Overview

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a $250 refundable Visa Integrity Fee for all nonimmigrant visas, increasing the standard application charge from $185 to $435 for fiscal year 2025.
• Diplomatic (A/G) visas and travelers under the Visa Waiver Program remain exempt, and the fee will be adjusted annually for inflation starting in fiscal year 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index.
• US embassies in Mexico have updated payment channels to accept the Visa Integrity Fee through cash deposits at Scotiabank or Banco del Bajío and electronic transfers via SPEI.
• The Department of Homeland Security is drafting detailed regulations to establish the fee’s start date, define refund eligibility for compliant visa holders and grant the DHS secretary authority to set or adjust the fee.
• Travel and education groups caution that the higher visa cost could deter international visitors ahead of the United States hosting most matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.