Planning to Visit the U.S.? Indian Travelers Will Soon Pay a New $250 Visa Fee

 

Planning-to-Visit-the-U.S.?-Indian-Travelers-Will-Soon-Pay-a-New-$250-Visa-Fee

If you're an Indian tourist, student, or professional planning a trip to the United States, there's an important update you should know about: a new $250 "Visa Integrity Fee" is being added to most U.S. non-immigrant visa categories starting soon.

This new charge is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, recently signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 4. The fee applies to a wide range of visa types, including:

• B-1/B-2 (tourist/business)
• F and M (students)
• H-1B (skilled professionals)
• J (exchange visitors)

Only those applying for diplomatic visas (A and G categories) are exempt.

What Does This Mean for Indian Applicants?

The Visa Integrity Fee must be paid when your visa is issued, and it’s in addition to the standard visa application fees already in place.

• The base amount is $250 for fiscal year 2025
• From 2026 onward, the fee will increase annually based on inflation
• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the authority to revise the amount

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Is It Refundable?

Here’s the catch: unlike regular visa fees, this new charge can’t be waived or reduced. However, it may be refunded—but only if you strictly follow all visa rules. This includes:

• Not overstaying your visa
• Avoiding unauthorized employment
• Leaving the U.S. within five days of your authorized stay, or securing an approved extension/change of status

Think of it as a security deposit that rewards compliance with U.S. immigration rules.

More Fees to Watch Out For

This change is part of a broader rollout of new travel-related fees. According to immigration law firm Fragomen, other upcoming charges include:

• A $24 I-94 fee
• A $13 ESTA fee (for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program)
• A $30 EVUS fee (for some Chinese nationals)

How Much Will It Cost in Total?

For Indian travelers, these additional charges can significantly bump up the total cost. For instance, a B-1/B-2 tourist/business visa, currently priced at $185 (around ₹15,855), could now cost approximately $472 (about ₹40,456)—nearly 2.5 times more than the current fee.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're heading to the U.S. for vacation, education, or work, this new fee structure is something you'll need to factor into your travel budget. While it adds to the upfront cost, staying compliant with visa rules could make you eligible for a refund—so make sure to stay informed and follow all guidelines closely.

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