The US government is rolling out a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 for nearly all non-immigrant visa categories starting from fiscal year 2025. This fee will be charged in addition to the standard visa application fees.
The move is part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Law, which has been revived in policy discussions and is now reportedly advancing toward implementation, according to US media outlets.
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a $250 surcharge imposed by the US on most non-immigrant visas. It acts as a compliance incentive, encouraging travellers to follow visa rules and leave the country on time.
Who Has to Pay the New $250 Fee?
The $250 surcharge will apply to a wide range of US visa categories, including:
- B-1/B-2 visas (tourist and business)
- F and M visas (students)
- H-1B visas (skilled workers)
- J visas (exchange visitors)
Only the A and G visa categories, used by diplomats and international organisation employees, will be exempt from the new charges.
How This Affects Visa Applicants
This change is expected to hit travellers and international students particularly hard. Here’s what it means in numbers:
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Integrity Fee | Total Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 | $185 | $250 | $435 (≈ ₹37,300) |
| F, M, J, H-1B | Varies | $250 | Fee + $250 |
For example, a B-1/B-2 visa that currently costs about ₹15,855 ($185) will now cost close to ₹40,456 ($472) after the new fee kicks in.
Can the Fee Be Waived or Refunded?
In most cases, no waiver, discount, or exemption will be granted. However, travellers may qualify for a refund if they strictly comply with all visa terms, such as exiting the US within five days of their authorised stay.
Annual Fee Hike Expected from 2026
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will oversee the annual adjustments to the fee, factoring in inflation. So yes, the $250 charge is just the starting point, expect increases from 2026 onward.
Why Is This Fee Being Introduced?
The stated goal of the fee is to promote visa compliance and lawful behaviour among foreign visitors. In practice, it’s being seen as a security deposit-style surcharge aimed at discouraging visa overstays and misuse.
What Travellers Should Keep in Mind
- Plan your US trip or study abroad budget accordingly, factoring in this additional cost.
- Keep records of your travel dates and visa compliance, as they may help you qualify for a refund.
- Expect further fee hikes in the coming years, so applying earlier might save you money.
- Diplomatic travellers remain exempt, but everyone else should be prepared to pay up.
Bottom Line
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is a big change that affects millions of travellers, especially from high-volume countries like India. Whether you’re heading to the US for a vacation, a degree, or a job, you’ll need to budget more and comply strictly with your visa conditions, or risk losing your money.
