US Visa Cost for Indians Up 148% With New $250 Fee

The cost of obtaining a U.S. visa for Indian applicants is set to rise sharply, with a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” implemented as part of a broader overhaul under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law on July 4, 2025. The revised fee structure is expected to take effect in fiscal year 2026, significantly impacting students, tourists, and temporary workers.

Under the new provisions, the B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa fee will increase from $185 to approximately $459 (around ₹40,000), once additional charges such as the $24 I-94 processing fee are included. This represents an overall hike of nearly 148%. Similar increases will apply to other popular visa categories like F and M (students), H-1B (skilled workers), and J (exchange visitors).

The newly introduced $250 surcharge is designed as a compliance security deposit. Applicants will be eligible for a refund only if they fully comply with U.S. immigration rules—primarily, leaving the country before their visa expires and avoiding any status violations. Failure to meet these conditions will result in forfeiture of the fee, which will be retained by the U.S. Treasury. The surcharge will be adjusted annually based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index.

Diplomatic and official visas (A and G categories) are exempt from the new fee.

While U.S. authorities argue that the changes will promote better visa compliance, critics say the policy imposes a disproportionate burden on travelers from developing countries, particularly students and skilled professionals who already navigate a complex and costly immigration process.

With the U.S. remaining a top destination for Indian travelers and students, this increase is expected to have a considerable impact on outbound mobility from India in the coming years.