US Introduces $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Non-Immigrants in New Bill

Key Takeaways

• Visa Integrity Fee of $250 starts January 1, 2026, for all non-immigrant visa applicants.
• Fee refund available only if visa rules are followed and departure or status adjustment is timely.
• One Big Beautiful Bill funds border security, ICE agents, and increases multiple immigration fees.

On July 8, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 government announced a major change for anyone planning to visit, study, or work in the country on a temporary basis. Under the newly signed “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), a Visa Integrity Fee will be charged to all non-immigrant visa applicants starting January 1, 2026. This new fee is set to change the way millions of people around the world plan their trips to the United States 🇺🇸, affecting tourists, students, workers, and the companies and schools that sponsor them.

Let’s break down what this means, who is affected, how the fee works, and what you need to know if you’re thinking about applying for a non-immigrant visa.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee and When Does It Start?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a new charge of $250 that will be added to every non-immigrant visa application. This fee is not optional and must be paid at the time the visa is issued. The U.S. government will start collecting this fee on January 1, 2026. The fee is part of a larger law, the One Big Beautiful Bill, which President Trump signed in July 2025. The main goal of this law is to strengthen immigration enforcement and help pay for new border security measures.

Key facts about the Visa Integrity Fee:

• Amount: $250 per application, added to existing visa fees
• Who pays: Anyone applying for a non-immigrant visa (tourists, students, workers, and others)
• When: For all applications processed on or after January 1, 2026
• Adjustments: The fee will go up each year based on inflation, so it may cost more in the future
• No waivers: Everyone must pay, with no exceptions
• Possible increases: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can raise the fee even more through new rules

Who Will Have to Pay the Visa Integrity Fee?

The new fee covers all non-immigrant visa categories. This means if you’re planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for a short time, you’ll likely have to pay it. Here are some of the most common visa types affected:

• Tourist visas (B-1/B-2): For people visiting for business or pleasure
• Student visas (F-1, J-1): For those studying or taking part in exchange programs
• Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.): For professionals, skilled workers, and company transfers
• Other temporary visas: Including visas for artists, athletes, and temporary workers

For example, a tourist from Jamaica who used to pay $185 for a visa will now pay $435 ($185 regular fee + $250 Visa Integrity Fee). The same applies to students and workers, who already pay high fees for their visa applications.

Millions of people apply for non-immigrant visas each year, so this change will affect a huge number of travelers, students, and workers from all over the world.

How Does the Refund Work?

One unique part of the Visa Integrity Fee is that it can be refunded—but only if you follow all the visa rules. The U.S. government says the fee is meant to act like a bond or penalty to stop people from overstaying their visas.

To get your $250 back, you must:

• Follow all visa rules: Don’t overstay or break the terms of your visa
• Leave the United States 🇺🇸 on time: You must depart within five days after your visa expires
• Or adjust your status legally: If you become a permanent resident (get a green card) while in the United States 🇺🇸, you may also qualify for a refund

However, the refund process is not clearly explained yet. The government has not said exactly how to apply for the refund or how long it will take. Some experts worry that the process could be complicated, making it hard for many people to actually get their money back. This means that, for many, the fee could end up being a non-refundable extra cost.

Why Was the Visa Integrity Fee Introduced?

The Visa Integrity Fee is just one part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, a large law that covers many areas of immigration and border security. President Trump signed this bill in July 2025, saying it would help make the United States 🇺🇸 safer and improve the immigration system.

The bill’s main goals are to:

• Increase border security: More money for border walls, technology, and staff
• Hire 10,000 new ICE agents: To enforce immigration laws inside the country
• Expand detention centers: More space to hold people waiting for immigration hearings
• Raise money for these efforts: By increasing fees for many immigration services

The Visa Integrity Fee is one of several new or higher fees included in the bill. The government says these fees will help pay for the new enforcement measures and encourage people to follow visa rules.

Other Fee Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill

Along with the Visa Integrity Fee, the law brings in several other fee increases and new charges for different immigration services. Here’s a quick look at some of the main changes:

These fee increases mean that almost everyone dealing with the U.S. immigration system will pay more, whether they are visitors, students, workers, or people seeking protection.

What Does This Mean for Applicants?

The new Visa Integrity Fee and other fee increases will have a big impact on people and organizations around the world. Here’s how:

1. Higher Costs for Travelers, Students, and Workers

• Applicants must budget for higher costs: The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is on top of existing visa fees, making the total cost much higher.
• Multiple applications mean higher total costs: Students and workers who need to renew or extend their visas will pay the fee each time.
• Families traveling together pay more: Each family member must pay the fee, which adds up quickly.

2. Incentive to Follow Visa Rules

• Refund for compliance: The chance to get the fee back encourages people to leave the United States 🇺🇸 on time or adjust their status legally.
• Risk of losing the fee: If you overstay or break visa rules, you lose the $250.

3. Complicated Refund Process

• Unclear refund steps: The government hasn’t explained exactly how to apply for a refund.
• Possible delays or denials: If the process is hard or slow, many people may not get their money back.

4. Impact on Employers and Schools

• Higher costs for sponsors: Companies and universities that help foreign workers and students may need to cover or help with the new fee.
• Possible drop in applications: Higher costs could make the United States 🇺🇸 less attractive to international talent and students.

5. Administrative Challenges

• More paperwork: Applicants and sponsors may face more forms and steps.
• Need for careful planning: It’s important to understand all the new fees and rules before applying.

What Are People Saying About the Visa Integrity Fee?

Government Officials: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other officials say the fee will help stop visa overstays and pay for better enforcement. They believe it will make the visa system stronger and fairer.

Immigration Advocates: Some groups argue that the fee is like a penalty or bond, making it harder for honest travelers and students to visit the United States 🇺🇸. They worry it will discourage people from coming and hurt families, students, and workers who already pay high fees.

Employers and Schools: Many companies and universities are concerned about the higher costs. They say it could make it harder to attract the best students and workers from around the world.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over the Visa Integrity Fee is likely to continue as more people learn about the new rules and see how they work in practice.

What Happens Next?

The Visa Integrity Fee is set to begin on January 1, 2026. Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:

• DHS will issue more rules: The government will explain exactly how the refund process works and may adjust the fee amount.
• Possible fee increases: The fee will go up each year with inflation, and DHS can raise it even more through new rules.
• Stakeholder feedback: Groups representing travelers, students, workers, and sponsors may push for changes if the fee causes problems.
• Ongoing monitoring: The government will watch how the fee affects visa applications and compliance.

If you’re planning to apply for a non-immigrant visa, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and check official government sources for the latest updates.

Where to Find Official Information and Help

If you need more details about the Visa Integrity Fee or other new immigration fees, here are some trusted sources:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): For official announcements and rules about visa fees, visit the DHS website.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): For updates on immigration forms and fees, see USCIS.gov.
• U.S. Department of State: For visa application steps and fee payment instructions, check travel.state.gov.
• Legal and immigration experts: Law firms and organizations can help you understand the new rules and plan your application.

If you need to fill out specific forms, such as the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, always use the official government website to avoid scams or outdated information.

Practical Steps for Applicants and Sponsors

If you’re planning to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 after January 1, 2026, here’s what you should do:

1. Check the latest fees: Before applying, find out the total cost, including the Visa Integrity Fee and any other new charges.
2. Plan your budget: Make sure you have enough money to cover all application fees for yourself and any family members.
3. Understand the refund rules: If you want to get your $250 back, read the official guidelines carefully and keep records of your travel and visa status.
4. Ask for help if needed: If you’re unsure about the process, talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or advisor.
5. Stay updated: Rules and fees may change, so check official sources regularly.

Summary and Takeaways

The new Visa Integrity Fee is a major change for anyone applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States 🇺🇸. Starting January 1, 2026, all applicants must pay an extra $250, with the chance to get it back only if they follow all visa rules and leave the country on time or adjust their status legally. The fee is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, which aims to strengthen immigration enforcement and raise money for border security.

This change means higher costs and more steps for travelers, students, workers, and their sponsors. The refund process is not yet clear, and many people may find it hard to get their money back. Employers and schools are worried about the impact on international talent, while immigration advocates say the fee could be unfair to honest visitors.

To avoid problems, applicants should check the latest information, plan their budgets, and keep careful records. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, always use official government websites like DHS.gov.

As the new rules take effect, it’s important for everyone involved—applicants, sponsors, and advisors—to stay informed and prepared for the changes ahead.

Learn Today

Visa Integrity Fee → A $250 mandatory fee applied to all non-immigrant visa applications from January 1, 2026.
Non-immigrant visa → A visa allowing temporary entry into the U.S. for tourism, study, or work purposes.
One Big Beautiful Bill → A 2025 law enhancing immigration enforcement and border security, including new fee structures.
Refund process → Procedure to reclaim the Visa Integrity Fee after complying with visa conditions and departure deadlines.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. agency responsible for immigration enforcement and fee collection.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting January 2026, non-immigrant visa applicants face a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, refundable upon compliance. This change aims to improve immigration enforcement and border security while raising travel costs worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com