US Visa Integrity Fee: $250 Charge for Tourists

The U.S. government is introducing a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for most non-immigrant visa applicants as part of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. The new fee will apply in addition to existing visa application and issuance fees, significantly increasing the overall cost for international travelers, students, and temporary workers seeking entry into the United States.

Who Will Be Affected?

The Visa Integrity Fee will apply to a wide range of non-immigrant visa categories, including:

• Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2)
• Student visas (F-1, M-1)
• Work visas (H-1B, H-2B, etc.)
• Exchange visitor visas (J-1)

However, nationals from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries and certain exceptions—such as most Canadian and Bermudian citizens—will be exempt from the additional charge.

Implementation Timeline

The fee is expected to take effect starting October 1, 2025, at the beginning of the U.S. federal government’s fiscal year 2026. It will be indexed annually to inflation, meaning the amount could increase in future years.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the fee will be collected by the U.S. Department of State (which handles consular services) or the Department of Homeland Security. Final implementation details, including payment methods and collection process, are still under review.

Refund Policy and Compliance Conditions

Unlike other visa fees, the Visa Integrity Fee may be refundable—but only under strict conditions:

• The applicant must comply fully with the visa’s terms, including timely departure from the U.S. or maintaining valid immigration status throughout their stay.
• If these conditions are met, applicants may apply for a refund after their visa expires.

Refunds will not be automatic, and failure to comply with visa terms will result in the fee being forfeited and transferred to the U.S. Treasury's general fund.

Concerns from Travel and Education Sectors

The new fee has drawn criticism from various stakeholders in the tourism, education, and international business sectors. Many fear it will act as a deterrent, especially for applicants from lower- and middle-income countries where $250 represents a substantial financial burden.

Industry experts also warn that the increased cost could affect international student enrollments and reduce tourist numbers—particularly ahead of major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which are being hosted by the United States.

In Summary

Key Detail	Description
Fee Amount	$250 USD
Applies To	Most non-immigrant visas (B, F, H, J, M, etc.)
Exemptions	VWP nationals, most Canadians, and select categories
Effective Date	October 1, 2025 (Fiscal Year 2026)
Refundable?	Yes, if visa terms are fully complied with
Additional Cost Impact	Significantly raises total visa application expenses

As the fee’s effective date approaches, applicants are advised to monitor official updates from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. embassies in their respective countries.