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U.S. Hikes ESTA and I‑94 Fees Now as $250 Visa Surcharge Starts Oct. 1

U.S. officials frame the higher charges as a deterrent to overstays that finances immigration screening.

El incremento de la tarifa, que antes era de 185 dólares, forma parte de la política migratoria denominada “tarifa de integridad”. FOTOS: ALESSANDRO CURRARINO / EL COMERCIO
Permiso I-94 Aumenta de $6 a $30 USD (400% más). Es obligatorio para viajar más allá de los 25-75 millas de la frontera.
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En la frontera terrestre, los viajeros reciben el Formulario I-94 electrónicamente y ya no recibirán un talón impreso

Overview

  • CBP’s fee increases took effect Sept. 30, raising ESTA to $40 for Visa Waiver travelers and the land‑entry I‑94 to $30, with EVUS enrollment for some Chinese visitors set at a minimum of $30.
  • Beginning Oct. 1, most nonimmigrant visa approvals carry a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, lifting common B‑1/B‑2 applications to $435.
  • U.S. embassies say applicants who completed payment and set appointments before Oct. 1 are not subject to the new visa surcharge, even if interviews occur later.
  • The I‑94 fee at land ports does not apply to U.S. citizens, returning lawful permanent residents, immigrant‑visa holders or most Canadians, and I‑94 requirements depend on state border‑zone distances.
  • Agencies note operational details for collecting and potentially refunding the Visa Integrity Fee are still being coordinated, and the law provides for CPI‑based annual adjustments to CBP charges.