Dreaming of Times Square selfies or an L.A. beach vacation? Hold up—there’s a new fee in town. Starting sometime in the near future, as per reports, the Trump administration is rolling out a brand-new $250 “visa integrity fee.” And yep, that’s on top of what you already pay.
Wait—how much are we talking?
If you’re from India and applying for a standard tourist visa (B‑1/B‑2), your costs just jumped from around ₹15,800 (that’s $185) to nearly ₹40,000 (about $472).And it’s not just tourists. Students, temporary workers, exchange visitors—you’re all included in this new fee club. H‑1Bs, F-1s, Js… nobody’s dodging this.
Can you get refund?
Technically, yes—but there are terms and conditions. To get a refund:
- You can’t overstay your visa.
- No sneaky side jobs.
- You’ll need to leave the U.S. within 5 days of your visa expiring.
- You have to apply for the refund yourself.
When’s this happening?
The fee was passed as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 4. But there’s no fixed start date yet. Agencies like USCIS and the State Department are still figuring out who collects the money, how, and when.All we know is, it’s coming—they’ve promised to “coordinate and release details” soon.
So who’s actually affected?
Pretty much everyone who needs a nonimmigrant visa to get into the U.S. That includes:
- Tourists
- Business travelers
- Students
- Temporary workers
- Medical visitors
- And more
Basically, if you’re not from a visa-waiver country, the fee applies to you.Exempt folks? Citizens of countries like the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, and most of Europe are off the hook. Oh, and most Canadians too.
Why add this fee anyway?
Lawmakers say it’s like a security deposit—a way to make sure visitors play by the rules and leave on time. The fee is expected to rake in between $28 to $40 billion over the next decade.But travel pros? Not thrilled. Some say it could scare away the very people who bring in tourism money—especially students and group travelers.
Will this hurt US tourism?
Short answer: probably.States like California, Florida, and New York—huge tourist magnets—might feel the heat. Add in big upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, and that’s a lot of money potentially walking away.
So what should you do?
Budget wisely: That extra ₹20,000 could mess with your trip plans or study abroad dreams.Stay updated: The rollout could change fast. Keep an eye on announcements from the U.S. consulate or embassy.In short: the US just got a bit pricier for travelers. Whether you’re heading there for a holiday, college, or work, get ready to cough up more—and maybe start looking for cheaper destinations, just in case.Disclaimer:The information provided in this article is based on currently available reports and official statements as of July 2025. Visa policies, fees, and procedures are subject to change and may vary by individual case. Travelers are strongly advised to check with the official U.S. Department of State, U.S. embassy or consulate websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information before making travel plans or visa applications. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
