A new fee is being introduced for most people applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa. As part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law on July 4, 2025, every applicant for a tourist, student, exchange, or temporary work visa will owe an extra $250 when their visa is issued. 

This “visa integrity fee” is meant to cover the cost of checking and enforcing visa rules, but it also makes travel to America more expensive for millions of visitors.

Who Pays and Who Is Exempt

Anyone needing a standard non‑immigrant visa, such as B‑1/B‑2 for tourism or business, F‑1 for students, J‑1 for exchange programs, or H‑1B for speciality workers, must pay the new fee. 

Those from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and others, do not need a visa and so are not charged. Most Canadian and Bermudian citizens who normally travel without a visa are also exempt.

The fee aims to strengthen immigration checks and fund enforcement efforts at U.S. borders. By charging each non‑immigrant visa holder a flat $250, lawmakers say they can pay for more staff, better technology, and tougher measures against visa overstays or fraud.

When It Takes Effect

Although the law was passed in July 2025, the fee will not start immediately. The U.S. government needs to set up a system for collecting payments and processing any refunds. 

Officials expect the fee to begin as early as October 1, 2025, the start of the next fiscal year. Exact dates and payment steps will be announced by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. State Department.

Reimbursement Conditions

Good news for some travellers: the fee may be fully or partially refundable. To get money back, visa holders must follow all visa rules, leaving the U.S. on time, avoiding unauthorised work, or legally changing their status if they remain longer. Details on how to apply for a refund are still pending.

Impact on Visitors and Events

The extra $250 adds to existing visa costs, currently $185 for most tourist visas and $205 for work visas, so a single trip could cost up to $435 before any refund.

Travel industry groups warn that this could discourage study abroad, business trips, and tourism, especially ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in the U.S.

What Travellers Should Do Now

Prospective visitors should factor the new fee into their budgets once it kicks in. Students, exchange participants, and professionals from lower‑income countries may find costs rising sharply.

Anyone planning to apply for a U.S. non‑immigrant visa after October 1, 2025, should watch for official guidance on payment methods and refund procedures.