Planning a trip to the United States soon? There’s a brand new fee that could affect your travel budget — and it’s not a small one.

Starting after September 30, travelers needing a nonimmigrant visa to enter the U.S. may be required to pay a new visa integrity fee of at least $250 (approx. £186.40).

If you’re heading to the States after that date, you’ll want to be prepared for this new charge, which could impact how you budget for your vacation or business trip.

Where Did This Fee Come From?

The fee was introduced as part of former President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". The goal? To reinforce the integrity of the immigration system, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

However, here’s the thing: official guidance on how the fee will be applied remains vague. Travel insiders and legal experts alike are raising concerns about unclear timelines and implementation details.

How Much Will You Pay?

For now, the minimum fee is set at $250; however, this amount is subject to change. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to increase it, especially to account for inflation over time.

And that’s on top of any existing visa fees.

For example:

An H-1B worker currently pays $205 for their visa application. With the new fee, the total could increase to $455.

Photo: unsplash.com/@genefoto

Who Will Be Charged This New Fee?

The new visa integrity fee applies to all individuals requiring a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. This includes:

• Tourists

• Business travelers

• International students

However, if you're from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — like Australia, Japan, or many European nations — you likely won’t need to pay this fee. The VWP allows short-term visits without a visa for eligible travelers.

When Will You Pay It?

You’ll pay this fee at the time your visa is issued, not upon arrival in the U.S. That means you'll need to factor it into your visa application costs upfront.

Does This Replace Other Fees?

No. This is an additional charge, not a replacement. It’s stacked on top of existing visa costs.

And there’s more: the Form I-94 fee (used for specific admissions to the U.S.) is also increasing — from $6 to $24.

For many travelers, the total visa-related fees are increasing significantly.

Photo: unsplash.com/@gettyimages

Can You Get Your Money Back?

Yes — but only if you follow the rules.

According to the bill, travelers can be reimbursed when their visa expires, as long as they:

Do not overstay your visa by more than 5 days.

Do not take unauthorized employment.

If you comply with the terms of your visa, you should be eligible for a refund. Still, the refund process — and how long it might take — hasn't been clearly outlined yet.

When Does It Go Into Effect?

Technically, the bill goes into effect after the current fiscal year, so changes may begin rolling out from October 1 onwards.

But here's the catch: there's no official regulation or notice yet on when or how the fee will be collected.

Immigration attorney Steven A. Brown believes that formal rule-making or a notice in the Federal Register would be required before implementation begins.

Although the law may be enacted soon, the actual collection of the fee may take a bit longer to implement.

Why Is the U.S. Adding This Fee Now?

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that this move is intended to "restore integrity in the immigration system".

With major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America's 250th anniversary celebrations approaching, officials expect a surge in international travel and want to ensure that all procedures are secure and well-funded.

What This Means for You as a Traveler

If you're a leisure traveler on a B visa — or traveling with your family — the added cost could be significant.

Think about it: A family of four may now need to budget an extra $1,000 just in visa fees.

This new policy may impact how and when people travel to the U.S., especially students and tourists from countries not covered under the Visa Waiver Program.

The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concern about the fee, especially in light of the country's efforts to promote tourism through programs like Brand USA.

Geoff Freeman, the association's CEO, noted that while the bill supports infrastructure and border security, new visitor fees could discourage travel and damage the U.S.'s appeal as a global tourist destination.