Planning to visit United States? Well there is a new fee that could affect your travel expense: the new $250 Visa integrity fee. This guide will help to understand what is this fees, who it applies to, when it starts , how to pay it, and whether you can refund.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory $250 fee for all nonimmigrant U.S. visa applicants
- Applies to tourists, business travelers, international students, and more
- Nonrefundable unless strict visa conditions are met
- Start date TBD, but expected during Fiscal Year 2025
- Fee is in addition to existing visa and Form I-94 fees
What Is the U.S. Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new travel cost introduced under the latest launched “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. This fee specifically targets nonimmigrant visa applicants-i.e., people who plan to visit the U.S. temporarily — and encourages them to follow the visa’s terms (such as not overstaying).
How Much Is the Fee?
- The base fees is $250
- May increase in future years due to inflation adjustments
- Must be paid in addition to other fees
Example: An H-1B visa applicant who currently pays $205 will now pay $455 total.
Who Needs to Pay the Fee?
The fee applies to anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa, including:
- Tourists (B-1/B-2)
- Business travelers
- International students (F-1)
- Exchange visitors (J-1)
- Temporary workers (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
Note: If your visa application is denied, you won’t be charged the fee.
When Will the Fee Be Collected?
The U.S. government has not announced the exact start date. However the law applies to fiscal year 2025, which runs from: Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2025. The fee will be paid at the time your visa is issued — not when you apply.
How Do I Pay the Fee?
As of now, the process is not defined. The fee must be charged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but DHS does not handle visa issuance — that’s done by the U.S. Department of State.
Can You Get a Refund?
Yes, but only if you meet certain conditions:
To qualify for a refund, you must:
- Not overstay your visa by more than 5 days
- Not accept unauthorized employment
- Follow all visa rules
Impact on Travelers
- Families may need to budget extra: $250 per person adds up quickly.
- Students may face higher barriers to entry.
- Some travelers might delay or cancel plans due to increased costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Visa Integrity Fee already being collected?
A: No, not yet. The implementation process is still ongoing.
Q: Will it replace other visa fees?
A: No. It is an additional charge on top of existing visa fees.
Q: Can I avoid it with a waiver?
A: No. The law says the fee cannot be waived.
Q: How long do refunds take?
A: No system exists yet. It may take years for the refund process to be implemented.
Final Thoughts
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new reality for U.S.-bound travelers. Although refunds are possible, they’re uncertain and complicated. If you’re planning to visit, study, or work in the U.S.:
- Plan for higher costs
- Monitor official updates
- Stick to your visa terms
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