$250 US Visa Application Fee Increase Shaking Up Travel Plans For Visitors In 2026
by Travelopod
July 16, 2025
Travelers dreaming of visiting the United States might want to check their wallets. A new law, nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by former President Trump this month, is bound to increase the US visa application fee by $250
One of the biggest changes is that, “Visa Integrity Fee” is applicable to almost all non-immigrant visa applicants. And for many people, this fee could mean trips to the U.S. suddenly get a lot pricier.
What Is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?
What Is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?
Right now, people who want to visit, study, work, or join exchange programs in the U.S. pay standard visa fees. But under the new law, starting in 2026, they’ll also have to pay this extra $250 fee.
Who has to pay?
Who has to pay?
- Tourists (like those applying for B-1/B-2 visas)
- Students (F or M visas)
- Workers (such as H-1B visa holders)
- Exchange visitors (like those with J visas)
There are no waivers for this fee. Even diplomats aren’t exempt. The only exception? If you apply after your visa expires and fully comply with visa rules, you might get a refund.
Plus, the fee isn’t fixed forever. It’s tied to inflation and could increase every year based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Why Is the Fee Being Added?
Why Is the Fee Being Added?
Officials say the fee is meant to help cover the costs of extra background checks and better immigration monitoring. The goal is to make sure people stick to the rules of their visas and return home when they’re supposed to.
How Much Could This Cost Travelers?
How Much Could This Cost Travelers?
For many travelers, this extra fee will feel like a big hit.
Take Indian travelers, for example:
Currently, a U.S. tourist visa costs around $185 (₹15,000).
With the new fee, it could rise to $472 (nearly ₹40,000) once other processing costs are added.
For a family of four, that’s $1,000 more just to get visas!
Travel Industry Worries
Travel Industry Worries
New costs were reported to discourage visitors to the U.S. Some also fear that tourism may be deterred with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup being co-hosted by the United States. If costs are deemed too high by travelers visiting the U.S., then Canada, Europe, or Australia would be safer alternatives with cheaper visa fees and simpler processes.
Apart from travel, the fee hike could affect other areas too:
- Businesses might face higher costs when bringing in skilled workers from abroad.
- Students could reconsider studying in the U.S. due to the added expense.
- Exchange programs and cultural visits may see a drop in participation, especially from developing countries.
Even tech companies are worried. U.S. firms already spend thousands of dollars on visa processing for skilled workers. Now they’ll have to add this new fee to their budgets. Reports say that early registrations for the H-1B visa cap have already dropped nearly 27%, possibly due to concerns over rising costs.
When Does This Happen?
When Does This Happen?
Here’s when the changes kick in:
- Tax cuts: Already active as of July 2025.
- Visa Integrity Fee: Starts in 2026.
- Other program changes: Roll out between 2026 and 2028.
Should You Worry?
Should You Worry?
If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling within the country, you’re in the clear.
But if you’re planning to come to the U.S. from abroad, you’ll want to plan ahead and budget for this extra fee.
It’s not the end of the world—but it’s definitely something travelers should keep in mind.
Quick Tips for Travelers
Quick Tips for Travelers
- Apply well in advance if your plans include entering the U.S. on or before 2026.
- Check about visa fees so that you are not caught unaware.
- Make sure to include this extra $250 in your budget.
You may want to talk to a travel expert if you are unsure of how this will affect your plans.
The skies are still open for travel, but with this change—the $250 'US visa application fee' or the new Visa Integrity Fee—the cost of catching a flight to the U.S. might be heading a little higher.
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