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$250 Visa Integrity Fee Takes Effect, Leaving Key Rules Unwritten

Industry groups say lack of guidance on fee logistics may deter lawful travelers.

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Overview

  • The One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s $250 visa integrity fee is now mandatory for all nonimmigrant visas through Sept. 30, 2025, on top of existing application and reciprocity charges.
  • Implementation details remain unresolved, with no formal guidance on which agency will collect the fee or how reimbursements will be processed.
  • Travel and immigration associations warn the universal, nonwaivable charge acts like a self-imposed tariff that could suppress inbound tourism.
  • The law also raises ESTA fees to a minimum of $13, sets EVUS charges at $30 and creates a $5,000 inadmissible alien apprehension fee, all indexed to inflation.
  • Refunds are allowed only for strict compliance with visa terms, but procedures for verifying eligibility and issuing those refunds have yet to be defined.