New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for U.S. Visitors
July 18, 2025 — Washington, D.C. — A new law will require most foreign visitors to the United States who need a nonimmigrant visa to pay a “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, in addition to existing visa costs.
The provision, part of the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, applies to tourists, business travelers, international students, and others who must obtain a visa to enter the U.S. It does not apply to travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
Key Details of the Fee
Amount: At least $250 for fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025), with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allowed to set a higher amount and adjust annually for inflation.
Payment: Due when the visa is issued; those whose applications are denied will not be charged.
In Addition to Other Fees: The fee is separate from existing visa costs, such as the $205 H-1B application fee or the recently increased I-94 arrival/departure record fee, which rose from $6 to $24.
Refunds: Possible if travelers follow all visa terms, avoid unauthorized work, and do not overstay their visa by more than five days. Refunds would be processed after the visa expires, though implementation details are unclear.
Implementation Questions
The start date for collecting the fee has not been announced. DHS says the measure will require coordination with other agencies, as DHS does not directly manage visa issuance. The U.S. Travel Association and immigration lawyers note uncertainty over how the fee will be collected and how the reimbursement system will work.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the policy could raise nearly $29 billion over 10 years, partly because few travelers are expected to request refunds and the refund system could take years to establish.
Rationale and Impact
According to DHS, the fee is intended to “restore integrity” to the immigration system. Data from the Congressional Research Service shows that while most visa holders comply with their terms, an estimated 42% of the roughly 11 million undocumented people in the U.S. entered legally but overstayed their visas.
Immigration attorneys expect the fee to have a bigger effect on leisure and business travelers with B visas and on international students, as it increases the overall cost of U.S. travel. The policy takes effect as the U.S. prepares for major events in 2026, including its 250th anniversary celebrations and parts of the FIFA World Cup.
Some travel industry leaders support the bill’s broader infrastructure and security measures but have criticized the new fee and recent funding cuts to Brand USA, the nation’s tourism marketing agency.
