Travelers must pay 'integrity fee' for US tourist visas

(NewsNation) — A proviso nether the precocious passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act shows that visitors to the U.S. volition person to wage a "visa integrity fee."

The interest volition use to each visitors who request a nonimmigrant visa to participate the country, and it cannot beryllium waived. However, the proviso shows that travelers whitethorn beryllium capable to get a reimbursement.

How overmuch is the fee?

The "visa integrity fee" volition beryllium $250 during the 2025 U.S. fiscal year, which started connected Oct. 1, 2024 and ends Sept. 30. According to the provision, the DHS caput tin set the interest to a higher price. Afterwards, that interest volition beryllium adjusted for inflation.

Who has to pay, and erstwhile is it paid?

The interest applies to each visitors who request a non-immigrant visa to participate the country, which includes tourists, concern travelers and planetary students. Visitors from countries connected the Visa Waiver Program database volition beryllium exempt from the fee.

The interest volition beryllium paid erstwhile a visa is issued, truthful if a visa petition is denied to a person, they volition not beryllium charged.

Does the interest regenerate different visa fees?

No, the caller interest is successful summation to existing fees, including the fees for regular visas, according to the provision. The interest indispensable beryllium paid connected apical of the Form I-94 Fee, which has been accrued from $6 to $24 by the fund bill.

The interest indispensable beryllium paid by anyone required to taxable a Form I-94 accomplishment and departure record, which applies to astir travelers.

How volition travelers get reimbursed?

According to the provision, successful bid to get their wealth back, visa holders volition person to comply with visa conditions, which see “not accept(ing) unauthorized employment,” and not overstaying the visa's validity day by much than 5 days.