U.S. to Impose New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” : What U.S. Visitors Need to Know

International travelers to the United States will soon face a new expense: a “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, as part of the Trump administration’s immigration reforms embedded in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The fee, which applies to all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, is intended to reinforce compliance with visa conditions and offset the costs of enforcement.

According to CNBC, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will oversee the implementation, though the exact date of enforcement and mechanisms for fee collection remain unsettled.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The fee is in addition to existing visa charges, including the standard application fees and the Form I-94 arrival/departure fee, which was increased from $6 to $24 under the same legislation.

Immigration attorney Steven A. Brown noted that an H-1B applicant, for instance, would see total application costs rise from $205 to $455. Brown added, “I would rather them view it as a ‘bonus’ if they get the refund”, given the difficulty of recovering payments from federal agencies.

Who Has to Pay?

The fee applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders, including tourists, students, and business travelers. Citizens of countries under the Visa Waiver Program—such as Australia, Japan, and many European nations—are not required to pay.

Reimbursement Uncertainty

While the bill includes provisions for reimbursement after the visa term expires, it remains vague on implementation. DHS spokespersons told CNBC that cross-agency coordination will be necessary before any refunds can be processed.

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the provision will add $28.9 billion in revenue and reduce the deficit over the 2025–2034 period, but notes that actual reimbursements could take years to roll out and will likely affect only a small percentage of travelers.

Purpose and Political Justification

According to a DHS spokesperson, the Trump administration’s goal is to “restore integrity in our nation’s immigration system.” Although most travelers comply with visa conditions, a significant portion of the unauthorized population in the U.S. consists of people who overstayed their visa — estimated at 42%, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

Impact on Travel and Events

With upcoming events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the America 250 celebrations, critics warn that the new fee may discourage legitimate international visitors. Fred Dixon, CEO of Brand USA, said his organization is “disappointed” with funding cuts under the same bill that introduced the fee, but hopes for restoration by 2026.

In the meantime, immigration professionals like Brown are advising clients to treat the fee as nonrefundable and factor it into overall travel or relocation expenses.

What Comes Next?

The visa integrity fee has not yet gone into effect. It is expected that a formal notice or regulation will be published in the Federal Register before collections begin.

The provision is still raising logistical questions across government agencies, suggesting that implementation may be slower than anticipated. Until then, travelers and advocates alike are waiting for clearer guidance from DHS and the State Department.

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