Rama Krishna Sangem
From October 1, 2025 the United States is implementing a new $250 (Rs 40,000) “Visa Integrity Fee” for all non-immigrant visa applicants. This fee applies to individuals seeking tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas. The introduction of this fee aims to bolster visa processing and security measures but has raised concerns about its potential impact on international travel and tourism.
What is the Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a mandatory charge introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law in July 2025. It is introduced to support enhanced vetting and integrity measures within the visa application process. The fee is refundable under certain conditions, such as departing the US within five days of visa expiration without seeking an extension or status change.
t applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants from countries not included in the US Visa Waiver Program such as India, Brazil, China, and Argentina. For Indian applicants, the total cost for a visitor visa will rise to approximately $442, among the highest globally. This increase comes at a time when inbound travel to the US is already declining.
Economic impact
It is speculated that the new fee could deter international visitors, particularly from key markets like India and Brazil. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the fee could generate about $2.7 billion annually. However, Tourism Economics projects that the fee could discourage 5.4% of visitors, translating to nearly one million fewer trips each year. This decline could result in a $29 billion loss in tourism spending, affecting jobs and tax revenue in the tourism sector.
Refund process & considerations
The fee is refundable under specific conditions, such as departing the US within five days of visa expiration without seeking an extension or status change. However, for long-term visa holders, such as students and professionals, the refund process may be complex and could require waiting for extended periods.
The introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee marks a significant change in US visa policy. While the fee aims to enhance visa processing and security, it may also impact international travel and tourism, particularly from countries like India. Applicants should be aware of the new fee and consider its implications when planning their travel to the United States.
