Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025 — If you’re planning to visit or move to the U.S. on a visa, get ready for a new $250 fee. This is part of a new law backed by President Donald Trump, often called the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
The fee is being called the “Visa Integrity Fee”, and it’s meant to encourage visa holders to follow the rules.
What Is the New $250 Visa Fee?
The $250 fee will be added to most non-immigrant U.S. visas, such as:
Tourist visas (B1/B2)
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Student visas (F-1, J-1)
Temporary work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
It will be paid upfront when your visa is issued.
It is refundable — but only if you follow the visa rules. That means:
You leave the U.S. on time
You don’t work illegally
You don’t overstay your visa
When Will This Start?
The law is already passed, but the government is still figuring out how to collect the fee.
It could start later in 2025 or early 2026.
Nothing needs to be paid yet — the official process isn’t active.
Who Has to Pay?
Anyone from a country that needs a visa to enter the U.S. (most of the world).
People from visa-free countries (like most of Europe under ESTA) won’t pay this fee, but other travel fees are going up too.
Canadians and Bermudans are mostly exempt.
Will I Really Get My $250 Back?
In theory, yes — but you’ll need to apply for a refund after your visa ends and prove you followed the rules.
As of now, there is no refund system in place. Experts say it could take a long time or be difficult to get your money back.
Other New Fees
This new law raises more fees, including:
ESTA (visa waiver program): from $21 to $40
I-94 (travel record): from $6 to $24
New fees for special programs like:
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): $500
Humanitarian parole: $1,000
Asylum applicants: $100/year
Why Is This Happening?
The goal is to make sure visa holders follow immigration laws.
Supporters say it helps protect American jobs and border security.
Critics say it could hurt tourism and international students, and make U.S. travel too expensive.
What Should You Do?
If you’re applying for a U.S. visa later this year or next, plan for the extra $250 fee.
Keep records of your travel and visa compliance if you want to apply for a refund in the future.
Bottom Line: You’ll soon have to pay a $250 refundable visa fee if you’re coming to the U.S. from most countries. It’s meant to be a “deposit” to make sure you follow the rules. But be prepared — getting that money back might not be easy.