New $250 Visa Integrity Fee Could Deter FIFA World Cup Fans in US

Key Takeaways

• The Visa Integrity Fee of $250 applies to almost all non-immigrant visa applicants starting July 12, 2025.
• The fee increases annually with inflation and must be paid for every visa issuance or renewal.
• This fee impacts tourists, students, workers, and exchange visitors, including many attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A major change in United States 🇺🇸 visa policy is now in effect, and it’s set to impact thousands of international travelers planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee—a new $250 charge—under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is already reshaping the landscape for non-immigrant visa applicants. This update provides a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, when the changes take effect, what actions applicants must take, and the broader implications for pending and future visa applications, especially for those hoping to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for the World Cup.

What Has Changed: The New Visa Integrity Fee

On July 4, 2025, the U.S. government signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introducing the Visa Integrity Fee. This fee is now required for almost all non-immigrant visa categories. It applies to tourists, business visitors, students, temporary workers, and exchange visitors. Only diplomatic visa categories (A and G) are exempt.

Key Points:
– Fee Amount: $250 for fiscal year 2025, effective immediately.
– Annual Increase: The fee will rise every year starting in 2026, based on inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– Non-Waivable: The fee cannot be waived or reduced in 14 specific situations, making it a fixed cost for nearly all applicants.
– Recurring Charge: The fee must be paid each time a new visa is issued or renewed.
– Implementation Date: The fee is already in effect as of July 12, 2025.

Who Is Affected

The new Visa Integrity Fee affects almost all non-immigrant visa applicants, including:

• Tourists and Business Visitors (B-1/B-2): Most fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup will need these visas.
• Students (F and M visas): International students, including those from countries like India, will face higher costs.
• Temporary Workers (H-1B and similar categories): Professionals and seasonal workers must pay the fee.
• Exchange Visitors (J visas): Scholars, trainees, and cultural exchange participants are included.
• Other Non-Immigrant Categories: The fee applies broadly, with only diplomatic (A and G) visas exempt.

Effective Dates and Fee Adjustments

• Immediate Effect: The $250 fee applies to all new and renewal applications submitted from July 12, 2025, onward.
• Annual Adjustments: Starting in 2026, the fee will increase each year to keep up with inflation. The exact amount will be announced by the Department of Homeland Security before each fiscal year.
• Future Increases Possible: The Department of Homeland Security may raise the fee further through new regulations, beyond just inflation adjustments.

Required Actions for Applicants

If you plan to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or for any other purpose under a non-immigrant visa, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Visa Category: Confirm which visa you need. Most tourists will apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Students will need F or M visas. Workers may need H-1B or similar visas. Exchange visitors require a J visa.
2. Prepare for Higher Costs: Add the $250 Visa Integrity Fee to your budget. This is on top of the regular visa application fee and any other required charges.
3. Pay All Fees Upfront: The Visa Integrity Fee is paid at the time of visa issuance. You must pay it in full, along with other fees, before your visa can be processed.
4. Plan for Renewals: If you need to renew your visa or apply for a new one in the future, you’ll pay the fee again. Remember, the amount will likely be higher each year.
5. Monitor Official Updates: Check the U.S. Department of State’s visa information page for the latest details on fees and application procedures.
6. Keep Records: Save all payment receipts and confirmation emails for your records. You may need them for future reference or renewals.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you submitted your visa application before July 12, 2025, and your visa has not yet been issued, you may still be required to pay the new fee before your visa is approved. U.S. consular offices will provide instructions if additional payment is needed. If you are planning to submit a new application, the fee will definitely apply.

Breakdown of Total Visa Costs for 2026 FIFA World Cup Visitors

The Visa Integrity Fee is just one part of the total cost for international fans hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s a sample breakdown for a typical tourist visa applicant:

• Visa Integrity Fee: $250 (mandatory, non-waivable)
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Fee: $24 (required for most non-immigrant visitors)
• ESTA Fee: $13 (for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries)
• Base Visa Application Fee: Varies by country and visa type (for example, Indian nationals may pay a total of about $472, including all fees)

Example:
An Indian national applying for a tourist visa to attend the World Cup in 2026 will face total visa-related fees of about $472 (around ₹40,456). This includes the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, the I-94 fee, the ESTA fee (if eligible), and the base visa application fee.

Why Was the Visa Integrity Fee Introduced?

The U.S. government created the Visa Integrity Fee as part of a larger effort to improve immigration enforcement and reduce visa overstays. The goal is to ensure that visitors follow U.S. visa rules and leave the country when their visa expires. The fee is also intended to fund compliance programs and cover the costs of monitoring visa holders.

Legislative Background:
– The fee was introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025.
– The law was enacted during the administration of President Trump.
– The fee is designed to be a permanent part of U.S. visa policy, with annual increases tied to inflation.

Impact on 2026 FIFA World Cup Tourism

The timing of the new fee is especially important because the United States 🇺🇸 is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international fans, athletes, and media representatives. However, the higher visa costs may discourage many from attending.

Tourism Industry Concerns:
– Reduced Attendance: Tourism experts warn that the increased costs could lead to fewer international visitors, especially from countries where the total visa price has more than doubled.
– Economic Impact: The hospitality and tourism sectors, which were counting on a boost from the World Cup, may see lower revenues if fewer fans travel to the United States 🇺🇸.
– Stakeholder Warnings: Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client at Singhania & Co., has pointed out that the fee hike could discourage new groups of Indian students and travelers. U.S. immigration services firms like Fragomen have also highlighted the added burden on applicants.

Practical Effects for World Cup Fans:
– Higher Upfront Costs: Fans must pay more to secure a visa, which may make attending the World Cup unaffordable for some.
– Fewer Visa Applications: The extra cost could lead to a drop in the number of visa applications from international fans.
– Possible Drop in Attendance: If fewer fans can afford to travel, stadiums may not be as full, and local businesses may lose out on expected profits.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process with the New Fee

To help applicants understand what to expect, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to the new process:

1. Complete the Visa Application: Fill out the required non-immigrant visa form (for example, the DS-160 form for most temporary visas).
2. Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. Pay the Standard Visa Application Fee: This is the usual fee required for your visa type and country of origin.
4. Pay the Visa Integrity Fee: At the time of visa issuance, pay the additional $250 fee. This is mandatory and cannot be waived.
5. Attend the Interview: Bring all required documents, including proof of fee payments.
6. Wait for Processing: U.S. consular officials will review your application and fees.
7. Receive Your Visa: If approved, your visa will be issued with all fees paid.
8. Plan for Renewals: If you need to renew your visa in the future, repeat the process and pay the updated fee amount.

Annual Fee Adjustments and Future Developments

Starting in 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee will increase each year based on inflation. The Department of Homeland Security will announce the new amount before each fiscal year. There is also the possibility that the fee could be raised even more through new regulations.

What This Means for Future Events

The Visa Integrity Fee is expected to remain a permanent part of U.S. visa policy. This means that other major international events hosted in the United States 🇺🇸 could also see fewer international visitors due to higher visa costs. Tourism and immigration advocacy groups may push for changes or exceptions, especially if the fee is shown to hurt visitor numbers and local economies.

Monitoring the Impact

Government agencies, tourism boards, and advocacy groups will closely watch visa application trends and World Cup attendance figures. If the fee leads to a sharp drop in international visitors, there may be calls for the government to reconsider or adjust the policy.

Summary Table: Visa Fees for 2026 FIFA World Cup Tourists

Note: Total visa application fees including the base fee can reach about $472 for some applicants, such as Indian nationals.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official government sources:

• U.S. Department of State Visa Information: For official updates on visa fees, forms, and application procedures.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security: For information on fee adjustments and regulatory changes.
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates: For country-specific guidance and payment instructions.

If you need to fill out a visa application form, use the official DS-160 form for most non-immigrant visas. Always use the official government website to avoid scams or outdated information.

Stakeholder Opinions and Industry Reactions

Tourism and immigration experts have voiced strong concerns about the new fee. As reported by VisaVerge.com, many believe the Visa Integrity Fee could discourage international fans and students, especially from countries where the cost of a U.S. visa is already high. Industry leaders warn that the fee, combined with recent cuts to tourism funding, could make it harder for the United States 🇺🇸 to attract visitors for the World Cup and future events.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

• Start Early: Begin your visa application process as soon as possible to allow time for fee payments and processing.
• Budget Carefully: Factor in all required fees, including the new Visa Integrity Fee, when planning your trip.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check official government websites for updates on fees and procedures.
• Keep Documentation: Save all receipts and confirmations related to your visa application and fee payments.
• Consider Alternatives: If the cost is too high, explore whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or other travel options.

Conclusion and Practical Guidance

The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee marks a major shift in U.S. visa policy, with immediate effects for anyone planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or other events. The fee increases the cost of travel, may reduce the number of international visitors, and could have lasting effects on tourism and the economy.

Applicants should prepare for higher costs, pay all required fees upfront, and stay updated on any changes to the policy. By following the steps outlined above and using official resources, travelers can better manage the new requirements and avoid surprises during the visa process.

For more details and the latest updates, always refer to the U.S. Department of State’s visa information page. This will help ensure you have the most current information as you plan your trip to the United States 🇺🇸 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or any other purpose.

Learn Today

Visa Integrity Fee → A mandatory $250 charge applied to most non-immigrant visa applicants starting July 12, 2025.
Non-Immigrant Visa → A temporary visa allowing foreign nationals short-term entry to the U.S. for tourism, work, or study.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act → A 2025 U.S. law introducing the Visa Integrity Fee and related visa policy changes.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) → A measure of inflation used to adjust the Visa Integrity Fee annually.
I-94 Arrival/Departure Fee → A $24 fee charged to most visitors entering the U.S. for arrival and departure tracking.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. introduced a $250 Visa Integrity Fee on July 12, 2025, affecting most non-immigrant visas. Annual increases tied to inflation will impact travelers, especially 2026 FIFA World Cup attendees, increasing costs and potentially reducing international visitors to the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com