U.S. Visa Integrity Fee: 5 quick things Indian applicants should know about the new rule

New change announced by the Donald Trump government in the visa policy! For those planning a trip to the U.S., or wish to study there, or work, there is a new rule which may impact your budget in a way. Starting fiscal year 2025, the country has launched a $250 (INR 21,422) Visa Integrity Fee. It will be applicable for most non-immigrant visa categories.

This will include tourist, student, and work visas. The main reason behind this is to ensure visa compliance. It’s a refundable (conditions applied) fee that adds significantly to overall visa costs.
Here are some important things Indian applicants should know:

(Canva)

The US has introduced a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” which is a part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The act went into effect on July 4 and is launched as a kind of refundable security deposit. The main purpose of this new visa fee is to ensure visa holders adhere to US immigration laws.

The visa fees will be collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). But it will be adjusted annually based on inflation. The hike is expected from 2026 onward. (Canva)

Every applicant with a non-immigrant US visa will have to pay the fee. The visa categories include

B-1B-2 (tourist/business)
F and M (student)
H-1B (work)
J (exchange)
However, diplomatic visa holders (A and G categories) are exempt. Indians across multiple categories will likely be affected with this new change. (Canva)

It is refundable under several strict conditions. Those who wish to get a refund will have to fully comply with visa terms, including
1) Not engaging in unauthorized employment
2) Departing the US within five days of their allowed stay
3) If a visa holder extends their stay legally or changes their visa status, a refund won’t be possible.
4) This fee acts more like a security deposit for good conduct during your stay in the US.
(Canva)

Currently, a B-1/B-2 visa is priced at $185 (approximately INR 15,855). However, with the proposed addition of a $250 Visa Integrity Fee (INR 21,400), along with other charges like the $24 I-94 data fee and possible extra taxes, the total cost could rise to around $472 (INR 40,456) or even higher. (Canva)

This move could just add up to the financial burden on Indian students, H-1B workers, and tourists planning to visit the U.S. It may also deter casual or short-term visits due to higher upfront costs. (Canva)