Getting a visa to enter the United States has always had a monetary cost, in addition to bureaucratic costs. However, since the enactment of the new law proposed by Donald Trump, the Visa Integrity Fee, that amount will increase starting from the fiscal year 2026 in the United States, to $435. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State were the authorities responsible for announcing this new measure, which covers the tourist visa (B1/B2), student visa (F, M, J), and temporary work visas (H-1B, L, O, P, R).
Those individuals who have already begun the process to obtain their visa, but it has not yet been issued, will have to pay the new amount. They will also have to do so for those whose visa has already been approved but have not yet received it.
Visa Integrity Fee
Starting October 1, 2025, the date coinciding with the beginning of the new fiscal year in the United States, the price of the fee that tourists have to pay to enter the country will increase. This is basically what the Visa Integrity Fee means, a fee created and pushed by Trump, in order to tighten the country’s immigration measures. Although it was initially stated that it would be refundable after 10 years, the reality is it will not be, except in very exceptional cases.
This new measure was announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State, claiming that it is a tool to strengthen compliance with immigration rules, as well as to discourage visitors from misusing temporary visas.
What visas are included in this new fee?
Absolutely all temporary non-immigrant visas used to enter the United States are included in this new fee. Here’s a brief reminder:
- Tourist visa (B1/B2).
- Student visa (F, M, J).
- Temporary work visa (H-1B, L, O, P, R).
In other words, if a tourist with a B1/B2 visa had to pay $185 to enter the country, now they will have to face a payment of $435. Except for exceptions, this amount will not be refundable under any circumstances.
Can I request a refund of my visitor fee?
You can only request a refund if you, as the visa holder, meet the following requirements:
- Do not exceed the visit period.
- Do not work without permission in the country.
- Leave the country before the visa expires.
According to the authorities, the aim is to “reward good immigration behavior, while also deterring abuses such as illegal stay or unauthorized employment”.
I have already applied for my visa, and now what?
To cover themselves, the law establishes that the charge of the new amount will apply “at the time of issuance.” Let’s look at specific cases:
- The visa has already been applied for but not issued. You will have to pay the new amount regardless of when the procedure began.
- The visa has been approved but not delivered. Before receiving it, the applicant will have to make the payment.
Whatever the situation, it is recommended that all people who have applied for a tourist, study, or temporary work visa pay attention to any changes, as they could be affected by this change.
What is next?
Neither the State Department nor the USCIS authorities have yet clarified how to proceed in light of this new situation. They will do so in the coming months, but until then, it is recommended to keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Access the official website of the U.S. Embassy in your country, and consult any updates regarding this matter.
- If you have an ongoing process, contact the consulate for more information about it.
- If you are planning to travel to the United States in 2026, plan your trip well, taking into account the initial expense of $435.