Big News for U.S. Visa Applicants: New $250 Fee Starting in 2026!
- By Fileright
- Last Updated:
If you’re planning to come to the U.S. on a student visa, work visa, or tourist visa, there’s a major update you need to know:
Starting in 2026, the U.S. government is introducing a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for all non-immigrant visa applicants.
This new fee is mandatory, non-waivable, and will increase annually with inflation. Whether you’re an F-1 student, an H-1B professional, or just visiting, this fee applies to you at the time of visa issuance.
Is the Fee Refundable?
Yes—but only if you follow all visa rules and either:
- Leave the U.S. within 5 days of your visa expiring (without requesting an extension), or
- Legally extend or adjust your status (like applying for a green card) before your visa expires.
Fail to meet these conditions? You won’t get your money back—and it goes straight to the U.S. Treasury.
Who Will Be Affected?
- International students
- Tech professionals and skilled workers
- Tourists and visitors
- U.S. employers relying on foreign talent
This isn’t just a new cost—it’s a compliance measure. If you want to avoid losing the fee, staying on top of your visa requirements is more important than ever.
Plus, More Travel Fees Are Coming
| Fee | Amount | Waiver? | Who It Affects |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 | X | All non-immigrant visa applicants |
| I-94 Fee | $24 | X | All international entrants |
| ESTA Fee | $13 | X | Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program |
| EVUS Fee | $30 | X | Some Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas |
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