The new fee is in addition to existing visa application charges and must be paid when the visa is issued. There will be no waivers, although the fee is refundable for travellers who fully comply with their visa terms. However, the process for obtaining the refund has not yet been made clear.
In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. issued nearly 11 million nonimmigrant visas. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, such as many European nations and Australia, who travel for 90 days or less, are exempt from needing a visa and therefore will not be subject to this new fee.
Policy Aims and Implementation Details Unclear
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will oversee the rollout of the visa integrity fee, but has yet to provide full details. According to DHS, implementation will require coordination across multiple agencies. The State Department says the fee is intended to help enforce immigration rules, deter visa overstays, and support border security.
According to the bill, any unreimbursed fees will go into the general fund of the U.S. Treasury. The initial amount for fiscal year 2025 is set at either $250 or a higher figure determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. The amount will also be adjusted annually for inflation.
Immigration attorney Steven A. Brown has referred to the fee as a "refundable security deposit." However, he noted that without clear guidelines on refunds, its true purpose and effect remain uncertain. He added that while immigration fees usually cover the cost of processing, the refundable nature of this one raises questions about its long-term impact.
Concerns from Travel Industry
The U.S. Travel Association expressed concern about the added costs. While it welcomed other parts of the domestic policy bill—such as funding for customs modernisation and air traffic control—the group criticised the visa integrity fee as harmful to travel.
Erik Hansen, the association's senior vice president of government relations, warned that the new fee could raise the upfront cost of a U.S. visit by 144%. Even if reimbursable, he said, the added complexity and cost might discourage many travellers from choosing the United States as a destination.
Further updates about the implementation and refund process will be published on the State Department's visa information page once details are finalised through the federal rulemaking process.
