Overview

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandates a $250 visa integrity fee starting in fiscal year 2025 to bolster immigration enforcement and fund border security.
• The fee applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants at issuance—including tourists, business travelers, students and temporary workers.
• Short-term visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt from the charge for stays of 90 days or less.
• Travelers who adhere to visa conditions such as timely departure and no unauthorized work may seek reimbursement after departure under strict criteria.
• The Department of Homeland Security can raise the fee through rulemaking and adjust it annually for inflation from 2026, yet detailed collection and refund procedures have not been issued.