Your next U.S. visa application or renewal is going to cost you more. As part of its recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the country is introducing a Visa Integrity Fee on all approved visa applications for entry into the United States.
We break down how this new fee affects your upcoming trips or consular appointments.
1 What Is the Visa Integrity Fee ?
An extra fee added to the total cost of each United States travel visa application. It was introduced as part of a bill passed on July 4, 2025, which includes various immigration reforms and more.
2 Who Should Pay This Fee?
Payment will be mandatory for everyone issued or renewed a nonimmigrant visa to the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, business visitor visas (B1), tourist visas (B2), student visas, and employment visas.
3 Who’s Exempt From This Fee?
People whose visa application was denied do not need to pay the fee.
Additionally, citizens of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who have an e-Passport and registered in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are also exempt.
4 Do I Have to Pay the Visa Integrity Fee on Every Trip to the United States?
No, this fee only applies to approved nonimmigrant visa applications. Your payment covers the full validity period of the visa.
5 How Much Does the Visa Integrity Fee Cost?
The bill establishes that the minimum value of this fee will be $250.00 USD, and the price may be adjusted based on inflation.
6 Does This Fee Include the Cost of the Requested Visa?
No, the fee is additional to the visa processing cost.
For example, the current cost for a B1/B2 visitor visa is $185.00 USD, payable at the time of application. Once approved, the new fee will be required. In this case, the final processing cost is $435.00 USD per traveler.
7 Can I Request a Refund for This Fee?
The bill provides for the possibility of a refund of the Visa Integrity Fee upon the visa’s expiration provided the applicant has not:
- Violated the conditions of their visa.
- Accepted unauthorized employment.
- Exceeded the maximum length of stay for their visa category.
- Requested an extension of their stay period.
- Received an extension of their nonimmigrant status or an adjustment to their lawful permanent resident status.
However, some immigration attorneys recommend that their clients treat this payment as non-refundable.
8 How Does the Visa Integrity Fee Affect My Upcoming Trip?
If you have a valid U.S. visa in your passport, you can travel to the country as long as you have more than six (6) months remaining before expiration. You do not need to pay the fee until you apply to renew your visa.
9 Does This Fee Guarantee My Entry Into the U.S.?
No, possessing a valid passport with a valid U.S. visa and a paid visa integrity fee does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Approval or denial of your entry is the sole discretion of immigration officers at your port or point of entry.
10 When Does the Visa Integrity Fee Take Effect?
Although the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not yet issued an official start date, it is estimated that the fee could go into effect before the end of Fiscal Year 2025 on September 30.
