US Visa Integrity Fee To Increase Travel and Study Costs for Indian Applicants
New Delhi – In a significant move that will impact Indian tourists, students, and professionals, the United States has introduced a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250, starting in 2026. This additional charge, part of former US President Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, will dramatically increase the total visa cost for Indian citizens — from the current ₹16,000 to over ₹40,000.
The legislation, signed on July 4, 2025, introduces a sweeping set of immigration and fee-related changes that target non-immigrant visa holders, with a specific focus on ensuring compliance with visa rules.
What Is the US Visa Integrity Fee?
The Visa Integrity Fee is a new non-refundable $250 surcharge (approx. ₹21,400), introduced for most non-immigrant visa categories.
Key Highlights of the Visa Integrity Fee:
- Applies to visas like B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange)
- Comes into effect from 2026
- Will be indexed annually to inflation via the US Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Collected at the time of visa issuance
- Refundable under strict conditions (detailed below)
Total Cost Breakdown: How Much Will US Visas Cost Indians?
With the new Visa Integrity Fee and existing charges, the total visa cost for Indian travellers will increase by over 2.5 times.
Estimated New Visa Fees for Indians from 2026:
| Visa Category | Current Cost (INR) | Additional Integrity Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 | ₹40,502 |
| F-1 (Student) | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 + SEVIS Fee | ₹60,000+ (approx.) |
| H-1B (Work) | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 + Petition Fees | ₹80,000+ (approx.) |
Note: This also includes I-94 fee ($24) and ESTA charges ($13) where applicable.
Who Has To Pay This Visa Integrity Fee?
The new fee applies broadly to most non-immigrant visa applicants, with only a few exceptions.
Visa Holders Affected:
- B-1/B-2 – Tourist and business travellers
- F-1, M-1 – Students and vocational students
- H-1B, L-1 – Skilled workers and intra-company transfers
- J-1 – Exchange visitors, including research scholars
Exemptions:
- A and G category diplomatic visa holders
- Some visa categories may be partially exempt depending on bilateral agreements
Why Has the US Government Introduced the Visa Integrity Fee?
According to the US administration, the new Visa Integrity Fee is meant to serve as a security deposit that encourages lawful behaviour and deters visa overstays.
Official Reasons Behind the Fee:
- To enhance border and visa compliance
- To fund Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations
- To act as a financial deterrent against violations of visa terms
- To ensure foreign nationals follow their visa validity strictly
This move is part of Trump’s broader immigration and security overhaul aimed at tightening entry into the US while also increasing revenue from visa applicants.
Can the Fee Be Refunded? Yes, But With Conditions
The Visa Integrity Fee is non-refundable by default, but under specific compliance conditions, applicants may be eligible for a refund.
Refund Eligibility Criteria:
- Leave the US within 5 days after visa expiration
- Or legally extend visa status or obtain a green card
- Must not violate any visa terms or overstay duration
- Refunds will be processed only after departure or legal status change
If a traveller overstays their visa or violates any rules, they forfeit the refund entirely.
Impact on Indian Students, Tourists, and Tech Professionals
This new fee is expected to disproportionately impact Indian applicants, who form a large portion of the US visa-seeking population.
Indian Sectors Most Affected:
- Students aspiring for US universities (F-1 visa holders)
- IT professionals applying under the H-1B visa
- Tourists and business travellers on B-1/B-2 visas
- Researchers and academic professionals under J visas
Additional Burdens:
- Increased financial strain on middle-class families sending children to US colleges
- Higher costs for Indian companies sponsoring employee transfers or tech talent
- Reduced interest in short-term tourism due to steep price hikes
Excise Tax on Remittances: Another Blow for Immigrants
In addition to the Visa Integrity Fee, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ also introduces a 1% excise tax on remittances sent abroad. This will increase the cost of sending money back to India from the US.
Implications for NRIs:
- Increased transaction fees for money transfers to India
- Likely to affect migrant workers, students, and families
- NRIs may explore alternative transfer platforms to minimize costs
New US Visa Integrity Fee Will Impact Millions of Indian Applicants
Indian citizens planning to travel to the United States for tourism, studies, or employment will face a significant increase in visa fees starting 2026. Under the newly passed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, former US President Donald Trump has introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, aimed at increasing immigration compliance and revenue generation.
This move is expected to affect a large section of Indian travellers, particularly students, tech professionals, and tourists, who will now be required to pay more than ₹40,000 for a US visa – more than 2.5 times the current average visa fee of ₹16,000.
What Is the US Visa Integrity Fee?
Non-Refundable Surcharge Imposed on Most US Non-Immigrant Visas
The Visa Integrity Fee is a newly introduced $250 (₹21,400 approx.) surcharge applicable to most non-immigrant US visa categories. This fee will be collected in addition to the regular visa application fees and will come into effect from 2026.
Key Details of Visa Integrity Fee:
- Applicable From: 2026
- Amount: $250 (approx. ₹21,400)
- Nature: Non-refundable surcharge at the time of visa issuance
- Indexation: Adjusted annually according to the US Consumer Price Index (CPI)
This additional charge is expected to discourage visa violations and generate extra revenue for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which will manage this policy.
Who Needs To Pay the Visa Integrity Fee?
Most Indian US Visa Seekers Will Be Affected
The new Visa Integrity Fee will apply to nearly all Indian citizens applying for non-immigrant US visas, with very few exemptions.
Categories Affected:
- B-1/B-2 Visas – Business and Tourist Visas
- F and M Visas – Student and Vocational Student Visas
- H-1B Visa – Temporary Skilled Worker Visa
- J Visas – Exchange Visitor Visas
Exemptions:
- Diplomatic visa holders under A and G categories
This means Indian students going to US universities, tech workers employed by American companies, and tourists visiting the US will all be impacted.
How Much Will a US Visa Cost Now?
Visa Costs for Indian Applicants To Increase Sharply in 2026
Once the Visa Integrity Fee is added to the current US visa costs, Indian travellers can expect to pay significantly higher fees.
Breakdown of Revised US Visa Fees for Indian Applicants:
| Visa Category | Current Cost (INR) | New Integrity Fee (INR) | Other Charges | Total Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 (Tourist) | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 | ₹3,302 (I-94 + ESTA) | ₹40,502 |
| F-1 (Student) | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 | ₹27,000+ (SEVIS) | ₹60,000+ |
| H-1B (Work Visa) | ₹15,800 | ₹21,400 | ₹40,000+ (petition fees) | ₹80,000+ |
The cost jump will hit middle-class families and Indian professionals the hardest, potentially leading to reduced applications.
Can the Visa Integrity Fee Be Refunded?
Refund Policy Tied to Visa Compliance
Although the $250 Visa Integrity Fee is non-refundable by default, it can be reclaimed under strict conditions, but only after the visa holder exits the United States or legally extends their stay.
Conditions for Refund Eligibility:
- Exit the US within 5 days after visa expiry
- Extend stay legally or convert visa status (e.g., obtain Green Card)
- Must not overstay or violate visa terms
- DHS will process refunds after verifying full compliance
Any visa holder who overstays or breaks visa rules will not be eligible for the refund.
Why Is the US Charging the Visa Integrity Fee?
Security and Revenue Collection Key Reasons Behind New Fee
The US government claims the new Visa Integrity Fee is a deterrent measure against illegal immigration, overstays, and fraud. It is intended to encourage lawful behaviour, while also boosting immigration enforcement funding.
Official Objectives:
- Promote legal visa compliance
- Act as a security deposit to ensure adherence to visa conditions
- Generate revenue for homeland security and border enforcement
- Reduce the number of visa overstays by holding applicants financially accountable
Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’: Other Key Provisions
New 1% Excise Tax on Remittances to Hit Indian Diaspora
Besides the Visa Integrity Fee, the 900-page legislation also introduces a 1% excise tax on international remittances. This will make it more expensive for immigrants and NRIs in the US to send money back to India.
Impact of Excise Tax:
- Increases cost of bank and online money transfers
- Affects Indian students, families, and migrant workers
- May push users towards informal or cheaper remittance channels
This tax is another step in the tightening of US immigration and financial policies under Trump’s proposed vision.
What Should Indian Visa Applicants Do?
Prepare for Higher Visa Costs and Plan Ahead
Indian citizens looking to apply for a US visa in the coming years must prepare financially for the increased burden. Early application or planning before 2026 could help avoid the extra fee.
Suggested Actions for Indian Applicants:
- Try to apply for US visas before 2026
- Keep track of US visa fee updates and DHS announcements
- Understand all conditions for refund eligibility
- Explore other study/work destinations if costs become unviable
- Consult immigration advisors for updated visa policies
Final Words: US Visa Fee Hike to Significantly Impact Indian Travel and Education Plans
From 2026, Indian tourists, students, and professionals heading to the United States must prepare for a much higher visa application expense. The introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, along with the new 1% remittance tax, signals stricter immigration and financial controls for foreign nationals.
The US continues to be a top destination for Indian students and IT professionals, but these policy changes could result in a decline in applications or a shift to other countries like Canada, UK, or Australia offering more affordable alternatives.
Conclusion: Indian Travellers to the US Must Prepare for Costlier Visas
Starting from 2026, Indian nationals planning to visit, study, or work in the United States must budget significantly more for their visa applications. The new Visa Integrity Fee is a key component of broader immigration changes being implemented under the Trump administration’s legacy policies.
What You Should Do:
- Plan travel and studies before 2026 if possible
- Prepare for a ₹40,000–₹80,000 visa budget, depending on category
- Strictly follow visa rules to ensure refund eligibility
- Stay updated with DHS announcements for future fee adjustments
