The United States government has introduced a new immigration policy requiring all non-immigrant visa applicants to pay a Visa Integrity Fee. Visitors to the United States will need to pay a “visa integrity fee,” according to a new law.
Enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by former President Donald Trump on 4 July 2025, this new rule adds a cost of US$250 (approximately IDR 4 million) for foreign travellers seeking entry to the U.S.
This policy applies to visa applicants for the U.S. fiscal year 2025, running from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025. The amount will be adjusted for inflation and may be revised annually.
Impact on Immigration and Visa Categories
The fee applies all non-immigrant visa applicants, including:
- Tourists (B Visa)
- Foreign students (F Visa)
- Temporary workers (e.g. H-1B Visa holders)
Applicants whose visa requests are denied will not be charged this fee. Payment is required only after a visa has been approved. The new fee is in addition to existing visa application costs and does not replace them.
Steven A. Brown, a partner at immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC in Houston, explained:
“Visa Integrity Fee is added on top of the regular fee. Therefore, the total cost applicants must pay could increase significantly.”
For example, H-1B visa applicants previously paid US$205. With the added Integrity Fee, the fee would boost up to US$455, excluding additional increases in the form I-94 processing fee, which has risen from US$6 to US$24.
Policy Background: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The Integrity Fee is part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which gives the U.S. Department of the Interior authority to determine and adjust entry fees. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security told CNBC:
“President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill provides the policies and resources needed to restore integrity to the country’s immigration system.”
The increase in USCIS fees aligns with the current administration’s broader goals of enhancing border security and discouraging non-compliance with terms of authorized stays in the United States.
Despite the name, the implementation details remain unclear. The agency instituting the new 250 fee, has not yet offered specifics about the refund process or any other aspects of the policy’s rollout.
In response to CNBC‘s enquires, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said: “The visa integrity fee requires cross-agency coordination before implementation.”
Compliance vs Overstay: The Justification
The new fee is intended to reduce visa overstays. U.S. Congressional Research Service data shows that between 2016 and 2022, only 1% to 2% of non-immigrant visitors overstayed their visas.
However, approximately 42% of the estimated 11 million undocumented residents in the U.S. entered the country legally and overstayed their permitted duration.
Financial Burden on Tourists and Students
Immigration experts have raised concerns about the financial impact of this policy on travellers. The U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit that represents and advocates for the national travel industry, offered a mixed reaction to the bill earlier this month. Brown remarked:
“They may think twice about coming if they have to add 250 US dollars per person to their travel budget.”
This issue becomes more pronounced for business travelers and families travelling together. Students, too, could be discouraged by the increased cost of pursuing education in the U.S. Even nationals of Visa Waiver Program participating countries must pay Electronic System for Travel Authorization fees of $21, which are nearly doubled by Trump’s bill to $40.
The new “integrity fee” for nonimmigrant visas must be paid when the visas are issued, and there will be no fee waivers.
Timing and Economic Implications
The timing of the policy is notable. The United States is preparing to host major international events, including:
- America 250 (250th Independence Anniversary)
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
- 2028 Summer Olympics
Despite these opportunities to attract international visitors, visa fee increases may deter participation, particularly from Asia.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, voiced concern over budget reductions for US tourism promotion:
“We remain focused on increasing the number of legitimate international visitors and their positive impact on the U.S. economy.”
Brand USA’s funding has been cut from US$100 million to just US$20 million, putting additional strain on promotional efforts.
Visa Application Fee Tips
Travellers planning to apply for a visa to the United States should consider the following:
- Identify the correct visa type (e.g. tourist, student, work visa).
- Prepare all required documentation thoroughly.
- Complete the application form accurately and avoid typographical errors.
- Attach a clear and complete travel itinerary.
- Be well-prepared for the visa interview and bring all relevant documents.
Countries with the Most Expensive Tourist Visas
The U.S. now tops the list of countries with the highest visa-related costs:
- United States:
- Tourist/Business (B Visa): US$185
- Student/Exchange (F Visa): US$185
- Temporary Worker (H-1B Visa): US$205
- Entrepreneurs/Investors: US$315
- + Visa Integrity Fee: US$250
- Canada:
- Visa fee: CA$220 (approx. IDR 2.2 million)
- Biometrics: CA$85 (approx. IDR 1 million)
- New Zealand:
- Visa processing: US$106 (approx. IDR 1.7 million)
- Family applications are allowed under one visa
Conclusion: New Visa Integrity Fee
The implementation of the Visa Integrity Fee marks a significant change to U.S. immigration policy. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter the U.S., be prepared to pay an additional $250 on top of the existing application fees.
While it aims to strengthen visa compliance and restore integrity to the system, it places a higher financial burden on tourists, students, and temporary workers. With major international events on the horizon, the long-term effects on U.S. tourism remain to be seen.
