As part of a newly enacted domestic policy bill, the United States will impose a “visa integrity fee” of at least $250 on international visitors requiring nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers. This fee, which is in addition to existing visa application costs, could significantly increase the cost of visiting the U.S., and is not required for countries under the Visa Waiver Program. While the fee is technically reimbursable after the trip, the mechanism for reimbursement and specifics of the policy’s rollout are currently unclear. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have not yet released further details of the program, but the U.S. Travel Association has already criticized the new fee, calling it a barrier to international visitors.
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A new “visa integrity fee” will be implemented for visitors to the United States, as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This fee, starting at a minimum of $250, is in addition to existing visa fees and is applicable to all non-immigrant visa holders. While the fee may be reimbursable under certain conditions, details regarding the start date, payment method, and the reimbursement process remain unclear. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office anticipates that the fee, alongside the increase in the I-94 fee, will increase revenues and decrease the deficit by $28.9 billion over the 2025-2034 period. The fee aims to restore integrity to the nation’s immigration system, but the U.S. Travel Association has raised concerns.
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John Q. Hosedrinker