New $250 US Visa Integrity Fee to Hit Indian Tourists, Students, and Workers in 2026

Indian citizens seeking US visas for tourism, education, or employment will soon pay significantly more due to a new mandatory $250 “Visa Integrity Fee.” This charge, part of the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, takes effect next year and applies to most non-immigrant visas.

As reported by Business Today, President Donald Trump enacted the law on July 4. The fee impacts key visa categories including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange). Only A and G class diplomatic visas are exempt.

Understanding the Visa Integrity Fee

This non-waivable fee functions like a security deposit, collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during visa issuance. Travelers who follow all visa rules – such as leaving the US within five days of visa expiry or obtaining legal status changes – can apply for a refund. Those who violate terms forfeit the fee to the US government.

Fee Changes Starting 2026

Indian tourists and other applicants will face substantially higher costs beginning in 2026. While the core visa application fee remains $185, new surcharges are added. The Economic Times notes applicants must pay the $250 Visa Integrity Fee plus a $24 I-94 surcharge for admission tracking. Travelers using ESTA or EVUS systems face additional fees of $13 or $30, respectively.

Purpose and Criticism

The Donald Trump administration states the fee aims to reduce visa overstays and improve compliance, according to Business Today. However, critics argue it unfairly burdens law-abiding travelers, particularly from developing nations like India.

For Indian visitors, these combined fees mean total visa costs could approach ₹40,000 – more than double the current expense.