Has a U.S. Visa Become More Expensive? Not Exactly — the Extra Fee Can Be Refunded

As of 2025, the U.S. has adopted a new law with the bold name One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Despite its ironic title, the legislation introduces significant changes to the visa system. One of the major innovations is the Visa Integrity Fee — an additional charge starting at $250, which must be paid by foreign nationals applying for nonimmigrant visas.

What is this fee?

The fee applies to most short-term visa categories:

🔹 tourism, private and business travel (B-1, B-2),
🔹 students and exchange visitors (F-1, M-1, J-1),
🔹 temporary workers (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.)

It does not replace, but rather adds to existing visa fees, which currently range from $160 to $190. In other words, a trip to the U.S. may cost a foreign applicant an extra $250. But it’s not that simple.

A Fee You Can Get Back💰🔄

The key feature is the possibility of a refund. The law provides that the Visa Integrity Fee may be partially or fully refunded if:

🔹 the visitor does not change the purpose of their trip and complies with their visa terms
🔹 they leave the U.S. within the authorized period indicated upon entry — typically up to 6 months, according to the I-94 form, regardless of visa expiration in the passport
🔹 they do not break the law: no illegal employment, no fake documents, no overstaying

This functions more like a security deposit than a penalty. It targets those who try to use visas as a loophole for illegal stay or work. For those who follow the rules, the refund is expected — possibly even automatic.

Why Was This Introduced? 📊

According to official data, tens of thousands of people violate their visa terms each year — overstaying, working without authorization, or intentionally using immigration “gray zones.” This places a burden on the immigration system, including costs for deportation and investigations.
The fee is meant to encourage lawful behavior. It’s a kind of “wallet-level reminder”: if you’re honest, you lose nothing. If not — you lose money and potentially your ability to return to the U.S.

Is it Expensive? 🤔

At first glance, $250 may seem like a significant amount. But for most law-abiding visitors, it won’t be a deterrent. For example:

✈️ A 7–10 day trip with airfare and lodging typically costs $3,000–$7,000
⚽️ A FIFA 2026 World Cup match ticket in the U.S. ranges from $300 to $800
🎓 One year of college tuition — $30,000 and up

Against this backdrop, the fee is just 1–7% of total travel expenses. But for those hoping to game the system on a tight budget, it becomes a barrier — financial, legal, and perhaps effective.

What Do Experts Say, and When Will It Take Effect?

Some universities and tour operators have voiced concerns: the refund process might be complex or unclear — especially for students who change their study plans or institutions. Still, the overall impact on tourism or education appears minimal.

Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed in 2025, the mechanism for collecting the fee is still being finalized. Integration with consular application systems and the development of refund platforms are underway.
The fee is expected to be charged once during the visa application process, and refunds will be processed after departure, assuming full compliance with visa conditions.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. — just follow your visa terms. The new fee doesn’t make U.S. visas inaccessible; it simply adds an incentive for compliance. File your paperwork on time, don’t overstay, and don’t work illegally — and you’ll get your money back.

If You’re Planning a Trip to Boston or Anywhere in the U.S., and You Need Help with Visas, Documents, or Urgent Consular Support — Contact Our Support Team

We offer visa assistance for:

🎓 students and participants in research and academic exchange programs
🏥 individuals traveling to the U.S. for treatment, medical consultations, or urgent surgery
🤝 official delegations
⚽️ and now — guests attending FIFA 2026

We’ll help you navigate the visa process at any U.S. consulate.

Book your consultation today.