The US increases the $250 security deposit required for student, tourist, and H-1B visas


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.


 

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