• Source:JND
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Indian nationals planning to visit the United States, whether for tourism, study, or work, should prepare for a significant hike in visa costs. A new USD 250 “Visa Integrity Fee” has been introduced as part of a sweeping visa reform under the recently signed omnibus legislation, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," approved by President Trump on July 4.

Currently, the standard US tourist/business visa (B-1/B-2) for Indian citizens costs USD 185 (approximately Rs15,855). With the inclusion of the USD 250 Integrity Fee, along with additional surcharges such as the USD 24 I-94 fee and USD 13 ESTA fee, the total cost is expected to rise to USD 472 (around Rs 40,456)—nearly two and a half times the original amount. This Visa Integrity Fee will apply to a wide range of non-immigrant visa categories, including:

 - Tourist/Business Visas (B-1/B-2)

 - Student Visas (F-1 and F-2)

 - Exchange Visitor Visas (J-1 and J-2)

 - Work Visas (H-1B and H-4)

 - Diplomatic visa categories (A and G) are exempt.

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What Is Visa Integrity Fee?

Described as a kind of “security deposit,” the new fee is designed to encourage compliance with US immigration laws. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will collect it at the time of visa issuance, and it is refundable only under strict conditions.

To reclaim the fee, the visa holder must either:

 - Depart the US within five days of visa expiry, or

 - Transition lawfully to a green card before the visa expires.

If these conditions are not met, the fee is forfeited to the US Treasury.

Starting in fiscal year 2026, the fee will be adjusted annually based on inflation (CPI), and DHS reserves the right to increase it further through future regulations.

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Wider Impacts Of New Fee

Financial burden on Indian travellers: The upfront visa cost could discourage tourism, especially from middle-class Indian families, who must now budget over Rs 40,000, excluding travel expenses. The new visa integrity fee is intended to deter overstays by imposing financial penalties, but experts warn it may unintentionally discourage lawful visitors from developing countries. U.S. universities and exchange sponsors also fear the higher costs could reduce F-1 and J-1 enrollments.