Loune-Djenia Askew, Esq.
Oct 22, 2025
A new provision in One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4 2025, introduces a so-called Visa Integrity Fee of at least US $250. This fee will apply to virtually all applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas (tourists, business visitors, students, workers, exchange visitors) and is in addition to existing visa application and issuance fees.
What is the fee?
A new provision in One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4 2025, introduces a so-called Visa Integrity Fee of at least US $250. This fee will apply to virtually all applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas (tourists, business visitors, students, workers, exchange visitors) and is in addition to existing visa application and issuance fees.
Who must pay it?
The fee is set to apply to non-immigrant visas, including B-1/B-2 tourist/business visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, J-1 exchange visitor visas, and their dependents.
Travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)—who do not need a visa for short visits to the U.S.—are not subject to this fee.
The exact start date and payment mechanics remain unclear; the law states the fee will begin in fiscal year 2025 (which begins October 1, 2024) but full implementation has been delayed.
How much is it, and when is it paid?
The base amount is $250 and may be set higher by the Secretary of Homeland Security. It will be adjusted for inflation in future years. The fee is charged when the visa is issued, meaning applicants whose visa request is denied likely will not pay the fee.
Can you get the fee refunded?
Yes—but under very strict conditions. The law allows reimbursement if the visa holder:
Leaves the U.S. no more than five days after the visa expires and
Has not accepted unauthorized employment and has complied fully with the visa terms.
However, exactly how refunds will work—when, through what process, and how easy they will be—remains uncertain. Many legal analysts advise treating the fee as non-refundable for planning purposes.
Why did the U.S. introduce this fee?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the Visa Integrity Fee is meant to bolster immigration system integrity—specifically to reduce visa overstays and ensure compliance with U.S. entry rules.
From a financial perspective, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the fee could generate billions in revenue over ten years (via fewer refunds and more fees collected) and reduce the U.S. budget deficit.
What are the implications?
For travelers, students, families and employers, the fee means:
A significant increase in cost when applying for U.S. visas (adding $250 on top of existing charges)
Greater importance placed on compliance—overstay or work-violations may lead to forfeited refunds or additional consequences.
Impact on travel and mobility. The travel industry has raised concerns that the higher cost could reduce international visitors to the U.S., especially from countries requiring non-immigrant visas.
For employers and institutions sponsoring foreign workers or students, the fee represents higher upfront costs and potentially more administrative burden in monitoring visa compliance.
What you should do now
If you are applying for a visa (or sponsoring someone) from a country not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, plan for the extra $250 fee in your budgeting.
Keep detailed records and strictly comply with visa terms (entry, duration, employment restrictions) to maintain eligibility for potential refund.
Stay alert for guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate — details about implementation, payment method, and refund procedures are still forthcoming.
If you are advising students, employees or travelers, consider incorporating this new fee into your cost-estimations and pre-departure planning.
Final thoughts
The Visa Integrity Fee marks one of the largest cost increases to U.S. non-immigrant visa issuance in recent decades. While the change aims to strengthen compliance and generate revenue, it introduces new layers of cost and complexity for many foreign visitors, students and workers. Understanding the basics of the fee—and incorporating it into your visa strategy—will help you avoid surprises and better navigate the U.S. visa process going forward.
For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.
Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.