The United States has announced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee that will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories including those for tourism, study, and employment starting in fiscal year 2025.
This fee will be charged in addition to current visa application costs, making the visa process significantly more expensive for many applicants.
As reported by TravelBiz, the new surcharge will impact several visa types, including B-1/B-2 (business and tourist), F and M (students), H-1B (skilled workers), and J (exchange visitors).
Exemptions will only apply to diplomatic and international organization visas under categories A and G.
For instance, the B-1/B-2 visa that currently costs $185 (about ₦292,000 or ₹15,855) will now rise to around $435 (approximately ₦686,000 or ₹37,300) once the new fee is added.
More insights
The U.S. government describes the Visa Integrity Fee as a tool to promote lawful conduct and minimize overstays among non-immigrant visa holders. It is framed as a compliance incentive, encouraging visitors to strictly follow the terms of their stay.
The new policy reflects a broader shift in the U.S. immigration system, focusing more on compliance and enforcement of visa regulations.
What you should know
The Visa Integrity Fee is defined in U.S. law as a recurring surcharge, which will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. While there is a pathway to request a refund, it is not automatically granted.
To qualify, applicants must prove full compliance with visa terms. This includes submitting documented proof of timely departure from the U.S. or a lawful adjustment of immigration status. Refunds will only be processed after the visa has expired.
If an applicant fails to meet the required conditions, the U.S. government will retain the fee and transfer it to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund.
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