U.S. introduces a $250 Integrity Fee for nonimmigrant visa issuance

As of July 4, 2025, a new U.S. government fee has been signed into law that will affect many individuals seeking to visit, study, or work in the United States. This new $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to a wide range of nonimmigrant visa categories and is expected to increase the cost of travel and mobility for millions of applicants worldwide.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a $250 charge added to the issuance of certain nonimmigrant U.S. visas. It was enacted as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a comprehensive legislative package signed into law on July 4, 2025. The purpose of the fee is to deter visa misuse, address concerns about visa overstays, and fund related enforcement efforts.

Importantly, this is not a deposit or arrival-based fee. It is an additional cost that will be collected at the time of visa issuance, on top of the standard visa application and issuance fees.

Who Is Required to Pay?

The fee applies to most nonimmigrant visa applicants. This includes:

• B-1/B-2 visas: for business and tourism

• F and M visas: for academic and vocational students

• J visas: for exchange visitors (including scholars and interns)

• H, L, O, P, and R visas: for various categories of temporary workers and religious workers

  
  

If you are applying for a visa in one of these categories, you should prepare for this additional cost.

Exemptions

Some individuals will not be required to pay the fee, including:

• Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

• Most Canadian and Bermudian citizens entering without a visa

• Holders of A and G visas (diplomatic and official government visas)

However, these exemptions are limited, and most foreign nationals applying for visas will not qualify.

When Will the Fee Be Collected?

The fee applies to all relevant visa applications during Fiscal Year 2025, which runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. While the law has taken effect, the U.S. government has not yet finalized the exact start date for collection. Most experts expect that it will be collected at the visa issuance stage, though further clarification from the Department of State is still pending.

Applicants planning to schedule visa appointments or submit applications during this fiscal year should factor the fee into their timeline and budget.

Is the Fee Refundable?

In theory, the law allows for refunds under certain conditions. A visa holder may be eligible for a refund if they:

• Depart the United States within five days after the expiration of their I‑94 record

• Do not work without authorization

• Fully comply with all visa terms and conditions

However, the refund process has not been clearly established. There are no current procedures or timelines for requesting or receiving a refund, and it is unclear which government agency will oversee this process. For now, applicants should consider the fee as non-refundable until further guidance is issued.

Why This Matters

The Visa Integrity Fee significantly increases the financial burden for applicants. For example, the standard application fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is currently $185. With the new $250 added, the total cost becomes $435—a 135% increase.

This added expense may be particularly challenging for:

• Families applying for multiple visas at once

• Students and exchange visitors with limited financial resources

• Employers sponsoring foreign workers

In addition to the financial cost, applicants will need to be even more diligent in maintaining compliance with visa conditions, especially if refund eligibility becomes a meaningful concern in the future.

How to Prepare

Given the evolving nature of this fee and the broader immigration landscape, it is important to plan carefully and ensure full compliance with U.S. visa rules. This includes:

• Reviewing the correct visa category before applying

• Ensuring all application documents are complete and accurate

• Following all terms of your visa after entry to the U.S.

Mistakes in the application process, even unintentional ones, can lead to delays, denials, or long-term consequences for future immigration benefits.

Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help avoid these issues. At Tran Flores Law, we regularly assist clients with nonimmigrant visa applications, compliance, and long-term immigration strategy. Our team provides guidance based on the latest laws and procedures to help clients protect their time, finances, and immigration goals.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or a family member is applying for a U.S. visa and have questions about the new Visa Integrity Fee, or need help with the application process, our team is here to help.

📞 Call Tran Flores Law today at (512) 894-9984 to schedule a consultation. We are committed to helping you navigate the system with clarity and confidence.