Starting in 2026, U.S. tourist and student visa applicants will need to pay a $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which will act as a security deposit. Part of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” this fee applies to most non-immigrant visas (B-1/B-2, F, M, J, H-1B) but excludes diplomatic categories.
Added to current visa costs, total fees could reach nearly $472. The fee may be refundable if applicants leave the U.S. on time or adjust status legally, but the refund process is strict and not automatic.
This move aims to reduce visa overstays but may pose a burden for travelers from developing countries. More details from the US State Department are expected soon.
