The United States will introduce a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visa applicants beginning as early as October 1, 2025. This includes travelers applying for tourist, student, exchange, and work visas such as B1/B2, F1, J1, and H1B categories.
The fee is mandatory, non-waivable, and will be charged in addition to existing visa application costs. For example, a B1/B2 tourist visa, which currently costs $185, will now total at least $435 with the new fee. The purpose of the fee is to serve as a refundable deposit to encourage applicants to follow U.S. immigration laws. If the visa holder complies with all terms, such as departing on time and maintaining legal status, the fee may be refunded. However, the U.S. government has not yet provided details on how or when refunds will be processed.
Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, who enter the U.S. through ESTA will not be subject to this fee.
The Visa Integrity Fee is part of new immigration legislation passed on July 4, 2025, aimed at improving visa compliance and covering administrative costs. Critics argue the fee could deter tourism and international study.
Joe Nduti TV
The United States will introduce a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visa applicants beginning as early as October 1, 2025. This includes travelers applying for tourist, student, exchange, and work visas such as B1/B2, F1, J1, and H1B categories.
The fee is mandatory, non-waivable, and will be charged in addition to existing visa application costs. For example, a B1/B2 tourist visa, which currently costs $185, will now total at least $435 with the new fee. The purpose of the fee is to serve as a refundable deposit to encourage applicants to follow U.S. immigration laws. If the visa holder complies with all terms, such as departing on time and maintaining legal status, the fee may be refunded. However, the U.S. government has not yet provided details on how or when refunds will be processed.
Travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, who enter the U.S. through ESTA will not be subject to this fee.
The Visa Integrity Fee is part of new immigration legislation passed on July 4, 2025, aimed at improving visa compliance and covering administrative costs. Critics argue the fee could deter tourism and international study.
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