"US imposes $250 visa integrity fee on students, workers, and other applicants."

"US imposes $250 visa integrity fee on students, workers, and other applicants."

The United States has officially announced the implementation of a $250 Visa Integrity Fee that will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories, including those for tourism, education, and employment, starting in fiscal year 2025.

This fee will be an additional charge on top of the existing visa application costs.

The new surcharge will affect a variety of visa categories, such as:

• B-1/B-2 (business and tourist)
• F and M (students)
• H-1B (skilled workers)
• J (exchange visitors)

Only visas for diplomatic and international organizations (categories A and G) will be exempt from this fee.

For instance, the B-1/B-2 visa, which currently costs $185 (approximately N292,000), will now amount to around $435 (about N686,000) once the Integrity Fee is added.

The U.S. government has characterized the Visa Integrity Fee as a compliance measure designed to promote lawful behavior and deter visa overstays. It serves as an incentive for non-immigrant visa holders to strictly adhere to the terms of their stay.

Applicants who fully comply with visa conditions, such as leaving the country within five days after their authorized stay, may be eligible for a refund. However, waivers, discounts, or exemptions will generally not be available.

Looking ahead, this $250 fee is expected to increase annually starting in 2026, with adjustments managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on inflation.

This announcement has raised concerns among frequent travelers, international students, and employers who depend on foreign talent, especially in countries with high volumes of U.S. visa applications.

As the implementation date approaches, prospective visitors are encouraged to consider this increased cost when planning travel, study, or employment in the U.S.

The Visa Integrity Fee is established as a recurring surcharge, with its amount set to be indexed to inflation beginning in 2026. While applicants can request a refund, it is not guaranteed.

To qualify for a refund, individuals must provide proof of full compliance with all visa conditions, such as documented evidence of timely departure from the United States or lawful adjustment of immigration status.

It is important to note that refunds can only be processed after the visa has expired. If an applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria, the collected fee will be retained and deposited into the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.