US Visa Fees to Surge in 2026 with New $250 Integrity Charge

Key Takeaways

• Starting October 1, 2025, a non-waivable $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to most nonimmigrant U.S. visas.
• Fee increases also affect I-94 surcharge, ESTA fee, and several other immigration-related charges.
• Exemptions include VWP travelers using ESTA, Canadians, Bermudians, and diplomatic visa holders.

Travelers, students, and workers planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸 in 2026 need to prepare for a major change in visa costs and procedures. The recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings a new Visa Integrity Fee and several other fee increases that will affect almost every nonimmigrant visa applicant. Here’s a detailed update on what’s changing, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions you should take, and what these changes mean for pending and future visa applications.

Summary of What Changed

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. One of the most important changes in this law is the introduction of a non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee of $250. This fee will be added to almost all nonimmigrant visa types, including the popular tourist (B 1/B 2) visa, student visas (F, M, J), and work visas (H 1B, L, O, P, Q, R). The new fee is not optional and must be paid by nearly all applicants, except for a few exempt groups.

The law also increases other fees, such as the I-94 land arrival surcharge and the ESTA fee for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. These changes are part of a larger effort to improve immigration compliance and fund enforcement, but they also bring higher costs and more steps for travelers.

Who Is Affected

The new Visa Integrity Fee and related fee increases will affect:

• Tourists applying for a B 1/B 2 visa
• Students seeking F, M, or J visas for study or exchange programs
• Workers applying for H 1B, L, O, P, Q, or R visas
• Other nonimmigrant visa applicants, including E visa holders

Exemptions are limited. The following groups do not have to pay the Visa Integrity Fee:

• Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries (such as the UK 🇬🇧, Germany 🇩🇪, Japan 🇯🇵) who use ESTA for short visits
• Canadian and Bermudian citizens in some visa categories
• Diplomatic visa holders (A and G class)

If you do not fall into one of these exempt groups, you should expect to pay the new fee.

Effective Dates

The law was signed on July 4, 2025, but the changes do not take effect immediately. The new Visa Integrity Fee and other fee increases will start with the U.S. fiscal year 2026. This means the earliest likely start date is October 1, 2025, but it could be as late as early January 2026. The exact date will depend on how quickly U.S. government agencies update their systems and issue public guidance.

If you apply for your visa before the new fee takes effect, you may be able to avoid paying the higher amount. However, there may be some differences in how embassies and consulates around the world handle the transition, so it’s important to check with the specific U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.

Required Actions for Applicants

To avoid surprises and extra costs, here are the steps you should take:

1. Apply Early
– If you plan to travel, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 in 2026, try to submit your visa application before the new fees start. This could save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you are applying for a tourist (B 1/B 2) visa or a work visa.

2. Stay Compliant
– The law allows for a possible refund of the Visa Integrity Fee, but only if you follow all visa rules. This means:
– Do not overstay your visa
– Do not work without permission
– Maintain your legal status at all times
– Leave the United States on time or make sure you have a legal extension or change of status

3. Budget for Higher Costs
– Plan for the added $250 Visa Integrity Fee, plus other surcharges:
– I-94 land arrival surcharge: $24
– ESTA fee (for VWP travelers): increased from $4 to $13 (and up to $40 in some cases)
– Reciprocity fees: may still apply depending on your country

4. Watch for Refund Procedures
– The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will set up the process for refunding the Visa Integrity Fee if you qualify. As of July 2025, the details are not yet available. Keep all your travel and visa records, and check official DHS updates for instructions after your trip.

5. Monitor Embassy and Consulate Updates
– U.S. embassies and consulates will provide updates on when the new fees start and how to pay them. Check their websites regularly, especially if you are applying close to the transition date.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have already submitted your visa application and paid the current fee before the new law takes effect, you should not be charged the new Visa Integrity Fee. However, if your application is still pending and the new fee becomes effective before your visa is issued, there is a chance you may be asked to pay the difference. This will depend on the policies of the specific embassy or consulate handling your case.

For those planning to apply soon, submitting your application as early as possible is the best way to avoid the higher fees. If you are unsure about your application status or the timing, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate directly for guidance.

Details of the Fee Increases

Here’s a breakdown of the new costs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

Other fee changes include:
– I-94 land arrival surcharge: $24
– ESTA fee: increased from $4 to $13 (and up to $40 for some travelers)
– EVUS fee: $30 for Chinese B 1/B 2 visa holders
– Fees for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs): increased
– New or higher fees for asylum, parole, and immigration court filings

Annual Adjustments

Starting in 2027, the Visa Integrity Fee will be adjusted every year based on inflation. This means the fee could go up each year, so future travelers should plan for possible increases.

Refund Policy and Compliance

The Visa Integrity Fee is designed to encourage visa holders to follow all U.S. immigration rules. If you do, you may be eligible for a refund of the $250 fee. To qualify, you must:

• Comply fully with all visa terms (no overstays, no unauthorized work, maintain legal status)
• Leave the United States on time or obtain a legal extension or change of status

The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for creating the refund process. As of now, the exact steps are not published, but travelers should keep all documents and proof of compliance. Watch for updates from DHS on how to apply for a refund after your trip.

Industry and Expert Reactions

The travel and tourism industry has raised strong concerns about the new fees. The U.S. Travel Association warns that the Visa Integrity Fee acts like a “self-imposed tariff” and could discourage millions of visitors. They estimate that the United States 🇺🇸 could lose up to $29 billion in international tourist spending, especially with big events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

For travelers from countries like India 🇮🇳, the impact is even greater. The cost of a tourist (B 1/B 2) visa could nearly double, rising from about ₹15,000 (around $185) to almost ₹40,000 (about $472). This could make the United States less attractive compared to other destinations.

Immigration lawyers and experts are also calling for clear instructions from DHS and the State Department. They want to make sure the new fees are collected fairly and that the refund process is simple and transparent.

Implementation Timeline and Agency Coordination

The law was signed in July 2025, but the Visa Integrity Fee will not start until the U.S. fiscal year 2026. The earliest possible date is October 1, 2025, but it could be delayed until early January 2026. U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State, DHS, and USCIS, need time to update their systems and train staff.

During this transition, there may be differences in how embassies and consulates handle the new fees. Some may start collecting the fee right away, while others may take longer. It’s important for applicants to check the latest updates from the embassy or consulate where they plan to apply.

Additional Immigration Fee Changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act does more than just add the Visa Integrity Fee. It also brings several other fee increases and new charges:

• I-94 Fee: $24 surcharge for land arrivals
• ESTA Fee: Up to $40 for Visa Waiver Program travelers
• EVUS Fee: $30 for Chinese B 1/B 2 visa holders
• Higher fees for TPS and EAD applications
• New or increased fees for asylum, parole, and immigration court filings

These changes are part of a larger effort to fund immigration enforcement and improve compliance, but they also mean higher costs for many travelers and immigrants.

Background and Context

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a wide-ranging law that covers tax reform, immigration fees, border security, and more. The Visa Integrity Fee is just one part of a larger strategy to make sure visitors follow U.S. immigration rules and to help pay for enforcement and administrative costs.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are some of the most sweeping updates to U.S. visa fees in recent years. They reflect a shift toward stricter compliance and higher costs for those seeking to visit, study, or work in the United States.

Future Outlook

DHS will soon publish detailed rules on how the Visa Integrity Fee will be collected and refunded. Annual inflation adjustments will start in 2027, so the fee may rise each year. U.S. embassies and consulates will continue to update their websites with the latest information on fees and application procedures.

Travelers, students, workers, and employers should stay alert for new announcements and be ready to adjust their plans as requirements change.

Official Resources and Contacts

For the most up-to-date and official information, always check the following resources:

• U.S. Department of State Visa Services
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. embassies and consulates in your country

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

Actionable Takeaways

• Apply early to avoid higher fees if you plan to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸 in 2026.
• Budget for the new Visa Integrity Fee and other surcharges when planning your trip.
• Follow all visa rules to qualify for a possible refund of the $250 fee.
• Check official embassy and government websites for the latest updates on fees and procedures.
• Keep all travel and visa records in case you need to apply for a refund later.

By staying informed and acting early, you can avoid unexpected costs and make sure your travel or study plans go smoothly under the new rules of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Learn Today

Visa Integrity Fee → A new, mandatory $250 charge on most nonimmigrant U.S. visa applications starting fiscal year 2026.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization allowing VWP travelers to visit the U.S. without a visa.
Nonimmigrant Visa → A visa for temporary travel to the U.S. for tourism, work, or study, not permanent residency.
I-94 Land Arrival Surcharge → A $24 fee charged to travelers entering the U.S. by land, increased under new legislation.
Reciprocity Fees → Charges applied by the U.S. to foreign nationals based on fees their countries impose on U.S. citizens.

This Article in a Nutshell

New U.S. visa fees take effect in late 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, introducing a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most applicants and raising other charges, impacting tourists, students, and workers applying for nonimmigrant visas in 2026 with exemptions and refund opportunities available.
— By VisaVerge.com