The United States government will implement a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visa categories starting in fiscal year 2025.
The additional charge will apply on top of existing visa application fees and will impact millions of travellers, students, and workers entering the country.
As cited by TravelBiz, the policy is linked to the revived “One Big Beautiful Bill Law,” a legislative initiative from President Donald Trump. The law has re-entered policy discussions and is progressing toward enforcement.
The Visa Integrity Fee is the extra charge added to most US non-immigrant visas. It is meant to encourage travellers to follow visa rules and leave the US before their visa expires.
Details of the Visa Integrity Fee
The Visa Integrity Fee is set at $250 and will apply to most non-immigrant US visa categories, including:
- B-1/B-2 visas for business and tourism
- F and M visas for international students
- H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers
- J visas for cultural and educational exchange visitors
Only A and G visa holders—primarily diplomats and international organisation staff- will be exempt from the new fee. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will manage the program and oversee its future revisions.
Additional Financial Impact on Visa Applicants
The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee will raise the total cost for applicants significantly. For example:
- B-1/B-2 visa:
- Current application fee: $185
- New Integrity Fee: $250
- New total: $435
Other visa categories, such as F, M, J, and H-1B B will also see their total application costs increase by $250, added to their current fee structures.
Refund Policy and Compliance Requirements
Reports cite that the new fee is formed as a compliance incentive. Travellers who follow the visa rules strictly—particularly those who leave the US within five days of the end of their authorised stay—may be eligible for a refund of the fee.
However, most applicants should expect no waivers or discounts, and the refund process will be conditional and limited.
The $250 fee is not fixed. DHS officials confirmed that beginning in 2026, the fee will be subject to annual review and adjustment based on inflation and other policy factors. This means applicants should expect periodic increases.
Key Information for Travellers
Prospective US visitors and visa applicants are advised to:
- Budget for the new fee in their travel or study plans
- Retain proof of visa compliance, such as exit dates
- Monitor fee updates for any future changes
- Apply sooner to avoid higher future charges
Diplomats and employees of international organisations remain the only groups currently excluded from this additional charge.
The US government’s new Visa Integrity Fee is a major change in its visa policy, applying to most non-immigrant visa types from fiscal year 2025. While its purpose is to promote compliance and discourage overstays, it also introduces a significant cost increase for international applicants.
With no broad waivers and potential for future fee hikes, travellers and students are urged to plan accordingly and remain vigilant about visa rules.
