The United States has introduced a new Visa Integrity Fee for all non-immigrant visas. This includes H-1B work visas, F-1 student visas, tourist B-1/B-2 visas, and other non-immigrant visa types.
The fee will start on October 1, 2025, the beginning of the US fiscal year. It comes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.
H-1B Visa Fee Details
The Visa Integrity Fee is mandatory, and applicants cannot avoid or reduce it. The fee must be paid on top of the regular machine-readable visa (MRV) fee and any other reciprocity fees.
For fiscal year 2025, the fee is $250, which is approximately ₹ 22,197 or an amount set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Starting in fiscal year 2026, the fee will increase automatically with inflation.
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The law also adds a $24 surcharge for all visa types to help detect fraud and enforce rules. People applying for the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will pay this fee too, except for US citizens, returning residents, immigrants, and most Canadian visitors.
Visa Fee Reimbursement
The good news is that travellers who follow all visa rules can get the fee back. “The visa integrity fee is compulsory and cannot be waived or reduced, but it will be reimbursed to the applicant who fully complies with the terms of their visa,” the law says.
To qualify for reimbursement, travellers must:
- Avoid unauthorised work
- Leave the US within five days after their visa expires, or get a legal extension
Who Must Pay?
All new applicants for H-1B, F-1, and tourist visas must pay this fee. Travellers who don’t need a visa, like those under the Visa Waiver Program or most Canadians, do not have to pay.
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Impact on Students & Workers
The new fee could be a big expense for international students and H-1B workers. Many already spend a lot on tuition, living costs, and other visa fees.
Experts say some students may rethink studying in the US, and H-1B workers may face higher relocation costs. Universities and employers may need to guide applicants on how to get the fee reimbursed.
Additional Measures
The law also aims to improve border security and prevent visa fraud. By adding this fee, the US wants travellers to follow visa rules strictly and make it easier to track non-immigrant visitors.
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Global Impact
Experts warn the fee could make the US less attractive internationally. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany offer easier visa processes with lower costs. This could affect international students and skilled workers, and even slow down innovation and talent coming to the US
What This Means?
The Visa Integrity Fee is mandatory from October 1, 2025. It applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants. Compliant travellers can get the fee back, but it adds extra costs for studying, working, or visiting the US.
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Applicants should track deadlines carefully, follow visa rules, and plan for the added expense. The coming months will show how this fee affects travel, education, and work in the US
