New $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ for International Visitors to the US
International visitors to the United States are now subject to a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’. This fee is part of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. The fee applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders, including tourists, business travelers, international students, and temporary workers. It’s important to note that this fee cannot be waived or reduced.
Effective for fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), the fee will be adjusted annually for inflation. The Department of Homeland Security holds the authority to set the fee higher than the $250 minimum through rulemaking. However, travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries such as Australia, Japan, and many European nations are exempt from this fee.
An interesting feature of this fee is its potential refundability. Visa holders who comply with their visa terms, such as departing on time and not engaging in unauthorized work, may be eligible for reimbursement after their visa expires. However, immigration experts caution that the refund process remains unclear and could take years to implement.
The U.S. Travel Association warns that these additional costs could deter international visitors, particularly as tourism to the U.S. was already in decline. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the provision will generate $28.9 billion in revenue over the 2025-2034 period. However, implementation details remain unclear, with agencies stating that ‘cross-agency coordination’ is required before the fee collection begins.
Source: CNBC