The U.S. has made yet another change to its immigration policy by introducing a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 (around ₹21,000) under President Donald Trump’s ambitious One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which officially became law on July 4. The new fee, which acts like a security deposit, will be adjusted annually based on inflation and can be refunded if certain conditions are met.
What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Trump administration introduced this new fee as part of its efforts to enforce U.S. immigration laws more strictly. After being signed into law on July 4, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes this non-refundable (unless eligible) surcharge. The new fee structure is expected to make the American dream more expensive for Indian professionals and students.
Effective from 2026, this mandatory fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa applications issued to foreign nationals. This includes tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange visitor (J) visas. Only diplomatic visa categories (A and G) are exempted.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect this fee in addition to the existing visa application charges. These rules are part of President Trump’s broader effort to curb illegal immigration and tighten visa regulations.
How Much More Will It Cost?
According to U.S.-based immigration law firm Fragomen, the bill also includes other travel-related charges such as:
- $24 for I-94 processing
- $13 for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for Visa Waiver Program travelers
- $30 for EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System) for some Chinese citizens with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas
None of these fees are exemptible.
Currently, the cost of a U.S. tourist/business visa (B-1/B-2) for Indian citizens is around $185 (₹15,855). With the addition of the new surcharges—$250 Visa Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee—the total cost will jump to approximately $472 (₹40,456), which is about 2.5 times the original price.
Also Read: Individuals With H-1B Visa Can Re-enter USA Under Certain Conditions
U.S. Travel Becoming More Expensive
The U.S. government also reserves the right to increase this fee further in the future based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While technically a security deposit, the primary goal of the fee is to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
The added cost could discourage long-term stays beyond the visa validity, and might deter even legal visitors. It may also negatively impact cultural exchange programs—especially for travelers from developing countries—creating a new financial barrier.
Can the Fee Be Refunded?
Yes, but only under strict conditions. Applicants may apply for a refund if they:
- Depart the U.S. within five days of their visa expiry without any extension or change in status
- Obtain lawful permanent residency (green card) before their I-94 expiry
The I-94 is an arrival/departure record issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to non-immigrants entering the country. However, the refund process is not automatic and requires proper documentation such as departure records or proof of status adjustment.
If the terms are not met, the fee will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury’s General Fund. Further guidance from the U.S. Department of State is expected to clarify the refund procedures.
For professionals, tourists, and students from developing nations, the new Visa Integrity Fee presents a significant financial challenge. Proper planning and preparation will be essential to manage these increased costs.