A US visit may soon cost tourists $250 more.
In July 2025, the US government introduced a new bill that would add a $250 fee on top of the current visa fee, known as the "Visa Integrity Fee."
Paying this additional visa fee would be mandatory for every visitor planning to obtain a non-immigrant visa, which includes visa categories such as the tourist category, exchange programs, and others.
Tourists from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, who aren't required to obtain a US visa when planning to stay in the country for 90 days, will not have to pay the additional visa fee. However, it's also worth noting that under the new rule, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee will increase to at least $40, which is double its current price.
Applicants will be required to pay the additional US visa fee once their visa is approved.
The US government has the right to refund the Integrity Fee if the tourist fulfills the following visa requirements:
The tourist does not use the visa — that is, does not enter US territory during the visa's validity period;
The traveler fully complies with the rules defined by the tourist category — for example, does not work or study without the appropriate visa;
When the visa holder changes their non-immigrant visa to another visa category.
According to a representative of the US Department of Homeland Security, the visa fee, which will not be refundable by default, is transferred as a deposit into the US Treasury's fund.
As noted above, the visa fee is set at $250 for fiscal year 2025. However, according to the US government, the fee amount is expected to increase after the bill is passed. The fee amount will be recalculated at the end of each fiscal year based on the country's inflation rate and will not be less than $250.
The purpose of the additional visa fee is to restore trust in the US immigration system.
According to annual data, the majority of people holding US visas comply with the conditions of their visa, and according to the US Congressional Research Service, during fiscal years 2016-2022, only 1-2% of visa holders remained in the US after their visa expired.
However, the data also shows that approximately 11 million undocumented individuals in the US remained in the country specifically after their visa expired.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the additional fee?
The additional fee amount for fiscal year 2025 is $250. However, according to the bill, it may increase based on inflation in the country.
Who will be required to pay the additional fee?
Paying the Integrity Fee will be mandatory for every applicant planning to obtain a non-immigrant visa.
When must the fee be paid?
According to the bill, the fee is paid only once the applicant's visa is approved.
Does the new fee replace other fees?
No, the bill states that the new fee will be "in addition to" other fees, including the standard visa fee.
For example, applicants for the H-1B visa category currently pay a visa fee of $205. Once the new fee takes effect, they will need to pay $455.
In addition, this fee will also be added to the Form I-94 fee, which, according to the bill, will increase from $6 to $24.
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