The United States has enacted a new policy requiring non-immigrant visa applicants to pay a $250 Visa Integrity Fee, starting from October 1, 2025 (Fiscal Year 2026). The policy is part of a broader legislative package signed into law on July 4, 2025, and aims to enhance immigration compliance, reduce visa overstays, and fund the operational costs of monitoring foreign nationals entering the U.S. on temporary visas.
This new fee applies to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including but not limited to:
- B-1/B-2 (business/tourist visitors)
- F-1 and M-1 (students)
- H-1B (skilled workers)
- J-1 (exchange visitors)
- L-1 (intra-company transfers)
- O-1A and O-1B (individuals with extraordinary ability)
Only a small number of visa classifications, primarily diplomatic and official visas such as A and G categories, are exempt.
Purpose and Structure of the Fee
Unlike traditional visa processing fees, the Visa Integrity Fee functions more like a compliance bond. It is refundable only if the visa holder adheres strictly to all terms of their visa and departs the United States on time. Specifically, an applicant may request a refund of the $250 fee under the following conditions:
- The individual fully complies with all the conditions of their visa during their stay.
- They exit the U.S. within five days of the expiration of their authorized period of stay, without overstaying or applying for an extension.
- Alternatively, if the applicant lawfully adjusts status—such as moving from a student visa to lawful permanent residency—the refund can also be granted.
If these requirements are not met, the fee is forfeited and transferred to the U.S. Treasury. Importantly, the law provides no waivers or exemptions for hardship, medical emergencies, or intent to comply. Even minor violations may disqualify the applicant from a refund.
Refund Mechanism and Implementation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State are expected to implement a digital refund request system, where eligible individuals can apply for reimbursement. Details of the application process, documentation required, and processing timelines will be made available closer to the implementation date.
The fee will apply in addition to existing visa costs, including the consular processing fee and, in certain cases, the SEVIS fee for students or the I-129 petition fee for workers. For example, an applicant for a B-1/B-2 visa currently pays $185. With the new integrity fee, the total cost of that visa will rise to $435, not including other ancillary charges.
Annual Adjustments
The law mandates that the $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be adjusted annually for inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means that in future years, the amount may increase, and applicants will need to verify the current rate at the time of their application.
Implications for International Applicants
The introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee marks a significant shift in U.S. visa policy. While the intention is to strengthen the integrity of the visa system, the financial burden on applicants is considerable. For many individuals—especially students and low-income applicants—the up-front cost of a U.S. visa may now be substantially higher.
Moreover, the conditional nature of the refund means that applicants must be extremely diligent about compliance and travel planning. Departing even a few days late, or applying for a change of status that is ultimately denied, could result in the permanent loss of the $250.
From a policy standpoint, this move aligns with ongoing U.S. efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and improve tracking of non-immigrant visa holders. It also reflects a shift toward greater applicant responsibility and self-funding of compliance infrastructure.
Effective Date and Scope
The Visa Integrity Fee will be required for all qualifying visa applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025. U.S. embassies and consulates around the world will incorporate the fee into their online application systems, and detailed instructions will be made available through official government platforms such as travel.state.gov and uscis.gov.
Applicants are strongly advised to consult official sources and plan well in advance of the policy change to avoid last-minute surprises or incorrect budgeting.