The United States has implemented a new fee on visas known as the Visa Integrity Fee, included in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act that became law on July 4. Starting in 2026, the fee functions as a security deposit on multiple non-immigrant categories of visas, such as tourist, student, work, and exchange. The fee, currently set at $250, will increase annually with inflation. Applicants can be refunded if they fulfill certain criteria, encouraging adherence to U.S. immigration regulations.
New Visa Fee Applies Widespread
The new Visa Integrity Fee will be charged to all aliens who receive non-immigrant visas like B-1/B-2 (business/tourist), F/M (student), H-1B (employment), and J (exchange) visas. Diplomatic visas under the classifications A and G are exempt. This mandatory fee will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security along with other visa application fees.
Further Travel-Related Fees Announced
In addition to the Visa Integrity Fee, the legislation also introduces other fees such as a $24 fee for Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), a $13 fee for Visa Waiver Program travelers applying through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and a $30 Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) fee for some Chinese nationals who possess 10-year B-1/B-2 visas. All these fees are not waivable, based on US immigration services firm Fragomen.
Dramatic Boost in Visa Fees for Applicants
It currently takes around $185 (Rs 15,855) to get an Indian tourist/business visa. Adding the new charges on top—the $250 Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee—brings the total to around $472 (Rs 40,456), over twice the initial price.
Refund Terms for implements Integrity Fee
Refund of the implements Integrity Fee is only possible but it must be under tight conditions. Applicants can ask for a refund if they leave the US within five days after their visa expiration without seeking an extension or status adjustment, or successfully change their status to permanent residence before their I-94 expires. The refund procedure requires official documents and is not automatic. Non-compliance will cause the fee to be deposited into the general fund of the US Treasury.
Apprehensions Regarding Effect on Lawful Visitors
Though the fee seeks to discourage visa overstays, it has the potential to deter genuine visitors and minimize cultural exchanges, especially targeting applicants who are from developing countries. The cost may be difficult for tourists and students from these nations to absorb, thereby requiring meticulous planning to accommodate the added expense.
