Overview

• CBP’s land‑port I-94 fee rises from $6 to $30 starting September 30 under HR‑1, with air and sea arrivals not charged this fee.
• ESTA authorization for Visa Waiver Program travelers increases from $21 to $40 effective September 30, affecting applicants from 41 eligible countries.
• A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to approved nonimmigrant visas beginning October 1, added to the existing $185 B1/B2 application charge.
• Exemptions to the I-94 requirement include U.S. citizens, returning lawful permanent residents, immigrant visa holders, and most Canadians visiting or transiting.
• Pandemic-era interview waivers have been removed so most applicants now face in‑person consular interviews, while industry groups forecast lower visitor spending and roughly a 3% dip in travel metrics.