The Trump administration has introduced a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for all non-immigrant visa applicants, as part of the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, 2025. The fee applies to tourists, students, temporary workers, and other foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States under non-immigrant visa categories.
Effective for fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), the fee is mandatory and non-waivable, though travelers who comply with all visa conditions—such as leaving the U.S. within five days of expiration or adjusting to lawful permanent resident status—may be eligible for reimbursement.
The fee is in addition to existing visa costs, including the recently increased Form I-94 fee, now set at $24. For example, a student visa applicant may now face total upfront costs exceeding $785, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility.
Critics argue the fee could deter international visitors, especially with major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon. The U.S. Travel Association warns that the fee increases the cost of visiting the U.S. by 144%, while doing little to reduce visa interview wait times.
The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that implementation requires cross-agency coordination, and details on how the fee will be collected or refunded remain unclear.
Supporters claim the fee will help fund immigration enforcement and border security, but immigration advocates view it as a punitive measure that adds complexity and financial strain to legal travel pathways.
As the policy awaits full rollout, travelers and visa applicants are urged to monitor official updates and prepare for higher costs when planning U.S. visits.
Source: CNN
