US Launches $250 Visa Integrity Fee: Eligibility, Exemptions & Refund Guidelines

Starting October 1, 2025, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be mandatory for most non-immigrant visa applicants in the United States. This fee affects tourists, students, workers, and exchange visitors from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program, such as India and Brazil. Let’s explore what this fee entails, who is required to pay it, and its potential impact on travel.

Understanding the Visa Integrity Fee

The Visa Integrity Fee is a newly introduced charge that is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which became law in July 2025. This fee is aimed at improving the vetting, security, and integrity of the US visa system. It applies to individuals applying for:

• Tourist and Business Visas (B-1/B-2)
• Student Visas (F/M)
• Work Visas (H-1B)
• Exchange Visas (J)

Unlike the one-time ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program travelers, the Visa Integrity Fee is collected with each non-immigrant visa application. This means that applicants from countries like India, Brazil, China, and Argentina will face higher costs. For instance, Indian travelers will see the cost of a US visitor visa increase to around $442, one of the highest in the world.

Who Is Required to Pay the Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee applies to almost all non-immigrant visa applicants from countries not in the US Visa Waiver Program. This includes significant markets such as India, Brazil, China, and Argentina.

Who Must Pay?

• All non-immigrant visa applicants from non-Visa Waiver countries.
• This includes visitors, students, workers, and exchange participants applying under B, F, M, H, and J categories.

Who Is Exempt?

Certain groups will not have to pay this fee, including:

• Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries (like the UK, Japan, South Korea, and most of Europe).
• US citizens applying for visas are also exempt.

Refund Guidelines

The Visa Integrity Fee is refundable under specific conditions. To qualify for a refund:

• A traveler must leave the United States within five days of their visa expiration.
• They should not have applied for a visa extension or status change while in the US.

Potential Impact on Travel and Tourism

While the $250 fee could generate approximately $250 million, it may discourage some travelers. Research suggests that up to 5.4% of visitors may reconsider their plans, resulting in nearly one million fewer trips and a potential loss of $29 billion in tourism spending, particularly from major markets such as India and Brazil.

What to Consider When Planning Travel

If you are considering applying for a US visa after October 1, 2025, it is essential to account for the Visa Integrity Fee in your budget. Determine whether your country is exempt and ensure your travel plans allow for a potential refund if necessary. Long-term visa holders should also be prepared for additional paperwork and delays if they seek to recover the fee.

Conclusion

In summary, the Visa Integrity Fee represents more than just an added expense; it is part of a larger initiative to enhance the security of the US visa system. For travelers, staying informed about these new regulations is crucial. By understanding the requirements and planning accordingly, you can avoid unexpected challenges at the consulate or embassy.