Can You Afford the New $250 Visa Fee for Your US Trip in 2026? What Indian Tourists Should Know About Upcoming Hikes!

Published on July 10, 2025

Starting in 2026, travelers seeking non-immigrant visas for the United States will face an additional financial burden as part of a significant policy change. Non-immigrant visa applicants—students, tourists, and professionals seeking work visas such as H-1B—will need to pay a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” along with other travel-related surcharges. This fee, intended as a “security deposit,” will not only increase the overall cost of obtaining a US visa but also introduce new financial considerations for travelers, especially for those from developing nations.

While the fee may be refunded under specific conditions, the added charges are likely to alter the financial landscape for those planning to travel to the US for work, study, or tourism. Understanding the full scope of these changes is essential for potential applicants who need to factor in this new cost into their travel budgets. Moreover, as part of an omnibus immigration reform package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, these adjustments signal the administration’s ongoing push to regulate visa overstays and enhance compliance with US immigration laws.

What is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a mandatory $250 surcharge that will be imposed on anyone applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. This includes applicants for various types of visas such as:

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

This surcharge will be assessed at the time of visa issuance and is in addition to existing visa application fees, which can already be a significant financial commitment. For example, the current cost of a US tourist visa (B-1/B-2) is around $185, but with the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, the total cost will rise significantly. This fee will be adjusted annually based on inflation, which means that visa applicants can expect the cost to increase each year.

Key Takeaways:

• The new Visa Integrity Fee will be applied to various visa categories, including B-1/B-2, F/M, H-1B, and J visas.
• The $250 fee will act as a security deposit and may be refunded under specific conditions.
• The fee will be assessed starting in 2026 and will change annually, indexed to inflation.

Why is the US Implementing This Fee?

The US government has introduced the Visa Integrity Fee as part of an effort to curb illegal immigration and visa overstays. By placing an additional financial responsibility on applicants, the government hopes to encourage compliance with US immigration laws. This new fee aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration enforcement, which includes increased scrutiny on non-immigrant visa holders.

While the fee is designed to act as a deterrent to visa overstays, it is likely to have unintended consequences, especially for applicants from developing countries. These individuals may face significant financial hurdles due to the increased cost of obtaining a visa, potentially discouraging lawful travel and cultural exchanges.

The One Big Beautiful Bill that introduced the Visa Integrity Fee also contains other provisions aimed at enhancing immigration controls. These changes are particularly aimed at ensuring that people comply with the terms of their visas during their stay in the US.

Refund Eligibility for the Visa Integrity Fee

One of the unique aspects of the Visa Integrity Fee is that it might be refundable under specific circumstances. The refund process will not be automatic and will require applicants to provide sufficient documentation. Refund eligibility applies in the following scenarios:

• Departure Within Five Days: Visa holders who depart the US within five days of their visa expiration, without applying for an extension or changing their immigration status, may be eligible for a refund.
• Adjustment to Permanent Residency: If an applicant adjusts their status to permanent residency (i.e., receives a green card) before their I-94 form expires, they may also qualify for a refund.

However, non-compliance with visa rules and failure to provide the necessary documents will result in the fee being directed to the US Treasury’s general fund. This underscores the US government’s intent to make applicants more accountable for their immigration status.

The Impact on Visa Fees for Different Categories

The Visa Integrity Fee is expected to significantly increase the total cost of various non-immigrant visas. Here’s a breakdown of the expected increases:

1. Tourist/Business (B-1/B-2) Visas:

• Current Cost: $185 (Rs 15,855)
• With New Fees: $472 (Rs 40,456)
• Additional fees include:
  • $250 Visa Integrity Fee
  • $24 I-94 fee
  • $13 ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program travelers

2. Student (F/M) Visas:

• The additional $250 surcharge will similarly impact students applying for study visas, leading to higher costs for individuals planning to study in the US.

3. Work Visas (H-1B, L-1):

• For professionals seeking employment in the US, the new fee structure adds further financial pressure to an already expensive process, with an overall increase in visa application expenses.

4. Exchange (J) Visas:

• Participants in exchange programs, including cultural exchanges and internships, will also be required to pay the new fees.

These increases could have a ripple effect, particularly for those from countries with lower income levels, where travel to the US is already an expensive endeavor. As a result, some may choose alternative destinations, potentially limiting the exchange of talent, ideas, and cultures between the US and other nations.

Additional Travel-Related Fee Increases

Along with the Visa Integrity Fee, other travel-related fees will also see an increase. These include:

• $24 I-94 Fee: A fee associated with the Arrival/Departure Record that travelers must fill out upon entry to the US.
• $13 ESTA Fee: This fee is imposed on travelers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
• $30 EVUS Fee: This is applicable to certain Chinese nationals with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas.

These additional fees will compound the overall cost of traveling to the United States, leading to higher financial demands on applicants.

Potential Challenges for Applicants from Developing Countries

For applicants from developing nations, the Visa Integrity Fee represents a significant financial burden. Many students and tourists from these countries often rely on scholarships, family savings, or sponsorships to fund their US travel. The increase in visa costs may result in fewer individuals being able to afford the full expense of obtaining a visa, especially when considering other associated costs like airfare, accommodation, and insurance.

This policy shift may also lead to a decrease in cultural exchanges, limiting the opportunities for individuals from lower-income backgrounds to experience the United States. While the US government seeks to reduce illegal immigration and visa overstays, the new surcharge could inadvertently deter legitimate travelers and students, especially from nations where the cost of living is lower.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the New Visa Fee Landscape

As the Visa Integrity Fee becomes a reality in 2026, it is crucial for potential travelers to plan accordingly. For those seeking a tourist visa, student visa, or work visa, the added cost represents a significant new expense. It is advisable to start budgeting early and look for alternative funding options if needed.

Moreover, while the fee may be refundable in certain circumstances, applicants should be prepared to meet stringent documentation requirements to qualify for a refund. Understanding the refund conditions and ensuring compliance with US immigration regulations will be essential to avoid unnecessary financial loss.

Ultimately, the Visa Integrity Fee is a part of broader immigration reforms aimed at reducing visa overstays and improving the integrity of the US immigration system. However, it will also have a direct impact on the affordability and accessibility of US travel, particularly for applicants from developing nations.