Overview

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act institutes a mandatory, non-waivable $250 visa integrity fee for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, adding to existing application, biometric and reciprocity charges.
• Revenues from the fee and raised surcharges on ESTA, EVUS and I-94 forms will bolster border security, air traffic control investments and visa administration, though Brand USA’s budget was slashed.
• Key implementation details—including the fee’s effective date, collection process and responsible agency—remain unsettled pending cross-agency coordination between the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
• Under the law, compliant visa holders may apply for reimbursement if they depart on time or change status lawfully, but the government has yet to outline the refund mechanism.
• Travel industry groups warn that the added tariffs could deter visitors, depress tourism spending and complicate planning for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.