The administration of United States President Donald Trump has again announced the introduction of a $250 U.S Visa Integrity Fee, a mandatory surcharge that will hit non-immigrant visa applicants starting in 2026.
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, as part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this fee targets everyone from tourists and students to skilled workers seeking H-1B visas.
This $250 U.S Visa Integrity Fee applies to nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, including B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange) visas, with only diplomatic A and G categories exempt.
The B-1/B-2 visa that currently costs $185 (approximately N292,000 or ₹15,855) will now total around $435 (about N686,000 or ₹37,300) with the additional Integrity Fee.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect this non-negotiable fee at visa issuance, on top of existing application costs.
Beyond the immediate $250 charge, the fee is expected to rise annually from 2026, with adjustments overseen by the DHS based on inflation.
It was gathered that the Trump administration pitches this fee as a “security deposit” to enforce visa compliance, offering a potential refund for those who play by the rules.
Applicants who fully comply with visa conditions, such as departing the country within five days after their authorised stay, may qualify for a refund.
To be eligible for a refund, individuals must provide proof of full compliance with all visa conditions. This includes, for instance, documented evidence of timely departure from the United States or a lawful adjustment of immigration status. Importantly, refunds can only be processed after the visa expires.
If an applicant fails to meet the eligibility criteria, the collected fee will be retained and transferred to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.
