Tourism Leaders Warn Visa Fee Hike in 2026 Could Reduce Visitors

Key Takeaways

• Starting October 1, 2025, the US charges a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for nearly all nonimmigrant visas.
• Other fees like I-94, ESTA, and EVUS will also increase, impacting tourists, students, workers, and travelers.
• Applicants should apply before October 1, 2025, to avoid higher fees and keep documentation for possible refunds.

A major change is coming for anyone planning to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 starting in fiscal year 2026. The U.S. government has approved a significant increase in visa fees, including a new charge called the Visa Integrity Fee. This update explains what has changed, who will be affected, when the new rules start, what actions applicants need to take, and what these changes mean for people with pending or future visa applications.

Summary of What Changed

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R.1) into law. One of the most important parts of this law is the introduction of a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants. This fee is in addition to all existing visa application and reciprocity fees. The new law also increases other related fees, such as the I-94 arrival/departure record fee, the ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program travelers, and the EVUS fee for certain Chinese nationals. The changes will take effect at the start of fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.

Who Is Affected by the New Visa Fees

the new Visa Integrity Fee and other increases will affect a wide range of people:

• Tourists (B-1/B-2 visas): Anyone applying for a visitor visa for tourism or business will pay the new fee.
• Students (F and M visas): International students coming to the United States 🇺🇸 for education will face higher upfront costs.
• Exchange visitors (J visas): People participating in exchange programs, such as research scholars or au pairs, will also pay the new fee.
• Temporary workers (H-1B and other work visas): Professionals and skilled workers will see increased costs for themselves and, in many cases, their employers.
• Visa Waiver Program travelers: While not subject to the Visa Integrity Fee, travelers from countries like the UK, Germany, and Japan will pay a higher ESTA fee.
• Chinese nationals using EVUS: The EVUS fee for certain Chinese travelers will rise to $30.
• Asylum seekers and those adjusting status: Some categories, such as asylum applications, will see even larger fee increases.

Diplomatic visa applicants (A and G categories) are not affected by the new Visa Integrity Fee.

Effective Dates and Annual Increases

The new fees will be collected for all qualifying visa applications starting in fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is only the starting amount. The law requires this fee to be automatically adjusted every year based on inflation, using the Consumer Price Index. This means the fee will likely increase each year, so future applicants should expect to pay even more.

Required Actions for Applicants

If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa, here’s what you need to know and do:

1. Apply Before October 1, 2025, If Possible:
   Immigration attorneys strongly recommend scheduling your visa appointment before the new fees take effect. This can help you avoid the extra $250 Visa Integrity Fee and other increases.

2. Prepare for Higher Costs:
   If you must apply after October 1, 2025, be ready to pay the new, higher visa fees. For example, Indian nationals will see the total cost of a tourist visa rise to about ₹40,000 ($472–$489), which is about 2.5 times the current cost.

3. Understand the Refund Policy:
   The Visa Integrity Fee is structured as a security deposit. You can only get a refund if you leave the United States 🇺🇸 within five days of your visa’s expiration date and do not apply for an extension or change your status. For tourists, this might be possible, but for students and workers on multi-year visas, your money could be tied up for years.

4. Keep All Documentation:
   If you plan to claim a refund, keep all your visa documents and proof of timely departure. You will need these to request your money back.

5. Monitor Official Updates:
   The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department are still working out the details of how the new fees will be collected and how refunds will be processed. Check official sources regularly for updates.

Step-by-Step Application Process (Starting Fiscal Year 2026)

Here’s what the visa application process will look like once the new fees are in place:

• Step 1: Complete the standard visa application form (such as the DS-160 for most nonimmigrant visas). You can find the DS-160 form on the U.S. Department of State website.
• Step 2: Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee.
• Step 3: Pay any applicable reciprocity fees, which depend on your nationality and visa type.
• Step 4: Pay the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee (or higher, if adjusted for inflation).
• Step 5: Pay any additional surcharges, such as the I-94 fee ($24 for certain travelers), the ESTA fee ($40 for Visa Waiver Program travelers), or the EVUS fee ($30 for certain Chinese nationals).
• Step 6: Attend your visa interview and submit all required documents.
• Step 7: If you qualify for a refund of the Visa Integrity Fee, keep all records and follow the official process to claim your money after you leave the United States 🇺🇸.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already submitted your visa application and paid the fees before October 1, 2025, you will not be required to pay the new Visa Integrity Fee or other increased charges. However, if your application is still pending and you have not yet paid, you may be subject to the new fees if your payment is processed after the effective date. It is important to check with the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case to confirm your status.

Broader Impacts and Stakeholder Concerns

The new visa fees have sparked strong reactions from many groups:

• Tourism Industry:
  Leaders warn that higher visa fees will discourage international visitors, especially as the United States 🇺🇸 prepares to host major events like the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations in 2026. The U.S. Travel Association’s President & CEO, Geoff Freeman, called the new fees a “self-imposed tariff” that could hurt the economy and reduce the number of tourists.

• Education Sector:
  U.S. universities rely on international students, especially from India and China. Higher visa costs may make it harder for students and their families to afford studying in the United States 🇺🇸, leading to lower enrollment and financial strain on schools.

• Technology and Business:
  The tech industry, which depends on skilled workers from abroad, will face higher costs for bringing in talent. This could affect project planning and make it harder for companies to compete globally.

• Tourism Marketing:
  At the same time as visa fees are rising, funding for Brand USA—the official tourism marketing organization—has been cut from $100 million to $20 million. This means less promotion of the United States 🇺🇸 as a travel destination, just as it becomes more expensive to visit.

Historical Context

While the United States 🇺🇸 has adjusted visa fees in the past, this is the largest single increase in decades. The new fees are part of a larger law that also invests in air traffic control and border security but cuts funding for tourism marketing and raises costs for most international visitors.

Details on Other Fee Increases

• I-94 Fee:
  The I-94 is an arrival/departure record for certain travelers. The fee will rise to $24.
• ESTA Fee:
  The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is used by travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. The fee will increase from $21 to $40. The exact date for this change is still pending.
• EVUS Fee:
  The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is required for certain Chinese nationals. The fee will rise to $30.
• Asylum and Status Adjustment Fees:
  Some categories, such as asylum applications, will see much larger increases. For example, the fee for an asylum application will rise to $1,000.

Refund Process for the Visa Integrity Fee

The Visa Integrity Fee is different from other visa fees because it is meant to act as a security deposit. Here’s how the refund process works:

• You must leave the United States 🇺🇸 within five days of your visa’s expiration date.
• You cannot apply for an extension or change your status while in the United States 🇺🇸.
• If you meet these requirements, you can request a refund of the Visa Integrity Fee.
• For tourists, this might be possible, but for students and workers on multi-year visas, your money could be held for years.
• The exact process for claiming a refund is still being developed by the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.

What to Watch For: Pending Developments

• Annual Fee Adjustments:
  The Visa Integrity Fee will increase every year based on inflation. Applicants should check the latest fee schedule before applying.
• Implementation Details:
  The government is still finalizing how the new fees will be collected and how refunds will be processed. More information is expected in late 2025.
• Possible Changes:
  Tourism and education groups are lobbying for changes to the new fees, especially before the 2026 World Cup and America250 events. However, as of July 15, 2025, the new fees are law and will take effect as planned.
• Official Updates:
  For the most current information on visa fees and application procedures, visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Advice from Legal and Immigration Experts

Immigration attorneys, such as Keshav Singhania of Singhania & Co. and Saluja Law, recommend that applicants:

• Apply early to avoid the new fees if possible.
• Plan for higher upfront costs if applying after October 1, 2025.
• Keep detailed records for any potential refund claims.
• Stay informed by checking official government websites and consulting with qualified immigration lawyers.

VisaVerge.com reports that many law firms are providing ongoing updates and consultations for travelers and employers affected by these changes.

Practical Guidance for Different Groups

• Tourists:
  If you are planning a trip to the United States 🇺🇸, consider applying for your visa before October 1, 2025, to avoid the new fees. If you must apply later, budget for the higher costs and keep all your paperwork for a possible refund.

• Students:
  International students should factor the new fees into their education budgets. If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸, be aware that you may not be able to claim a refund of the Visa Integrity Fee until you leave and do not seek further extensions or changes.

• Employers and Workers:
  Companies that sponsor workers on H-1B or other visas should plan for higher costs and possible delays as the new fee system is rolled out. Make sure to communicate these changes to your employees and adjust your budgets as needed.

• Visa Waiver Program Travelers:
  If you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you will not pay the Visa Integrity Fee, but you will pay a higher ESTA fee. Check the official ESTA website for the latest information.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The new visa fees, especially the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, represent a major change for anyone planning to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸. These changes will make it more expensive to travel, study, or do business in the country, and could affect millions of people each year. If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa, act quickly to avoid the higher costs if possible, and stay informed about the latest rules and procedures.

For the most up-to-date information on visa fees and application steps, always refer to the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. If you have questions about your specific situation, consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney or trusted legal resource.

By staying informed and planning ahead, you can better manage the impact of these changes and make sure your travel or immigration plans stay on track.

Learn Today

Visa Integrity Fee → A new $250 fee applied to almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants starting October 1, 2025.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries.
I-94 Fee → Charge for the arrival/departure record issued to certain US travelers, increasing to $24.
Reciprocity Fees → Visa fees imposed by the US based on fees other countries charge US citizens.
Fiscal Year 2026 → U.S. government fiscal year starting October 1, 2025, when the new visa fees take effect.

This Article in a Nutshell

In fiscal year 2026, the US introduces a $250 Visa Integrity Fee and increases other visa costs, affecting millions. Early applicants can avoid these fees. This law also raises fees for ESTA, I-94, and EVUS, reshaping visa affordability and travel plans significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com