US Introduces $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Students, Workers, and Tourists Starting 2025

Starting in fiscal year 2025, the United States will levy a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on most non-immigrant visa categories, a change anticipated to significantly increase the cost of entry for millions of prospective travellers. 

The fee, a component of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Donald Trump on 4 July 2025, applies to tourist, student, work, and exchange visas. The government has framed the initiative as a mechanism to ensure compliance with visa regulations and reduce instances of visa overstays. The surcharge is in addition to existing visa application fees. For example, the B-1/B-2 tourist visa, currently priced at $185, will now cost approximately $435. 

Other categories such as F and M student visas, H-1B work visas, and J exchange visas will also be subject to the new fee. Exemptions are limited to diplomatic and international organisation visas (A and G categories). According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will oversee implementation and future adjustments to the fee, the surcharge is designed to function as a refundable deposit. Applicants who adhere to visa conditions, such as departing the US within five days of their authorised stay or obtaining a lawful change in status, may be eligible for reimbursement. 

However, the DHS has yet to issue clear guidelines on how applicants can claim refunds, raising concerns among immigration experts that the administrative burden may make the refund process inaccessible for many. The policy’s financial impact is expected to be most pronounced for travellers from high-volume visa countries. Beyond individual travellers, the new fee is likely to affect educational institutions and technology firms reliant on foreign talent. 

Universities may experience declining international student enrolments, while companies sponsoring H-1B workers could see increased operational costs. Critics have voiced concerns that the fee could diminish the United States' attractiveness as a destination for global talent, especially when competing nations offer more affordable visa options.

As the fee comes into effect, applicants are advised to plan accordingly and closely monitor updates, especially regarding refund eligibility and future fee adjustments.