Overview

• The fee applies to nearly all nonimmigrant visas—including tourist, business, student, work and exchange categories—with Visa Waiver Program nationals and most Canadians and Bermudians exempt.
• It is designed as a refundable compliance bond that rewards travelers who depart on time or secure legal status changes.
• The charge is set at $250 for fiscal 2025 and will be indexed for inflation each year under Homeland Security authority.
• Implementation details on how and when the fee will be collected and refunded remain unresolved, leaving applicants and industry groups in limbo.
• The Department of Homeland Security and State Department must issue coordinated guidance on logistics and appeal processes before the October 1, 2025 effective date.