New ‘visa integrity fee’ on USA visas to be introduced

The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ is a government budget that was signed into law on July 4th, and it sets out conditions that a new ‘visa integrity fee’ is to be paid upon the issuance of any non-immigrant visa, which would include F-1 and M-1 student visas, and J-1 exchange visas.

For the 2025 fiscal year (until 30th September 2025), the fee will be set at a minimum of US$250 or an amount established by the Department of Homeland Security, with automatic annual increases based on inflation from the fiscal year 2026.

The text of the bill states that the ‘visa integrity fee’ cannot be waived or reduced. All fees collected, if not refunded, will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury’s General Fund.

It is stated that the visa integrity fee may be reimbursed by the Secretary of State to non-immigrants who fully comply with the terms of their visa, including not accepting unauthorized employment, and departing promptly at the end of the visa term or obtaining lawful extension or adjustment of status.

In an updated page to stakeholders on the visa integrity fee, NAFSA Association of International Educators said that a collection mechanism is not currently in place, and it is not yet clear how the fee will be collected or which agency will obtain the fee.

NAFSA also highlighted that other measures in the bill include an increase in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee for visitors from visa waiver countries to US$40, almost doubling from the current rate of US$21. However, a start date for the increase has not been specified.

There will also be a new fee of US$30 on the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) scheme, which is used by Chinese nationals on B1/B2 visitor visas.

In EnglishUSA ‘s recent report on 2024 business at English language providers, 17 per cent of students enrolled came on an ETSA.

US Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, said, “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. “As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must fully fund Brand USA and ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”