Visitors to the United States will soon be required to pay an additional visa integrity fee of $250, following the signing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” by former President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.
The new fee, aimed at enhancing the integrity of the US immigration system, will affect millions of non-immigrant visa holders, including tourists, students, and temporary workers.
This move, designed to bolster US visa procedures, comes on top of existing application fees, raising concerns among those who frequently travel to the US. The fee will apply for the fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Travelers, however, may be eligible for reimbursement under certain conditions.
What the New Fee Means for Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
The visa integrity fee will apply to those holding non-immigrant visas for the US, including tourists, business visitors, students, and workers. According to section 10007 of the new act, a $250 charge will be added to existing visa application fees, such as the increased Form I-94 fee of $24.
This new fee, designed to ensure stronger enforcement of immigration laws, is intended to enhance visa processing procedures and contribute to maintaining the security and integrity of the US immigration system.
Those who apply under the Visa Waiver Program, such as citizens of countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan, will not be subject to the new charge.
However, a significant number of international visitors will be affected by this measure, which will likely increase the cost of traveling to the US. The law explicitly states that this fee cannot be waived or reduced, and will be adjusted annually according to inflation.
Potential for Reimbursement Under Specific Conditions
While the new fee cannot be waived, travelers who comply with specific visa conditions may qualify for a reimbursement. Reimbursement is available for those who do not engage in unauthorized employment while in the US, and who depart the country no later than five days after their visa expires or gain lawful permanent resident status.
This provision aims to encourage compliance with visa regulations, ensuring that visitors adhere to the terms of their stay. However, the exact mechanisms for fee reimbursement have yet to be fully outlined, and will depend on coordination between various US government agencies.
