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U.S. Adds $250 Refundable Visa Integrity Fee for Non-Immigrant Travelers

Timing and process for fee collection and refund remain undefined by the Department of Homeland Security

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Overview

  • The Visa Integrity Fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa categories—including tourists, business visitors, students and skilled workers—while travelers using the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA are exempt.
  • Implemented under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Act, the fee takes effect in U.S. fiscal year 2024 and can be adjusted annually for inflation.
  • Applicants who meet conditions such as avoiding unauthorized work and limiting overstay to five days or fewer can reclaim the $250 charge after their visa term ends.
  • Key operational details on when the fee will be collected and how reimbursements will be processed have yet to be released by DHS.
  • Separately, the I-94 form fee has risen from $6 to $24 and ESTA charges will also increase, raising concerns about a potential drop in international visitor numbers.