US Introduces Unbelievable $250 Integrity Fee for H-1B Visa: Startling Impact on Students, Professionals, and Tourists from 2026! – Travel And Tour World

In an effort to enforce stronger immigration laws, the United States government has introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which will apply to student visas, tourist visas, H-1B work visas, and other non-immigrant visa applications starting in 2026. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration reform efforts, outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. The new fee is expected to significantly impact visitors, students, and professionals seeking entry into the US, adding substantial costs to an already expensive process.

The Visa Integrity Fee: What Does It Mean for Applicants?

Under the newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Visa Integrity Fee will be mandatory for all non-immigrant visa applications. This includes visas for tourism, business, student exchanges, and work, with the only exemptions being for diplomatic visa categories (A and G). The fee is designed to act as a security deposit, with the potential for a refund under specific conditions, but this will require substantial documentation. The fee will be pegged to inflation, which means it will increase annually, depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

What Types of Visas Will Be Affected?

This $250 Integrity Fee will apply to the following types of visas:

• Tourist/Business Visas (B-1/B-2)
• Student Visas (F/M)
• Work Visas (H-1B)
• Exchange Visitor Visas (J)

It will not apply to diplomatic visas or other special visa categories that are related to international relations.

In addition to this new surcharge, other fees will also be added for various travel-related services. For instance, there will be a $24 I-94 fee (an Arrival/Departure Record issued by US Customs and Border Protection), and $13 for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for travelers in the Visa Waiver Program.

For Chinese nationals, there will be an additional $30 EVUS fee (Electronic Visa Update System) for those holding a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa.

What Will the Total Cost of a US Visa Be?

Currently, a US tourist/business visa (B-1/B-2) for Indian nationals costs around $185 (approximately ₹15,855). However, with the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee, the total cost for an applicant will nearly double. When adding the Integrity Fee ($250), the I-94 fee ($24), and the ESTA fee ($13), the overall cost for a tourist visa will be around $472 (₹40,456). This is more than two-and-a-half times the original fee, making it a significant financial hurdle for many applicants.

Why the US Government Is Introducing These New Fees

The Visa Integrity Fee is part of President Trump’s broader immigration policy, which focuses on enforcing stricter controls to combat illegal immigration and encourage compliance with US laws. The fee is designed as a security deposit that aims to discourage visa overstays. Those who leave the US within five days of their visa expiration date, or who adjust their status to permanent residency before the visa expires, can apply for a refund of the fee.

However, not all applicants will benefit from this, as non-compliance or failure to meet the criteria will result in the forfeiture of the fee, with the money going to the US Treasury’s general fund.

How to Get the Integrity Fee Refunded?

A refund for the Visa Integrity Fee is possible but only under strict conditions. The applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Depart the US within 5 days of visa expiration without applying for an extension or change of status.
2. Successfully adjust to permanent residency before the I-94 expiry date.

The refund process is not automatic and will require proof of departure or status adjustment. Non-compliance will result in the fee being added to the general fund.

How Will These Fees Impact International Students, Tourists, and Professionals?

While the Visa Integrity Fee aims to deter individuals from overstaying their visas, it is expected to have a disproportionate impact on students, tourists, and professionals from developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa. The new costs will make visiting the US or studying there even more expensive, particularly for those who are already struggling with the financial burden of securing a visa.

For example, students seeking to pursue higher education in the US may find the added costs prohibitive, as they often rely on financial assistance or personal savings. Similarly, tourists from countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh may be discouraged from visiting the US, which could result in a decline in international tourism.

The Potential Impact on Cultural Exchanges

One of the unintended consequences of the Visa Integrity Fee could be a reduction in cultural exchanges between the US and other countries. Students, academics, and tourists are often key to fostering international relationships and promoting global understanding. However, the added financial burden could limit opportunities for cross-cultural learning and growth.

US Visa and Immigration Changes in Context

The Visa Integrity Fee is just one of several changes to US immigration policy that have been introduced in recent years. Other changes have included travel bans, more stringent visa processing times, and changes to work visa quotas. Critics argue that these policies have made it more difficult for people from certain countries to visit the US, especially those seeking education or professional opportunities.

On the other hand, supporters argue that these policies are necessary to protect the US from illegal immigration and to ensure that visa applicants comply with US laws. The introduction of a security deposit system through the Visa Integrity Fee is an attempt to find a balance between maintaining strong immigration controls and encouraging legitimate tourism, education, and business travel.

Potential for Future Increases in Visa Costs

Under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Visa Integrity Fee and other related fees will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This means that the cost of obtaining a US visa could continue to rise over the years. While the $250 Integrity Fee may seem manageable now, future increases based on inflation could make it even more expensive for individuals from low-income backgrounds to visit the US.

As such, applicants may need to plan well in advance to save the necessary funds, particularly if the visa fee structure continues to change.

Conclusion

The Visa Integrity Fee introduced by the Trump administration is a significant change in US immigration policy. Set to take effect in 2026, the new fee will add $250 to the cost of a variety of non-immigrant visa applications, including tourist, student, and work visas. While the fee aims to deter visa overstays and encourage compliance with US immigration laws, it also creates a financial burden that may deter applicants, especially from developing countries.

As the world awaits further details on how this new fee will impact international travel and global mobility, applicants will need to carefully consider the new costs when applying for a US visa. While the $250 Visa Integrity Fee may eventually be refunded in certain circumstances, it adds an extra layer of complexity to the US visa application process.