The newly introduced $250 Visa Integrity Fee under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump on July 4, marks a significant shift in US immigration policy, particularly impacting non-immigrant visa applicants from 2026 onward. Here’s a concise breakdown of what it means and why it matters:
🔹 What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?
-
A mandatory $250 surcharge imposed on non-immigrant visa applicants (B-1/B-2, F, M, H-1B, J, etc.).
-
Exemptions: Diplomatic visa holders (A and G categories).
-
Effective from 2026 and adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
-
Acts like a security deposit, refundable only under strict compliance conditions.
💵 How It Affects Visa Costs (Example for Indian B-1/B-2 applicants):
Fee | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Visa Application Fee | $185 |
Visa Integrity Fee | $250 |
I-94 Fee | $24 |
ESTA Fee (for VWP travelers) | $13 |
Total | $472 |
₹40,456 approx. — 2.5x the current cost
📌 Who Pays This?
All applicants for non-immigrant visas, including:
-
Tourists (B-2)
-
Business visitors (B-1)
-
Students (F/M)
-
Temporary workers (H-1B)
-
Exchange visitors (J)Diplomatic visa holders (A & G) are exempt.
🔄 Can You Get a Refund?
Yes, but under very specific conditions:
✅ Eligibility for refund:
-
You leave the US within 5 days of visa expiration (without applying for extension/change of status), OR
-
You adjust to permanent residency (green card) before your I-94 expires.
📄 Required documents:
-
Proof of timely departure (exit records, boarding passes).
-
Proof of adjustment of status if applying from within the US.
❌ Not refundable if:
-
You overstay, apply for extension, or violate visa terms.
-
You fail to file a refund request properly.
-
The amount instead goes to the US Treasury’s general fund.
🌍 Why Is It Controversial?
-
Meant to deter overstays and enforce immigration compliance.
-
Critics argue it may:
-
Burden students and tourists from developing countries.
-
Discourage cultural exchange and educational tourism.
-
Act as a hidden barrier for legitimate travelers.
-
-
Raises ethical concerns about tying immigration enforcement to financial penalties.
📣 What's Next?
-
The US State Department is expected to issue detailed refund guidelines.
-
The rule may be challenged legally or politically, especially if immigration becomes a 2026 election issue.
-
Until then, prospective visitors should budget accordingly and stay informed about procedural updates.
🧭 Bottom Line
The Visa Integrity Fee introduces a new financial and administrative layer to US travel. While it may promote lawful compliance, it also risks disproportionately impacting genuine visitors, especially from low- and middle-income countries. Those planning to travel in 2026 and beyond will need to prepare early, comply fully, and retain meticulous records for any potential refund.