The US has announced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee on non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, students and workers. Here’s what it means for Indian travellers.
The US has introduced a $250 Visa Integrity Fee under President Donald Trump’s new immigration law, signed on 4 July. Framed as a security deposit, it’s tied to inflation and refundable if visa holders meet all compliance conditions.
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is set to begin in 2026 and will apply to almost all non-immigrant US visas—including (B-1/B-2) for travel, (F and M) for students, (H-1B) for workers and (J) for exchange visitors—excluding only (A and G) diplomatic categories.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect the $250 surcharge during visa issuance, in addition to current visa fees. This amount will rise yearly with inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), starting 2026.
Travellers must also pay non-waivable fees: $24 for I-94, $13 for ESTA (Visa Waiver users) and $30 for EVUS (Chinese citizens with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas)—regardless of nationality or financial background.
A US tourist or business visa (B-1/B-2) for Indians currently costs $185 (₹15,855). But with new surcharges, the overall fee is set to rise sharply starting in 2026, impacting many applicants.
With the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, $24 I-94 fee, and $13 ESTA fee added, Indian travellers may soon pay up to $472 (₹40,456) for a B-1/B-2 visa—nearly 2.5 times the current cost.
The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is refundable only under strict conditions. Visa holders must leave the US within five days of visa expiry without seeking an extension or immigration status change—or they must gain permanent residency before their I-94 record, the official arrival/departure record issued by US Customs and Border Protection, expires.
Even if eligible, applicants must present strong evidence—such as proof of timely departure or a status change approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Without these documents, the $250 will be forfeited to the US Treasury's general fund.
The US State Department will soon issue guidance on how to claim refunds. For many, especially students and tourists from developing nations, the fee adds a serious financial burden and requires upfront planning.
