US Introduces $250 Visa Integrity Fee: Who Pays, Exemptions, and Refund Rules

Starting October 1, 2025, the United States will require a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for most non-immigrant visa applications. This move is part of broader efforts to strengthen visa processing and security.

While the fee is intended to ensure integrity in the application process, it comes at a time when inbound travel to the US is already seeing some slowdown, raising questions about its impact on international visitors.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The Visa Integrity Fee is a new mandatory charge introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed into law in July 2025. It applies to individuals applying for;

The goal is to fund enhanced vetting, security, and integrity measures within the US visa system.

Importantly, this is not a one-time entry charge like the ESTA fee that applies under the Visa Waiver Program. Instead, the fee is collected as part of every non-immigrant visa application for countries outside the waiver program, including India, China, Brazil, Argentina, and many others.

For Indian travellers, the cost of a US visitor visa now jumps to roughly $442, one of the steepest application fees in the world. That increase comes amid an already cooling demand for US-bound travel.

Who Must Pay and Who Is Exempt?

The Visa Integrity Fee applies to most non-immigrant visa applicants from countries not included in the US Visa Waiver Program. This includes key markets such as India, Brazil, China, and Argentina.

Who Has to Pay the Fee?

• All non-immigrant visa applicants from non-Visa Waiver Program countries.
• This includes visitors, students, workers, and exchange participants applying under B, F, M, H, and J categories.

Who Is Exempt?

Exemptions exist for travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries, as well as certain diplomats and government officials on official missions. If you fall into one of these categories, you won’t need to pay the fee.

• Travellers from countries in the US Visa Waiver Program (such as the UK, Japan, South Korea, and most of Europe).
• US citizens applying for visas are obviously unaffected.

Refund Conditions

The visa integrity fee is refundable, but with caveats. To be eligible:

• A traveller must depart the United States within five days of their visa expiring.
• They cannot have applied for a visa extension or status change while in the US.

Potential Impact on Travel and Tourism

The $250 fee could generate $2.7 billion annually, but higher costs may deter travellers. Up to 5.4% of visitors might cancel plans, cutting nearly one million trips and $29 billion in tourism spending, especially from key markets like India and Brazil.

What Travellers Should Consider

If you’re planning for a U.S. visa after October 1, 2025, factor the Visa Integrity Fee into your budget. Understand whether your country is exempt and whether your travel plans could allow a refund if needed. Long-term visa holders should be aware that recovering the fee could involve additional paperwork and waiting periods.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, this fee is more than just an extra cost. It’s part of a broader push to secure the US visa system. For travellers, awareness is key: know the rules, plan ahead, and avoid surprises at the consulate or embassy.