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US to Impose $250 Visa Integrity Fee With Rules Still Unclear

Regulations on fee collection and refund mechanisms remain unpublished, prompting warnings of booking surges and legal challenges.

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - JUNE 29: A general view of Dulles International Airport during a media briefing tour organized by the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Press Center to present procedures related to incoming foreign nationals in Washington, United States, on June 29, 2025. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Airport
The sun sets on an American flag flying at Liberty State Park on March 4, 2021 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Overview

  • Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants will pay a non-waivable $250 surcharge from late 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with only Visa Waiver Program travelers exempted.
  • Department of Homeland Security and State Department have not issued guidance on when the fee will be collected, how it will be adjusted for inflation or the procedure for refunds tied to timely departures or status changes.
  • Travel groups led by the U.S. Travel Association warn the fee acts like a tariff that could discourage legitimate visitors and have indicated they may pursue legal action over its rollout.
  • The Congressional Budget Office projects the surcharge will net $28.9 billion in revenue over 2025–2034, though it expects only a small share of payers to claim reimbursements.
  • With nearly 11 million visas issued in fiscal 2024 and major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics approaching, applicants are rushing to secure visas before the surcharge takes effect.