Visiting the United States will soon get more expensive due to a newly approved $250 “Visa Integrity Fee”. This additional charge will apply to a wide range of nonimmigrant visa categories, impacting millions of travelers worldwide. Signed into law on July 4, 2025, as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” this fee is designed to fund immigration compliance measures.
According to the bill, the fee applies to “any foreign national who is issued a nonimmigrant visa during the period of such disbursement.” That means any applicant for a nonimmigrant visa (F, J, H, and similar classes) should expect to pay the $250 fee.
Key Points About the $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Nonimmigrant Visitors
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee Amount | $250 (non-refundable) |
| Applies To | All nonimmigrant visa applicants (F, J, H, etc.) |
| Exempt Countries | Visa Waiver Program nations (e.g., UK, France, Japan) |
| Additional Costs | Added to MRV, exchange visitor, and anti-fraud fees |
| Impact on Indians | Yes – Total visa cost may rise to $473 (₹40,785) |
| Refunds | Possible only if visa terms are fully complied with |
| Expected Start Date | October 1, 2025 (start of US fiscal year) |
| Responsible Agency | Likely US Department of State or Homeland Security |
Who Will Need to Pay This Fee?
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be charged to all nonimmigrant visa applicants from countries that are not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This includes most visitors from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Affected visa categories include:
- F-1 and F-2 – Student visas
- J-1 and J-2 – Exchange visitor visas
- H-1B and H-4 – Temporary work visas
- Other employment and guest visa classes
Total Visa Expenses – What Will It Cost?
The $250 fee is in addition to existing Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fees, exchange visitor fees, and anti-fraud charges.
- Indian Citizens: Total costs will average $473 (₹40,785) depending on the visa category.
- Tourist/Business Visa (B1/B2): The complete fee is expected to be around $425 (₹36,690).
Can the Fee Be Refunded?
The Visa Integrity Fee is generally non-refundable. However, under specific conditions, a refund might be possible if:
- The traveler leaves the US before visa expiration
- Maintains their nonimmigrant status without violations
- Transitions to a lawful permanent resident status (green card)
Refunds, if applicable, will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Are Indian Citizens Exempt?
No. Indian travelers must pay this fee.
Only travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are exempt. These 42 countries include UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others. Nationals of these countries can visit the US for up to 90 days visa-free and will not pay the $250 fee.
VWP countries include: Portugal, France, Taiwan, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, UK, Japan, Germany, Australia, Spain, Italy, Finland, South Korea, and more.
When Will the Visa Integrity Fee Take Effect?
The fee is expected to come into effect on October 1, 2025, aligning with the start of the US fiscal year. However, the official rollout date is yet to be confirmed. The collection process may be handled by either the US Department of State (during visa issuance) or DHS.
Why Was This Fee Introduced?
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is aimed at:
- Strengthening immigration enforcement and tracking
- Covering administrative costs for processing nonimmigrant visas
- Funding compliance programs to reduce overstays
What You Should Do if You’re Planning to Travel
- Apply for your visa early to avoid paying the new fee if possible.
- Check your visa category and calculate the updated total costs.
- Monitor updates from the official US State Department website.
- If traveling for study or work, consult your employer or university about potential additional costs.
| Homepage | www.sti2.org |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: It is expected to begin on October 1, 2025, but this date is not yet officially confirmed.
A: No, Indian travelers must pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee.
A: All applicants for nonimmigrant visas (e.g., F, J, H visas) from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program.
A: Refunds may be possible only if visa conditions are fully met, but no automatic refund policy is guaranteed.
A: Yes, the $250 fee will be added to existing costs for B1/B2 applicants from non-VWP countries.
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee will significantly increase the cost of visiting the United States for travelers requiring a visa. While the official start date is expected to be October 1, 2025, applicants should budget for higher visa fees and stay updated via gov.uk or travel.state.gov.
