By Mary Campbell 

A controversial new travel fee—dubbed the “visa integrity fee”—was enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025. It imposes a $250 charge on top of existing visa application fees for most non‑immigrant visa holders, including tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B/H‑4), and exchange (J‑1/J‑2) categories.

When and Whom it Affects

*Set to take effect starting October 1, 2025, coinciding with the beginning of fiscal year 2026.
*Applies to anyone needing a non‑immigrant visa, but exempts travelers from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and most citizens of Canada and Bermuda.
*Diplomatic visa holders (A and G) are also not required to pay.

Costs and Fee Breakdown

*For example, a standard B‑1/B‑2 tourist visa already costs $185, so with the new integrity fee, applicants will pay $435 upfront.
*Additional surcharges are expected, such as the I‑94 entry/exit form fee, recently increased from $6 to $24.
*In some cases—like Indian applicants—the total cost may reach $472 once all fees are tallied.

Refunds—Only for Good Behavior?

*The fee is technically refundable, but only under strict conditions: departing on time, avoiding unauthorized work, or lawfully changing visa status.
*However, critics warn the reimbursement process could be administered slowly or denied on technicalities. Some legal experts advise applicants to treat it as non‑refundable.

Government Rationale vs. Industry Backlash

*The U.S. Department of Homeland Security frames the fee as an incentive to discourage visa overstays and support immigration integrity.
*The Congressional Budget Office estimates the fee will generate $28.9 billion in federal revenue over the next decade.
*Travel industry leaders argue the policy essentially acts like a “self‑imposed tariff” on global tourism. Many warn it could discourage visitors, hurting industries tied to major events like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
*International travel to the U.S. has already declined more than 6% in 2025, and some destinations have seen booking drops of up to 60%.

What Travelers Should Know

1. Check your eligibility: Visitors eligible for the VWP or coming from exempt countries won’t pay the integrity fee.
   2. Plan for extra cost: Non‑immigrant visa applicants must budget for up to $435 (plus any surcharges).
   3. Document compliance: If you intend to seek a refund, keep meticulous proof of lawful departure or compliance.
   4. Stay informed: DHS has not yet finalized the details of fee collection or refund processes—these will be announced before the October 1 launch.

This fee could redefine the cost calculus for visiting the U.S., particularly for students, temporary workers, and long-term business travelers—making it all the more important to understand who pays what, when, and under which conditions.

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