fee’s impact on tourism and international mobility will be closely watched.

Stay informed, plan ahead, and share your thoughts on how this fee might affect your travel plans in the comments below!

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