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4d ago

U.S. to Begin $250 Visa Integrity Fee in 2026; Agencies to Outline Refund Process

Stakeholders in education, tourism, travel sectors warn of steeper costs from the inflation-indexed surcharge; federal agencies will soon issue refund procedures

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Visa Integrity Fee: The US-based immigration consulting company Fragomen said that the Visa Integrity Fee is a component of a larger reform of charges associated with travel
The Trump administration says the new visa intergrity fee is aimed at reducing visa overstays and ensuring travellers stick to the terms of their visas. Image for Representation.
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Overview

  • The Visa Integrity Fee mandates a $250 surcharge on most nonimmigrant visas starting fiscal year 2026, to be collected by DHS at the time of issuance.
  • Annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index will ensure the surcharge rises with inflation.
  • Visa holders who depart within five days of their authorized stay ending or who adjust to permanent residency may apply for a conditional refund under DHS criteria.
  • Additional nonwaivable travel charges include a $24 I-94 admission fee, a $13 ESTA fee for Visa Waiver travelers, and a $30 EVUS fee for certain Chinese nationals.
  • Industry groups caution that combined surcharges could more than double visa costs for applicants from developing nations, potentially limiting lawful travel.