Starting October 1, 2025, the United States will impose a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” on nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants—including tourists, students, business travelers, and temporary workers—under the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
This adds to existing charges such as MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) application fees, reciprocity fees, and security/anti-fraud surcharges. For many travelers, especially from India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, total visa fees may now escalate to around $442, one of the highest globally.
The Implication:
Major Price Increase: With the fee added to existing charges, total visa costs may reach $442 or more for many travelers from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program.
Affected Groups: Applies to visa categories such as F-1 (students), H-1B (workers), J-1 exchanges, B-1/B-2 visitors, and dependents. Visa Waiver Program nations (like UK, Germany, or Japan) remain exempt—but ESTA and I-94 fees still rise.
Intended Purpose: Officially, the fee is meant to fund enhanced immigration integrity efforts. In theory, it's refundable—if you fully comply (no overstays, no unauthorized work, and timely departure or status change).
The Broader Impact
Tourism Takes a Hit: Incoming travel to the U.S. was already declining—by about 3.1% in July 2025—and this fee risks making travel even costlier.
Financial Blow to Travelers and Employers: Students, families, and foreign workers (and their sponsors) now face significant new expenses. Think $250 per visa stamp—even for dependent children.
How to Adapt:
Budget Accordingly: Don’t be surprised—factor this new fee into your visa planning now.
Track Eligibility: If you're visa-exempt (ESTA/North American countries), you dodge the fee—but watch your ESTA and I-94 costs, which have also risen.
Stay Compliant: Know the rules: leave on time, avoid violations, or adjust your status legally. Platforms like VOYA can be really useful here in-terms of helping you stay compliant through their global visa support and guidance to avoid costly mistakes.
