The United States government has announced the introduction of a new $250 visa integrity fee for certain categories of non-immigrant visa applicants, including foreign workers, international students, and exchange visitors.
The fee, which will be administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring the integrity of America’s visa system.
According to authorities, the fee will apply to a wide range of visa categories, including B-1/B-2 (business and tourist), F and M (students), H-1B (skilled workers), and J (exchange visitors). Only diplomatic and international organization visas A and G categories will remain exempt.
The new charge is intended to cover the costs associated with monitoring and verifying the information provided by applicants throughout their stay. It is part of broader efforts by the U.S. government to enhance national security while maintaining an open but regulated immigration system.
This fee will be in addition to other existing visa charges, such as application processing and, in the case of students and exchange visitors, the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
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Officials emphasized that the visa integrity fee will not apply retroactively and will only affect new applicants once the policy takes effect later this year.
The fee is positioned as an added incentive for nonimmigrant visa holders to adhere strictly to the terms of their stay. The US government also noted that:
- Applicants who fully comply with visa conditions, such as departing the country within five days after their authorised stay, may qualify for a refund. However, in most cases, waivers, discounts, or exemptions will not be granted.While applicants are allowed to request a refund, it is not automatically granted. To be eligible, individuals must provide proof of full compliance with all visa conditions. This includes, for instance, documented evidence of timely departure from the United States or a lawful adjustment of immigration status. Importantly, refunds can only be processed after the visa expires.
If an applicant fails to meet the eligibility criteria, the collected fee will be retained and transferred to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury
- Beyond the immediate $250 charge, the fee is expected to rise annually from 2026, with adjustments overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on inflation.
- This has raised concerns among frequent travelers, international students, and employers who rely on foreign talent, particularly in countries with high volumes of US visa applications.
- As implementation nears, prospective visitors are advised to factor in the increased cost when planning travel, study, or employment in the US.
The policy highlights a broader shift in US immigration and visa enforcement, placing greater emphasis on accountability and adherence to visa terms.
The decision has sparked concern among some education and immigration advocates, who warn that the additional financial burden could discourage prospective students and skilled professionals from choosing the United States. Others argue that it is a necessary step to improve visa monitoring and reduce potential misuse of the system.