US Visa Fee Hike for Indians: Now Rs 16,000 to Rs 40,000

Indian students, tourists, and professionals planning to travel to the United States will soon have to pay an additional $250 under a newly introduced Visa Integrity Fee, significantly raising the cost of obtaining U.S. non-immigrant visas.

The fee, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law in the U.S. on July 4, will be applicable from fiscal year 2026. It is designed to enhance compliance with U.S. visa regulations and deter misuse of visa categories.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a non-waivable surcharge of $250 that applies to most non-immigrant visa categories, including:

• B-1/B-2 (business/tourist)
• F and M (student visas)
• H-1B (specialty occupations/workers)
• J (exchange visitor)

Diplomatic (A) and government (G) visa holders are exempt from the fee.

Why Was It Introduced?

U.S. lawmakers argue that the fee will strengthen visa compliance by recovering costs associated with monitoring and enforcement. The fee aims to discourage visa overstays, fraudulent applications, and unauthorized employment.

Impact on Indian Applicants

The total cost of obtaining a U.S. non-immigrant visa will rise significantly. For Indian applicants:

• Current base visa fee: $185 (approx. ₹15,500)
• Additional integrity fee: $250 (approx. ₹21,000)
• Total expected cost: Around $435–$500 depending on visa type and administrative charges

This increase is expected to impact a wide range of Indian travelers—from students pursuing higher education in the U.S. to families planning vacations and tech professionals under work visas.

Is the Fee Refundable?

Yes—conditionally. The Visa Integrity Fee is refundable only if the applicant fully complies with the terms of their visa, including:

• Leaving the U.S. before visa expiration
• Not engaging in unauthorized work
• Maintaining lawful status throughout their stay

Refunds will need to be proactively claimed through a separate application after departure.

Reactions and Concerns

The move has drawn mixed reactions:

• Indian students and tech workers express concern over the financial burden, especially for families funding overseas education.
• Travel industry experts warn that the fee may discourage tourism and business travel, particularly among first-time travelers.
• U.S. officials maintain that the fee promotes accountability and funds necessary enforcement mechanisms.

Despite the concerns, the U.S. remains a top destination for Indian travelers, with over 1.2 million Indians visiting in 2024 alone.

What Travelers Should Do

Visa experts recommend that those planning to apply for U.S. visas in the next 12 months do so before April 2026 to avoid the higher cost. Travelers should also ensure they comply strictly with visa conditions to be eligible for potential refunds.

Bottom Line:
The U.S. Visa Integrity Fee marks a major change in the visa process, with Indian applicants likely to pay nearly double the current fees for non-immigrant visas. While aimed at improving immigration compliance, the fee may impact student mobility, tourism, and business travel between India and the United States.