Overview

• President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, mandates a non-waivable $250 Visa Integrity Fee for B-1/B-2, F/M, H-1B and J visas, exempting only diplomatic A and G categories.
• The Department of Homeland Security will impose the surcharge at visa issuance alongside existing application charges, with annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index beginning in fiscal year 2026.
• Refunds are available only for visa holders who depart within five days of authorization expiration or adjust to permanent residency before I-94 expiry; unclaimed fees are directed to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund.
• With additional non-waivable surcharges—a $24 I-94 fee, $13 ESTA fee and $30 EVUS fee—the total cost for a U.S. tourist/business visa will rise from $185 to about $472.
• Visa applicants and immigration attorneys are awaiting forthcoming State Department guidance on payment and refund processes and are evaluating potential compliance impacts and legal challenges.