US Visa Cost Increase Announced for Travelers, Workers

The United States government has announced a new policy under the recently signed immigration reform package, introducing a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for most non-immigrant visa categories. The fee will come into effect starting October 1, 2025, aligning with the start of the 2026 fiscal year.

The initiative, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, aims to enhance visa compliance and national security. The law is expected to apply to a wide range of visa categories including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), exchange visitor (J), and work-related visas (H, L, O, P, etc.).

What’s Changing

• A $250 non-refundable fee will be added to the existing visa application costs.
• Total visa costs for tourists (B-1/B-2) will rise from approximately $185 to $435.
• The fee will be waived for diplomats (A, G visas) and nationals from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries.

Purpose of the Fee

According to U.S. authorities, the Visa Integrity Fee is intended to:

• Encourage lawful visa use, including timely departure from the U.S.
• Support visa enforcement operations and reduce instances of overstays.
• Provide funding for border staffing, compliance technology, and immigration review systems.

Refund Option Available

Applicants who comply fully with the terms of their visa may be eligible to request a refund of the $250 fee upon exit. Eligibility will depend on:

• No overstay or violation of visa terms.
• Departure before visa expiration.
• Proper documentation and application for the refund.

Global Impact

This change will affect millions of travelers annually, particularly from countries like India, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil, where visa applications are a common route for business, tourism, education, and employment in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of State has advised applicants to plan accordingly, especially those intending to travel before October 2025. Applying prior to this date could help avoid the additional fee.

Key Takeaways

• New $250 integrity fee for most U.S. non-immigrant visas starting Oct 1, 2025.
• Refund available for compliant visa holders.
• Part of a broader immigration and security enhancement law.
• Exemptions for diplomatic visas and travelers from VWP countries.

Conclusion
The new Visa Integrity Fee marks a shift in U.S. immigration policy towards greater accountability and enforcement, while still offering opportunities for global engagement through education, tourism, and work. Prospective travelers are encouraged to stay updated through official U.S. embassy channels and plan their applications accordingly.