Applying for a US visa? You will soon have to shell out approximately Rs 40,000! The United States has implemented a new $250 'Visa Integrity Fee' on all non-immigrant visa applications, which will affect technology companies by raising their work visa expenses.
"The recently announced "Visa Integrity Fee" will act as a deterrent for new classes of Indian students, travellers etc applying for the US visa since the revised visa processing cost would be 2.5 times more than the existing fees," an ET report quoted Keshav Singhania, Head – Private Client, Singhania & Co. as saying.
US Visa Fees Hike: How Much More Do You Have To Pay?
- For Indian nationals, the average tourist visa costs are anticipated to rise by 2.5 times, approximately hitting ₹40,000.
- From 2026, US visa applicants will need to pay $472 (approximately ₹40,456) in total fees. This comprises of the new Integrity Fee of $250, I-94 fee of $24, and ESTA fee of $13, US immigration services firm Fragomen has said according to ET.
- This fee applies to various visa categories, including tourist/business (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), work (H-1B), and exchange (J) visas.
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Technology companies from India and the US heavily rely on work visas for transferring engineering professionals to America.
"It is advisable that the working capital costs associated with the revised visa processing cost is carefully provided for by aspiring applicants," Keshav Singhania told the financial daily, noting that applicants should secure visa appointments before 2026 when the new charge begins.
The new visa regulation was implemented under the Omnibus Act, part of US President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill that became law on July 4, with exceptions only for diplomatic visa categories (A and G).
The charge, which will see annual inflation-adjusted increases, serves as a security deposit and is refundable if visa holders meet specific requirements. Visa holders can claim a refund if they leave the US within five days of their visa expiry without applying for extensions or status modifications.Whilst this arrangement might suit tourists, students and professionals could have their funds locked for extended periods.
"To cushion the blow, basis a preliminary reading of the Bill, the visa fees is to be seen as a security deposit refundable upon lawful exit from the states in compliance with one's visa tenure and conditions," Singhania said.
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