A new $250 visa integrity fee will be required for most non-immigrant visa applicants to the United States under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, recently signed into law by former President Donald Trump. This mandatory charge, applicable to tourists, students, temporary workers, and exchange visitors, will be collected at visa issuance time and cannot be waived. However, compliant travellers, those who depart on time or adjust status appropriately may later receive a partial or full reimbursement.
The fee excludes citizens of Visa Waiver Programme countries, as well as most Canadians and Bermudans, but applies to visas under categories such as B‑1/B‑2, F‑1, H‑1B, and J‑1. The law, effective in fiscal year 2026 (starting October 1, 2025), aims to strengthen visa compliance and support immigration enforcement.
Travel and tourism stakeholders have voiced deep concern, warning that the fee acts as a “tariff” that could deter international visitors especially ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The U.S. Travel Association argued that the rising costs add burdens without reinvestment into the visitor experience, potentially undermining the recovery of international travel.
