The U.S. will soon impose a new “visa integrity fee” of at least $250 on most international travellers who require a nonimmigrant visa, including tourists, business visitors, and students. This fee is non-waivable, must be paid at the time of visa issuance, and is in addition to existing visa costs.
The fee is intended to support immigration enforcement, reduce visa overstays, and fund border security. Travellers who comply with visa rules may be eligible for a refund, though the refund process remains undefined.
Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g., Australia, most of Europe) are exempt from this fee.
Critics, including the U.S. Travel Association, warn the fee could discourage tourism by increasing upfront costs by 144%. Immigration experts describe it as a refundable security deposit, but with significant uncertainty around implementation.
The Department of Homeland Security will oversee the rollout, with details to follow via the Federal Register and the State Department’s visa website.