Indian travellers heading to the United States will now need to budget more for their trips, as a new $250 "Visa Integrity Fee" came into effect on 1 October 2025. This fee applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants, significantly raising the overall cost of obtaining a US visitor visa.
Steep Rise in Visa Costs
For Indian citizens, the addition of the integrity fee increases the cost of a standard visitor visa (B-1/B-2) to approximately $442, or about ₹40,000. This makes US visitor visas some of the most expensive globally. The fee also applies to other visa categories, including student visas (F/M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visitor visas (J).
Countries not participating in the US Visa Waiver Program, such as India, Brazil, China, and Argentina, are subject to the fee.
Purpose of the Visa Integrity Fee
Introduced under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" signed into law in July 2025, the Visa Integrity Fee aims to enhance security measures and vetting procedures in the visa application process.
The fee can be refunded under specific circumstances. For instance, if a traveller departs the United States within five days of their visa’s expiration, without seeking an extension or change of status, they may qualify for a refund. However, the refund process for long-term visa holders, such as students and professionals, is expected to involve lengthy waiting periods and rigorous approval checks.
Potential Impact on Tourism and Travel
While the fee is designed to improve the integrity of the US visa system, it could have wider implications for tourism and related industries. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the fee could generate $2.7 billion annually. However, the additional cost might deter many potential visitors.
US Tourism Economics has projected a possible 5.4 per cent decline in international visitors, equating to nearly one million fewer trips per year. This reduction could result in a $29 billion decline in tourism spending, potentially affecting jobs and tax revenues across the sector.
A Costlier Path to the US
Indian applicants, alongside others from non-Visa Waiver countries, are now faced with higher costs when considering travel to the US. With the new fee in place, navigating the process of applying for a US visa has become not only more expensive but also involves additional considerations regarding timing and refunds. Whether these additional costs will act as a deterrent or be accepted as the price of entry remains to be seen.
