Thinking about taking a trip to the United States? You might want to check your budget. The U.S. government is introducing a new charge called the “visa integrity fee” that will be added to the current cost of getting a visa. The minimum cost? At least $250.
Although it’s not in effect yet, this fee is already approved and is expected to apply soon to millions of travelers around the world. Here’s what you need to know before you plan your visit.
Purpose
This fee isn’t just about raising money. According to the U.S. government, the new charge has several specific goals. It’s meant to help keep better track of who comes into and leaves the country, improve national security, and fund the visa system. The idea is that by charging this fee, the government can more easily monitor visa holders and reduce overstay issues.
If a traveler doesn’t follow the visa rules, their fee stays with the government. But if they do, they might be able to get a refund.
Travelers
Who has to pay this new fee? Basically, anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa. That includes tourists, short-term workers, business travelers, and students.
This fee doesn’t apply to visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, like France, Germany, Australia, or Spain—at least not for trips shorter than 90 days. But for the rest, the fee is part of the process. In 2024 alone, nearly 11 million people received nonimmigrant visas. That’s a lot of people who will be affected when this rule kicks in.
Payment
So when do you have to pay it? The fee will be charged once your visa is approved. That means after the interviews, forms, and background checks, and right before you receive your visa, you’ll be expected to pay the $250. No exceptions, whether you’re a young student or an older tourist—if you need a visa, you pay.
Here’s how the visa payment process will look with the new fee:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa Application | Submit forms and pay regular fee |
| Interview & Approval | Go through standard processing |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Pay $250 when visa is approved |
| Visa Issued | Receive your visa |
| Possible Refund | Only if all visa terms are followed |
Refund
Now, about that refund. It sounds nice—get your money back if you follow the rules—but the process is still unclear. The government says the refund will be available for those who don’t overstay or break any visa conditions. For example, if your visa is for 90 days and you leave on day 80, you could get your $250 back.
But how? That’s still up in the air. Officials say several government departments need to figure out the steps first, so no one really knows what the process will involve. Until they provide more info, travelers are left waiting.
Opinions
Not everyone thinks this new fee is a good idea. The U.S. Travel Association, a group that supports tourism, criticized the move. They argue that it will make visiting the U.S. more difficult and less attractive. Even if the fee is refundable, they believe many travelers won’t want to deal with extra payments and paperwork just to get their money back later.
Price
Will the $250 fee stay the same forever? Probably not. The law allows the Department of Homeland Security to raise the amount in the future. It could increase annually based on inflation or even be changed at any time depending on national needs.
So while $250 is the starting point, don’t be surprised if it gets higher over time.
FAQs
What is the visa integrity fee?
A $250 fee added to U.S. nonimmigrant visa costs.
Who has to pay the new fee?
Anyone applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa.
When do you pay the fee?
When the visa is officially approved.
Can the fee be refunded?
Yes, but only if all visa rules are followed.
Will the fee amount change?
Yes, it can rise yearly with inflation.
