Starting in the 2025 fiscal year, visiting the United States will come with a bigger price tag for most travelers. A new $250 “visa integrity fee” is being introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This change is already sparking concern for travelers, students, and international business visitors alike.
If you are planning a trip to the U.S., here is what you need to know—because this new rule might affect you more than you think.
What is the $250 ‘visa integrity fee’?
The visa integrity fee is a new charge that will be added to most nonimmigrant visa applications. This includes people traveling for tourism, business, or education. The fee is $250 for now but could go higher in the future. The fee cannot be waived under normal circumstances, and it does not replace other existing visa fees.
This means that you will still have to pay your regular visa application fees—and then add this new one on top.
Who will have to pay the new fee?
You will need to pay this fee if you are coming to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa. This includes:
- Tourists visiting family or vacationing
- Business travelers coming for meetings or work trips
- International students studying at U.S. schools or universities
However, it is not everyone will be affected.
Which countries are exempt from the fee?
Travelers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will not have to pay the integrity fee. These countries include:
- Most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy
- Australia and New Zealand
- Japan and South Korea
Also:
- Canadian and Bermudian citizens generally do not need a visa for short visits
- Mexican citizens with a Border Crossing Card may also be exempt
If you are from one of these places, you can continue to travel to the U.S. without worrying about this new fee.
When and how is the fee paid?
The visa integrity fee will be paid only after your visa is approved. So if your visa application is denied, you will not have to pay it.
- The fee is paid when the visa is issued
- It is not charged during the application process
- If you are denied a visa, you do not owe the $250
It is also important to know that this fee is in addition to other fees, like the Form I-94 arrival and departure fee, which recently increased from $6 to $24.
Can travelers get a refund?
Yes—but only if you follow all the visa rules. That includes:
- Not overstaying your visa by more than five days
- Not accepting unauthorized employment
- Following all conditions attached to your visa
If you do that, the government says you can get your $250 back after your visa expires. But the refund will only come after your trip is over, and only if you fully comply.
Why is the fee being introduced?
According to lawmakers, the fee is meant to protect the integrity of the U.S. visa system. It is aimed at encouraging compliance with visa rules and discouraging overstays and misuse.
The Department of Homeland Security can also adjust the fee amount over time, especially for inflation. That means the $250 could go up in the coming years.
So if you are planning a trip to the U.S., it is a good idea to check the most recent rules—and factor this fee into your travel budget.
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