'One Big Beautiful' Hike Of $250 In Visa Costs For Indians As US Introduces 'Integrity Fee'
The surcharge is supposed to be paid at the time of issuance of visa and is an addition to the regular visa fees.
As part of his One Big Beautiful Bill Law, US President Donald Trump has levied a 'Visa Integrity Fee' of $250 on nearly all non-immigrant visa categories, according to media reports.
The categories are B-1/B-2, that is, tourist and business visas, F and M or student visas, H-1B or work visas, and J or exchange visas. Only diplomatic visas, that is, A and G categories, have been spared from the additional fee, the reports stated.
The surcharge is supposed to be paid at the time of issuance of visa and is an addition to the regular visa fees.
For Indian applicants, the financial impact is quite significant. The current cost of a B-1/B-2 visa is $185, which is about Rs 15,855. With the addition of the new fees, this could rise to around $472 that is, Rs 40,456. This is nearly two times the current visa costs, reports said.
Moreover, the fee cannot be waived, reduced or excused for most traveller categories. Although, they may be eligible for a refund if they comply with all visa terms (such as leaving the country within five days of their authorised stay). The charges are applicable from the beginning of fiscal 2025 and will see an annual hike from 2026 onwards taking inflation into account, the reports added.
India Today reported that the US Department of Homeland Security or DHS holds rights to modify and alter the amount each year implying that the amount will increase every year from its date of inception.
The fee is a measure aimed at encouraging lawful conduct among foreign visitors during their stay in the US. It can be seen as a security deposit.
