New $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ for Travelers to the U.S.: Essential Information You Need to Know

Visitors to the United States will soon be required to pay a newly introduced “visa integrity fee” as part of the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This fee will affect all travelers needing nonimmigrant visas, which include tourists, business travelers, and international students. Reports indicate that the fee is non-waivable, but there may be opportunities for reimbursement under certain conditions.

The fee is initially set at a minimum of $250 for the U.S. fiscal year 2025, which spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can raise this amount, and it will be adjusted for inflation subsequently. Importantly, this fee is in addition to existing visa fees.

For instance, someone applying for an H-1B visa may face total costs of approximately $455 after the new fee is implemented. The payment is made upfront when the visa is issued; applicants whose visa requests are denied will not incur this charge. To receive a reimbursement, travelers must adhere to their visa conditions, including not engaging in unauthorized employment and not overstaying the visa by more than five days.

However, the reimbursement process remains vague, with the Department of State expected to take several years to establish a functioning reimbursement system. As for the rationale behind this fee, a DHS spokesperson emphasized that it aims to restore integrity to the immigration system. Data suggest that the majority of visa holders comply with their terms, with only a small percentage overstaying their visas.

Nevertheless, this fee could deter incoming travelers, particularly leisure and business travelers, and international students, especially during events like the America 250 celebration and parts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concern about these additional costs, as well as recent cuts to Brand USA’s funding, which plays a crucial role in promoting inbound travel to the United States.